Alocasia frydek (Alocasia micholitziana), also commonly known as the green velvet alocasia, is a relatively rare variety of Alocasia that has skyrocketed in popularity over the past couple of years – and it’s easy to see why! This stunning Alocasia variety has velvety dark green leaves that are contrasted by stark light green veining. While some people find alocasias difficult to care for, they do well as houseplants if a few key needs are met.
Warning!
Pet parents beware – if you have pets that like to nibble on plants, avoid the Alocasia frydek! This velvety Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs.
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Light, Water, & Soil
Light
These Alocasias require several hours of bright, indirect light to keep them happy. I have my Alocasia frydek sitting directly in front of an east-facing window and it is thriving. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight at all costs as a frydek’s velvety leaves are easily susceptible to sunburn.
Water
Alocasias have thick stems and petioles which helps them to store water. However, they are not drought tolerant. The soil should stay evenly moist at all times but never waterlogged. Just as a frydek can’t tolerate drought, they also cannot tolerate being waterlogged or sitting in water for extended periods of time.
There are a couple of things you can do to make watering your Alocasia frydek a little bit easier. First, ensure that it is planted in a pot or container with drainage holes to allow any excess water to flow freely from the pot. Second, ensure that you have planted your Alocasia frydek in a soil mixture that is porous and well-draining.
Soil
Alocasias appreciate soil mixes that are airy and well-draining. A chunky soil mix designed for aroids is ideal. Typically, mixing together regular potting mix, orchid bark/orchid bark mix, perlite, and peat moss/coco coir makes a great potting mixture for an Alocasia frydek.
Propagating Alocasia Frydek
Alocasia frydek can be easily propagated by division or by bulbs. Mature frydeks will sprout multiple stems from separate bulbs, which can be divided and repotted into separate pots. This is best done in the spring when the plant has come out of dormancy.
Similarly, while repotting your Alocasia you may come across small corms in the soil. These corms can be removed and grown into new plants in a separate container. Alternatively, they can be left in the soil and eventually they will sprout on their own.
Plant the corms in their own containers – ensuring that the top half of the bulb is sticking out of the soil – and put them in a humid environment until they sprout. Keep the humidity around the corms high by using mini greenhouses or putting plastic bags around the pots. Ensure that the soil stays evenly moist, but not waterlogged.
Growing Tips!
Alocasia frydeks appreciate moist, humid environments. While they can survive in typical household humidity levels, they will thrive if they are given extra humidity (such as with a humidifier or pebble tray).
Another thing to be aware of when caring for Alocasia frydeks is that they are susceptible to a range of common houseplant pests. Keep an eye out for fungus gnats, mealybugs, and spider mites. Regularly checking for pests and applying preventative treatments will help to catch any potential invasions early and prevent a full-blown infestation.
FAQ
Are Alocasia frydek hard to care for?
Like all Alocasias the Alocasia frydek can be tricky to keep happy indoors since it likes a fair amount of moisture and humidity. If you are prone to under watering your plants you may want to avoid the frydek as it won’t do well with infrequent watering.
Is Alocasia frydek fast-growing?
Under the right conditions, Alocasia frydek has a moderate to fast growth rate. Lack of light and humidity can lead to slow or stunted growth.
Why is my Alocasia frydek drooping?
Drooping leaves on an Alocasia frydek can mean a number of things – but a lack of water and/or humidity are the most common reasons. Extremely leggy growth due to a lack of light can also cause the leaves to droop over time.