All the Alocasia ‘Frydek’ Care Hecks Together!
With its huge, glossy green leaves and striking metallic stems, the Alocasia ‘Frydek’ makes a dramatic statement in any indoor space. This exotic tropical plant is sometimes called the Green Velvet or Green Mamba plant and it’s easy to see why!
How to Grow Alocasia Frydek? Well, apart from that very similar lighting, temperature, and watering frequency, humidity is important as well. Keep it within 70%. The rest of the things are just like all other Alocasia plant variants.
Read on to learn all about Alocasia Frydek plant care and cultivation.
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Alocasia ‘Frydek’ Care: Quick Summary
Here’s a quick recap of the key care points for keeping your Alocasia ‘Frydek’ healthy and gorgeous:
Following these simple guidelines will keep your Alocasia ‘Frydek’ thriving for years to come. The ample care and moisture these plants need are well worth the effort for their stunning, matte green foliage!
Where Does Alocasia Frydek Come From?
Alocasia ‘Frydek’ is a man-made hybrid that originated in the Philippines. It does not exist in the wild. The parent plants hail from the tropical jungles of Southeast Asia and Melanesia.
What Makes Alocasia ‘Frydek’ Special?
Alocasia ‘Frydek’ is a cultivar of Alocasia macrorrhiza, which is also known as Giant Taro or Upright Elephant Ear. It was created by crossing different Alocasia species and features the best traits of each one. Here are some of the standout features that make Alocasia ‘Frydek’ so spectacular:
- Huge, deep green leaves measuring over 1 foot long. They have a thick, almost leathery texture.
- Dark green leaves or topsides with striking light green veining. The undersides are deep purple.
- Metallic silver-green stems that resemble sterling silver.
- A mature height and spread of about 4-5 feet.
- Fast growth rate under ideal conditions.
In addition to the foliage, Alocasia ‘Frydek’ can produce small greenish or white flowers similar to Peace Lily blooms. But it’s really all about the fabulous leaves with these statement plants.
What Kind of Light Does Alocasia ‘Frydek’ Require?
While they love bright light, Alocasia ‘Frydek’ should be protected from direct sunlight which will damage their leaves. East or west-facing windows are ideal, providing gentle morning or afternoon sun. North-facing windows also work well.
If you only have intense southern light, use sheer curtains to filter the sunlight so it’s bright but indirect. Avoid low-light areas which will cause weak, floppy growth. Rotate the plant periodically for even light exposure.
Supplement with grow lights in winter if your indoor light is low. Moving the plant to a sunny patio or balcony in summer can boost growth as long as you transition it slowly first.
How Often Should You Water Alocasia Frydek?
Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, then soak the pot completely. Alocasia ‘Frydek’ does not like to dry out. Water when the pot feels light and the soil is just slightly moist below the surface.
In general, you’ll probably need to water about once a week in spring and summer, allowing longer intervals as the plant enters dormancy in fall and winter. Reduce watering frequency if the plant receives low light.
Always use room temperature water, as cold water can shock the roots. Stick your finger in the drainage holes after watering to ensure the excess has drained fully.
What Temperature Range Does Alocasia Frydek Prefer?
As a tropical plant, Alocasia thrives in warm to high temperatures between 65-85°F. Cooler temps around 55-60°F are tolerable if brief but prolonged exposure can damage leaves. Avoid cold drafts from windows, AC vents, or doors.
Move the plant to a warmer location in winter if your home gets chilly. Consider using a portable space heater or grow lights to maintain temperatures above 65°F where the plant is located.
Alocasia also dislikes extreme heat. Keep it away from heat sources like fireplaces, hot overhead lights, or direct sun streaming through windows.
What Humidity Levels Are Best As Alocasia ‘Frydek’ Care?
High humidity is essential for glossy, vibrant growth in Alocasia ‘Frydek.’ Maintain levels around 60-70% or higher. Run a humidifier nearby, place the pot on a pebble tray, or mist the plant daily.
Low humidity causes the tips of the leaves to turn brown and crisp. If you notice this, increase humidity immediately by misting several times a day until new growth appears healthy again. Boosting humidity may allow damaged leaves to recover.
Should You Fertilize Alocasia Frydek?
Like most tropical foliage plants, Alocasia are heavy feeders and perform best with regular fertilizer. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer, diluted by half the recommended strength. Fertilize monthly through the active growing season in spring and summer.
In fall and winter, reduce application to every 6-8 weeks while growth has slowed. Discontinue fertilizer if the plant is stressed or enters full dormancy.
Always water thoroughly after applying fertilizer to avoid chemical leaf burn. And take care not to over-fertilize, as excess salts can damage the roots.
How Fast Does Alocasia Frydek Grow?
With proper care, Alocasia ‘Frydek’ is a relatively fast grower. The plant may produce 3-6 new leaves per year and reach mature sizes in 2-3 years. You can expect leaves to unfurl at a rate of about one per month in spring and summer.
If the plant becomes overgrown, you can control its size by dividing the tubers in early spring. This also creates new plants! Remove dormant offsets with a sterilized knife and repot in a small container using well-draining soil.
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Is Alocasia Frydek Toxic?
Like many aroids, this plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and other irritants that make it toxic to humans and pets if ingested. It can also irritate the skin and eyes.
Keep the plant away from children and curious pets. Always wear gloves when handling, as the sap can aggravate skin. Avoid rubbing your eyes after contact until washing your hands. Seek medical treatment if poisoning symptoms occur.
See the video for a complete guide with visual insight.
Conclusion
With its huge, velvety green leaves, Alocasia ‘Frydek’ makes a dramatic statement in any indoor space. Caring for these tropical beauties is straightforward – provide warmth, humidity, and bright indirect light. Alocasia require a bit more effort than some plants, but their fabulous foliage is worth it.
If you’re ready to add a major wow factor to your plant collection, Alocasia ‘Frydek’ is sure to become your new favorite. Just be prepared for lots of compliments! With the right care, this exotic stunner will thrive and impress.