Melo Alocasia

Melo Alocasia is a versatile and spectacular houseplant. With its large-textured greenish-blue leaves, this plant has an attractive, sculptural appearance. The foliage color transitions from an attractive jade color to a slate blue when mature. This plant also produces a beautiful off-white non-fragrant flower. It loves high humidity conditions and is a wonderful addition to any home or office. Commonly referred to as an Elephant Ear Plant, this plant is a native of Southeast Asia, Borneo, Indonesia and Australia. rBest Locations For Growing Melo AlocasiarThe Melo Alocasia is toxic if ingested, so placing it away from house pets and children is important. These plants do well both inside and outside as long as they are not exposed to low temperatures or too much direct light. The large thick leaves are actually very delicate. Melo Alocasia thrives in the home, office or on a patio. rMelo Alocasia Sunlight requirementsrThis plant is best suited for indirect sunlight or partial shade. Melo Alocasia prefers medium to diffused light. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves. rMelo Alocasia CarerThis houseplant prefers aerated loamy soil. Amend potting soil with peat, perlite, compost or coconut fiber. Avoid dimly lit locations. This house plant prefers temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant grows well in zones 10 and 11 of the USDA hardiness map. You can grow this plant outside during the warmer months and bring it  indoors during the winter. You will want to fertilize Melo Alocasia sparingly as they are sensitive to over-fertilizing, which can cause root burn. This plant is easily propagated by separating the rhizomes and then placing each one in similarly amended soil. rWatering Melo AlocasiarThis houseplant prefers to partially dry out between waterings. As a rule of thumb, water once a week during the growing season between spring and summer. Make sure that the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry before watering. When the plant is dormant during the winter, reduce the watering frequency.rFeeding Melo AlocasiarGive a monthly dose of NPK fertilizer or a regular house plant mix during the growing season. Melo Alocasia does not require any additional fertilizer during fall or winter.rrMelo Alocasia InformationrrrrLight Exposure: Bright Indirect Light, Medium LightrrrCare Requirements: EasyrrrWatering Requirements: Average – Keep lightly moist. When the top 2 inches of the soil dries out.rrrPet Friendly: NorrrKid Friendly: NorrrAir Purifier: LowrrrHabit: UprightrrrGrowth Rate: FastrrrMature Height: 20 inchesrrrMature Spread: 10 inchesrrrFlowering: YesrrrFlower Color(s): WhiterrrFlower Shade/Description: Off-WhiterrrFragrant: NorrrFoliage Type: rrrFoliage Color(s): GreenrrrFoliage Description: GreenrrrTemperature: 60° – 85°F (16° – 29°C)rrrHumidity: Above 75%rrrCommon Name: Melo AlocasiarrrOther Name(s): Alocasia Melo, Elephant EarrrrScientific Name: Alocasia rugosarrrPlant Type: House Plant