How to Care For Alocasia Frydek

Last Updated on December 4, 2022 by Plant Mom Care

Alocasia Frydek a stunning variety of Araceae or Elephant Ear family. Also called Green Velvet Alocasia this beautiful plant is indigenous to the Philippines and is characterized by its broad velvety dark green leaves with prominent white veins. 

Over the years, it has gained popularity and is now a commonly grown indoor houseplant. It can grow 2 to 3 feet tall and as wide.

It rarely flowers indoors and as the creamy white fragrant flowers are not as attractive as the leaves, many gardeners often cut the flowers off to direct the plant’s energy toward growing leaves although this isn’t necessary.

Alocasia Frydek Light Requirements

This plant thrives best under bright indirect light when growing indoors and under partial shade when growing outdoors. Too much exposure to direct sun will burn its leaves. 

Alocasia Frydek Watering

It prefers its soil to be evenly moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly 2 to 3 times a week or once 1 to 2 inches of topsoil is dry, making sure excess water drains from the pot. Reduce watering during winter. 

However, you have to watch how the plant responds after watering and how soon the soil dries, since the moisture needs of the plant can vary due to factors such as temperature and soil type. 

Infrequent watering will make the plant dormant, stick to a schedule once you find a suitable time to water this plant.

Alocasia Frydek Humidity

It prefers humidity levels to stay above 50%. Browning can appear on the tips or edges of the leaves if the humidity drops. Average household humidity levels are generally fine, but it thrives with more humidity. Try keeping it near a humidifier or grow it in a naturally humid area like a bathroom or kitchen.

Alocasia Frydek Temperature

It prefers temperatures between 65 – 85°F. This plant is winter-hardy and can grow in outdoor gardens throughout the year in hardiness zones between 9 to 11 although temperature drops below 60°F can trigger dormancy. 

Alocasia Frydek Soil

This plant is an aroid and grows best in a well-draining rich, well-aerated and moist potting mix. Avoid using only regular potting soil since it will compact in time suffocating the roots.

A mix of equal parts of potting soil, perlite, orchid bark, and compost or worm castings is perfect for this plant.

Alocasia Frydek Repotting

This plant likes being a bit root-bound and only has to be repotted once in 2 – 3 years in spring or early summer when the plant emerges from dormancy.

Pick a new pot that is a little bigger and remove the old soil carefully without damaging the plant’s roots add fresh soil and water the plant thoroughly. 

Alocasia Frydek Propagation

This plant can easily be propagated by division or from the small corms exposed during repotting, both methods are best done in spring or early summer.

To propagate by division, make sure the plant has a minimum of two bulbs that have leaves actively growing after lifting the plant out, carefully brush any soil away from the roots to expose the bulbs. Separate one or more bulbs with a sharp knife, place the newly separated bulb in a pot filled with suitable soil and water it as usual. 

To propagate from corms, make sure you pick corms that are attached to the roots of the plant that also have roots. Corms sitting free in the soil without any roots are usually already dead and won’t yield good results.

Gently cut away the corms from the main roots if they are attached, or remove them if they have their roots. Insert the corms in a shallow tray of water, with the top of the corm sitting above the water. Cover the tray with a glass container or plastic bag to create a humid, mini greenhouse environment.

Place the tray under medium to bright indirect light, changing the water regularly to keep it fresh. It might take a month or more before any growth appears. Inspect the corms when you change the water and discard any mushy ones.

Once new roots appear on the corms, wait until they are about 2 – 3 inches long before transferring them into well-draining soil and watering them well. Place them back under bright indirect light and keep them covered with a glass container or plastic bag to help them establish.

Additional Care

Feed the plant once monthly during its growing phase in spring and summer when it is growing actively. Stop feeding the plant when autumn starts, apply a balanced fertilizer when watering the plant. 

When it grows indoors don’t be alarmed if the leaves die and dry up as the plant has become dormant due to the cold weather. The plant will come back when spring comes around. As mentioned, don’t feed the plant and reduce watering when it becomes dormant. Once new leaves start emerging in spring you can resume your regular watering schedule.

Alocasia Frydek Common Problems

This plant is susceptible to some common pests like fungus gnats, scales, spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Inspect it regularly for visible signs of infestation to catch any infestations early. If you find any pests, treat the plant immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and isolate it from other plants to prevent the pests from spreading.

This plant is sensitive to sudden fluctuations in its environment and may develop droopy leaves if its growing conditions change. This includes changes in temperature, humidity, light, and watering. This might make the outer leaves droop and sometimes die. Maintain the appropriate amounts of light, water, humidity, and warmth that the plant needs and it will perk up once it adjusts to the new conditions.

Yellowing leaves are generally caused by over-watering or under-watering. The soil should not be too dry and should be evenly moist, and make sure the pot drains well and doesn’t retain moisture.

Types of Alocasia Plants

• Alocasia Polly
• Alocasia Black Velvet
• Alocasia Zebrina