A Complete Beginner’s Guide For Alocasia Calidora Care
Alocasia ‘Calidora’ has rocking oversized, shiny leaves with a tropical twist. This elephant ear plant isn’t just trendy; it’s the superstar of houseplants and garden accents. Simple care, massive impact – turning any indoor or outdoor spot into a scene-stealer.
But how exactly do you Alocasia Calidora care for happy and healthy planting? Provide bright indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist but not wet. Use a well-draining mix and maintain high humidity. Fertilize them in spring and summer. Check for pests. Wipe leaves often and don’t forget to give a sheltered outdoor spot or bright, humid indoor area.
This plant has some specific needs. Read on to learn all about light, water, soil, humidity, and more for this tropical beauty.
Table of Contents
Alocasia Calidora Care: An Introduction
Alocasia ‘Calidora’ is a cultivar of Alocasia, a genus including over 70 tropical plant species commonly known as elephant ears. It likely originated as a hybrid of Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana.
This particular Alocasia features large, arrowhead-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen. The leaves emerge light green and develop dark green veining as they mature. Under the right conditions, they can grow over 3 feet long!
Overall, the plant reaches about 4-5 feet 9 inches tall and 3-4 feet wide. It has an upright habit and clumping growth pattern. The stems and leaf veins are tinged with purple.
Related Article: 82 Different Types of Alocasia
What are the Light Requirements for Optimal Growth?
Bright, indirect light is ideal for Alocasia ‘Calidora’. Some morning or late afternoon sun is tolerated, but direct midday light can scorch the leaves.
Outdoors, choose a spot with partial shade. Filtered sunlight shining through tree branches is perfect. Indoors, place the plant near an east or west-facing window. Rotating the plant prevents one side from reaching towards the light.
These plants need quite high light levels to thrive. Insufficient light leads to small, sparse leaves and leggy growth. Be prepared to provide ample illumination for your Alocasia!
Watering Frequency for Alocasia Calidora
To mimic its tropical origins, Alocasia ‘Calidora’ wants consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Water thoroughly whenever the top few inches become dry. The plant may start to wilt if it gets too parched.
Allow excess water to drain out the bottom of the pot after watering. Never let the plant sit in a saucer of water, which leads to root rot.
Use tepid water rather than cold, and avoid getting the leaves wet. Reduce watering frequency in winter when growth slows. But don’t let the soil dry out completely.
Right Soil Composition Idea for Alocasia Calidora
Alocasia thrives in loose, fertile, and organic-rich soil that retains moisture but also drains well. Heavy potting mixes can become waterlogged. For potted plants, use quality potting soil amended with orchid bark, coconut coir, or perlite. Re-pot every 2-3 years as the plant outgrows its container.
In the garden, work in organic compost to improve drainage in dense or clay soil. Maintain a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0.
Do Alocasia Calidora Require High Humidity?
Yes, sort of. Warm, humid conditions mirror this plant’s tropical origin. Alocasia ‘Calidora’ thrives when humidity levels remain above 50%, which can be a challenge indoors.
Place pots on pebble trays filled with water, mist the leaves daily or use a humidifier to raise moisture levels around the plant. Grow outdoors in summer when possible.
Insufficient humidity causes leaf tips and margins to turn brown. Group plants together to create a tropical microclimate.
Fertilizer for Optimal Plant Nutrition
To fuel its fast growth and large leaves, Alocasia needs regular feeding. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer. Dilute to half-strength to avoid burning the roots.
Reduce fertilizer application in fall and winter when growth naturally slows. Or use a slow-release pellet fertilizer in early spring to provide nutrients gradually over many months.
How to Propagate Alocasia Calidora?
Alocasia Calidora can be propagated by dividing rhizomes or taking stem cuttings.
To divide rhizomes, carefully separate suckers and attached rhizome sections with a sterile knife. Ensure each division has 3-5 leaves and healthy roots.
For stem cuttings, use a sharp, sterile knife to take 4-6 inch cuttings below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves.
Place rhizome divisions or stem cuttings in a moist propagation mix or water. Provide warmth and high humidity. New roots and growth will emerge in a few weeks. Then pot up in soil.
Propagating Alocasia Calidora is an easy, effective way to create beautiful new elephant ear plants!
Related article: Alocasia Propagation Methods
How to Display Your Alocasia Calidora Indoors and Outdoors?
Now it’s time to show off those stunning leaves. I suggest placing this beauty where its large, glossy foliage can really shine.
If outdoors, let your Calidora spread its wings in a sheltered garden spot safe from wind damage. I imagine it flanking a cozy seating area or pathway, greeting guests with impressive elephant ear leaves.
Indoors is lovely too – place it near a bright, humid window where crisp morning light illuminates those metallic green tones. Rotate the pot weekly so every impressive leaf gets its chance to sparkle.
Wherever you put your Calidora, I know it will draw admiration! This flashy tropical plant is a real showstopper. Display it prominently so you and your guests can fully appreciate its aesthetical form. It brings such bold, exotic appeal.
Potential Pest, Disease Problems, And Toxicity Concerns
Check leaf undersides regularly for common houseplant pests like spider mites, aphids, scales, and mealybugs. Isolate infested plants and use neem oil or insecticidal soap sprays to treat.
Prevent fungal leaf spot diseases by allowing the leaves to dry out between watering and increasing air circulation. Remove any diseased foliage promptly.
Like many aroids, Alocasia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. This makes the plant toxic if eaten, so keep away from unsupervised children and pets. Wear gloves when handling, as the sap can irritate skin. Seek medical care if poisoning occurs.
You can see the video for more caring tips.
Related Article: 10 Low Maintenence Alocasia Plants
Conclusion
With its dramatic tropical foliage, Alocasia ‘Calidora’ makes a visually striking houseplant or garden accent. Though it requires some special care, it’s easy to grow in the right conditions. Give it bright light, frequent watering, high humidity, and rich soil for success.
This flashy plant will certainly start conversations! Just be mindful of its toxicity and penchant for collapse if conditions aren’t ideal. Do you have room in your life for a tropical elephant ear plant? Alocasia ‘Calidora’ is sure to become a treasured part of your plant collection.