Alocasia Melo is the Compact Houseplant You Should Grow in Your Bathroom—Here's How

Alocasia melo, also sometimes known as alocasia rugosa, is a compact alocasia species that grows to no more than two feet in height. Referred to as a jewel Alocasia because of its diminutive size, the Alocasia melo makes a big impact in a small pot with its deep green, rounded leaves that have a thick texture and deep veining.

This tropical plant grows best in warm and humid conditions and requires bright but diffuse light and moist, well-draining soil.All parts of the plant are toxic to people and pets.

Common Name	Alocasia melo, Alocasia rugosa
Botanical Name	Alocasia melo
Family	Araceae
Plant Type	Perennial, Herbaceous
Mature Size	15-20 in. tall, 10-12 in. wide
Sun Exposure	Partial
Soil Type	Loamy, Moist but well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic
Hardiness Zones	10-11 (USDA)
Native Area	Asia
Toxicity	Toxic to pets,toxic to people

Alocasia Melo Care

Here are the most important care requirements for growing alocasia melo:

• Plant in loose, well-draining potting mix.
• Choose a location that receives bright, indirect light.
• Water thoroughly, but ensure that the soil dries out between waterings.
• Apply fertilizer once per month during the growing months.

Light

When grown indoors, alocasia melo does best with medium or bright, indirect light. For outdoor plants, choose a location with partial sun. In both scenarios, you should not expose this plant to direct sun to avoid burning the leaves.

Soil

A loose, well-draining soil mixture is necessary for alocasia melo. A peat-based potting mix for tropical plants works well or you can amend potting soil or coco coir with orchid bark and perlite for better drainage.

Water

Alocasia melo plants require regular watering but be vigilant against overwatering. Water deeply when the top 1 or 2 inches of soil feels dry.

Don’t water to the point that the soil becomes overly saturated and stays soggy. These plants aren’t drought-tolerant but they’re more likely to withstand occasional underwatering versus overwatering which can quickly lead to root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

A warm, humid environment is necessary for alocasia melo plants. Temperatures should be between 60°F and 85°F with plenty of humidity. During periods of dry weather or in drier climates, you’ll likely need to raise the humidity level in the vicinity of the plant by using a pebble tray or a humidifier.

Fertilizer

You can apply a houseplant fertilizer to alocasia melo during the spring and summer growing months. A well-balanced liquid formula, like 20-20-20, applied about once a month will give this plant the nutrients it needs for foliage growth.

Propagating Alocasia Melo

Alocasia melo plants spread by means of rhizomes, which produce small offsets known as corms that grow into individual plants. With this in mind, the most effective way to propagate this plant is by division. It’s best done during the growing season and can most easily be accomplished when you’re repotting the plant. Here’s how to propagate Alocasia melo by division:

1. Gently loosen the soil on all sides of the plant and remove it from the pot. Shake off excess soil and identify corms growing around the plant’s roots. They may still be attached to the roots; if so, use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors to gently snip corms free.
2. Remove the brown outer layer of the corm and discard.
3. Put the corm into a container or jar with moistened sphagnum moss and cover with a plastic bag. Alternatively, you can place the corm in shallow water and cover. Corms require high humidity, so planting them in soil is not advised.
4. Keep the corm in a location that receives bright, indirect light.
5. Moisten the sphagnum moss weekly and ventilate the growing container for a few minutes.
6. After four to 16 weeks, root growth should be evident. You can now transfer the corm to a pot with moist, well-draining potting mix and continue to allow the root structure to develop, followed by foliage growth.

Potting and Repotting Alocasia Melo

Alocasia melo is a petite plant that prefers to be rootbound, so it doesn’t need frequent repotting. However, if the rhizome is protruding from the soil's surface or there are roots extending from the pot’s drainage holes, it's likely to time to repot.

To repot, loosen the soil around the perimeter of the existing pot and gently remove the plant. Shake off excess soil but take care not to damage the root structure. Choose a pot that is only 1 to 2 inches larger in diameter than the previous pot and fill it with a potting mixture suitable for these plants. Place the plant in the pot and fill in with potting mixture, then water well.

Common Problems With Alocasia Melo

Alocasia plants are known for being particular about environmental conditions, especially regarding temperature, humidity, and watering routines. The Alocasia melo has similarly stringent needs; here are some of the most common signs of trouble.

Curling Leaves

If the broad, thick leaves of the alocasia melo begin to curl, it can be an indicator that the plant is receiving insufficient light. Although this plant prefers shade over harsh sun, it benefits from medium to bright diffuse light.

An east- or west-facing window is usually recommended for bright, indirect light but if your plant is still not receiving enough light, you may need to move it closer. A spot within a foot or two of the window is best (but take care that it’s not right in the path of direct afternoon sun in the case of a western exposure).

It's also possible that curling leaves are a sign that humidity levels are too low. Increase the humidity in the room by using a humidifier, placing the plant in an already humid room like a bathroom, or putting the plant on a pebble tray, taking care that the roots don't sit in water.

Plant Leaves Falling Off

Prolonged exposure to temperatures under about 60°F can cause alocasia melo to drop its leaves. If your plant suddenly drops its leaves, it’s likely an indicator that the temperature is too low for the plant.

Ensure that the plant is out of the path of any drafts from a window or AC vent. You may need to raise the temperature of the room or position a space heater in the vicinity of the plant.

From: thespruce