Alocasia 'Melo'

Alocasia 'Melo' (Elephant Ear)

Alocasia 'Melo' is a striking houseplant known for its unique, textured, velvety leaves that resemble elephant ears. Its leaves are deep green with a matt finish and raised veins, giving it a luxurious appearance. The plant's compact growth habit makes it a popular choice for indoor gardening.

🌱 Care Instructions:

• Light: Alocasia 'Melo' thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but prolonged exposure may scorch its leaves. If you place it in a lower-light area, it will grow more slowly and may lose some of its vibrant texture.

• Watering: This plant prefers even moisture but should never sit in water. Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Be sure to use lukewarm, filtered water to avoid issues caused by chlorine and minerals in tap water. Allow the topsoil to dry out slightly between waterings, but don't let the soil dry out completely.

• Soil: Alocasia 'Melo' prefers a well-draining, slightly acidic potting mix. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark works well, allowing the roots to breathe and preventing them from sitting in water.

• Temperature: This plant thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). Avoid placing it in drafts, near air conditioners, or heaters, as it does not tolerate temperature fluctuations or cold conditions below 50°F (10°C).

• Humidity: Alocasia 'Melo' enjoys high humidity levels, around 60% or more. It benefits from a humidifier, a humidity tray, or occasional misting to keep its leaves healthy. Low humidity can lead to browning tips and leaf stress.

• Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), feed Alocasia 'Melo' with a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month. You can reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down.

• Growth: Alocasia 'Melo' is a relatively slow grower, reaching a height of about 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm) tall with a similar spread. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, while its striking leaves bring a dramatic flair.

• Pruning: Prune Alocasia 'Melo' by removing dead or yellowing leaves. Be careful not to damage the stems, as this can stress the plant. Wipe the leaves gently with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and enhance photosynthesis.

• Flowers: Alocasia 'Melo' rarely flowers when grown indoors. If it does flower, expect small, inconspicuous spathes resembling those of other Alocasia species. The plant's main attraction is its striking foliage.

• Toxicity: Alocasia 'Melo' is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive system. Keep it out of reach of pets and young children.

• Propagation: Alocasia 'Melo' can be propagated through division during repotting. Carefully separate the rhizomes into smaller sections with a clean, sharp knife, ensuring each section has roots and at least one shoot. Pot the divisions in fresh, well-draining soil and treat them as new plants.

🌟 Fun Fact:

Alocasia 'Melo' is known for its distinctive, textured leaves, which are sometimes compared to velvet or elephant ears because of their raised veins and matted appearance. Its rich, dark green color makes it a standout in any plant collection.

🚚 Shipping & Damage Policy:

All live plant sales are final. Most orders ship Monday-Wednesday, depending on the destination. If your plant arrives damaged/broken, please contact us within 24 hours of delivery at orders@propandgrow.com with photos of the plant and packaging, and we will work on a replacement or refund.