African mask plant can be tricky to grow , and many people struggle with their care . So in this post , I ’ll give you all of the data you require for keep them tidy and expand for years to come .
The African mask plant is a unequaled and very coolheaded houseplant . It can be a beautiful part of your assembling for many years , even as a beginner .
see how to in good order wish for them is the key to love the assume foliation long - term .
Dwarf polly African mask plant
In this complete guide , you ’ll learn all about African masque plant care , including light , soil , humidity , and water , plus get tips on repotting , propagation , and much more .
Table of Contents
What Is An African Mask Plant?
The African mask plant , ordinarily call the Kris plant , is a type ofAlocasiafrom the Araceae kin native to the tropics of the South Pacific .
It take in its name from the unique foliage that resemble carved ceremonial masks from Africa . They ’re fuck for the silvery , pale - light-green ribbing that spreads through the deep , almost blackened leaf that can get up to 2 ’ long .
The round stems grow from tuberous rhizomes , and can reach out pinnacle of around 2 - 4 ’ grandiloquent , depend on the type .
Different African Mask Plant Types
The most coarse variety of an African mask plant is Alocasia amazonica . But there are two other cultivars , the ’ Bambino ’ and ‘ Polly ’ , that are also popular .
They are both much small , with the midget ‘ Polly ’ smorgasbord reaching a maximum height of 2 ’ , and the ‘ Bambino ’ never exceed 12 ” . Other than size of it , their foliage as well as their needs are selfsame .
Flowers
Though they ’re kept more for leaf , African mask plant can flower when given the proper care and raise conditions .
In mid to later summer , small , invisible white or pale - light-green spathe - type flower will take shape among the leaves .
Toxicity
Unfortunately the African mask plant is toxicant to humans , Arabian tea , and domestic dog when take in .
It ’s good to keep it out of reach of positron emission tomography and little tiddler . you’re able to get more info about the perniciousness on theASPCA website .
How To Grow African Mask Plant
Before we talk about African masquerade party plant life care , first you should understand the best environs for growing them . Choosing a good localisation is a great way to keep them happy and thriving .
Hardiness
These warm conditions industrial plant are fearless only in zones 11 + , and are not tolerant of much cold-blooded .
They favor to stay above 60 ° F at all times , and can set about to suffer or even pass away if it make much colder than that .
So they ’re most commonly observe as houseplants during the winter month , if not all year round .
Where To Grow African Mask Plant
If you live in a ardent enough climate , African mask plants can be grown in a fond or dappled shade orbit of your garden .
Indoors they choose an orbit with peck of bright light where they ’ll also get warmth and humidity .
In the summer when it ’s lovesome enough , you’re able to bit by bit transition them outside into a shady area . Be sure to bring them in well before temps set about to drop in the fall though .
African Mask Plant Care & Growing Instructions
Now that you have the staring seat in mind , it ’s time to talk about how to grow an African masquerade plant . These care pourboire will help you bask the healthy foliage for a long clock time .
Light
African masque plants will thrive in high visible radiation , but not direct sun . Too much sunlight will do leaf harm and burning , so it ’s best to provide diffused or collateral rootage .
They can tolerate intermediate levels , but in low light they ’ll suffer slow growth and small leaves . Indoors you could supplement with agrow lightif there ’s not a good natural source for them .
In the wintertime you may need to move them to a brighter locating to verify they ’re still getting plenty .
Water
One of the thing that makes the African masque plant life temperamental is their weewee preference . They do n’t like bone dry soil or wet fundament . Too much either way can cause leafage scathe .
But it does n’t have to be tricky . Keep them evenly moist by give them frequent minor swallow as soon as the top column inch or two of soil is dry , rather than saturating it less often .
Amoisture gaugeis really handy to avail you monitor the perfect levels .
Humidity
Since they ’re aboriginal to humid areas , African mask plants will do best when give interchangeable conditions in your dwelling house .
you could ply humidity by setting them on a pebble tray occupy with water , placing asmall humidifiernearby , or obscure with distilled or rainwater a few times a week .
It ’s also a good idea to wipe the leaves spare of dust every few weeks . Using a damp cloth helps to add moisture , and keeping them clean also allows better light absorption .
Temperature
African mask plants have a go at it the warmth . They ’ll be happy in ranges between 65 - 85 ° F , and can suffer if it ’s cooler than that for extended periods .
In blistering conditions they ’ll need more frequent drink and misting . They also do n’t wish temperature swings . So indoors , keep them away from cold windows , drafty orbit , and heat or cooling vents .
Fertilizer
Fertilizing your African masque plant is n’t a necessary part of their care , but regular feedings during the spring and summertime can help them flourish .
But they ’re very tender to fertilizer burn from chemical brands . So make trusted to always use organic , balanced options that are diluted to half strength .
you could apply eitherliquidor dull - releasegranulesonce a month during the summer , and top dress withworm castingsorcompostoutdoors in the garden .
Soil
Since the do n’t like cockeyed foot , you ’ll need to use a very profligate draining intermixture to forestall overwatering . They ’ll do best in ahigh qualityor slightly acidic , aerated territory .
If you incline to overwater , then repair the territory withperliteorpumice , and somecoarse Amandine Aurore Lucie Dupin . Mixing inpeat mosswill aid increase the acidity , and prevent the soil from drying too promptly .
Repotting
African masque works favour to be slenderly root - bound , so you wo n’t need to repot more often than every 2 - 4 years .
When growth slow importantly , or roots begin to peek out of the drain holes at the bottom of your container , it ’s time for repotting . Move up one pot size during the bounce or summertime .
Pruning
There ’s no real need to prune an African mask plant life as part of their regular care unless you ’re removing damaged or beat leaves and bloom .
Use clean , sharp prunersto cut back the stem near the base . you could do this as take without harming your plant .
Pest Control Tips
With the proper care , intelligent African mask plants seldom have issues with gadfly , specially indoors . But on juncture , mealybugs , aphids , scale of measurement , or wanderer mites can become a job .
you could trim away a duet of the most heavy infested leaves ( but never remove them all ) . Then wash the rest with a naturalinsecticidal soapto slay visible microbe .
Or make your own by commix 1 teaspoon ofmild liquid soapwith 1 litre of water . Neem oilis very in effect for longsighted - term control .
Dormancy
It ’s natural for African mask plants to enter a period of time of dormancy and even stop produce in the winter . During this metre , countenance them dry out out a moment more , but never whole , and block fertilizing .
Cold temperature below 60 ° F may actuate some leafage drop . But as long as they ’re kept above 40 ° F , they should come back just exquisitely in the spring .
African Mask Plant Propagation Tips
The good way to propagate your African mask plant is by division . They do not produce viable seeds , and can not be multiplied by the leaves alone .
In the outpouring or summer , softly remove the plant from its pot and bug apart the roots . If necessary you’re able to utilise a sharp , uninventive knife to separate the rootstock .
Replant divisions at the same depth in well - draining potting soil , and restart the usual caution .
Troubleshooting Common African Mask Plant Problems
Even with the ideal aid , African masquerade party works can be finicky . The longer you grow them , the more probable you are to play into an issue or two . Here are my best crest for getting them back into good wellness .
Yellow Leaves
Yellow leaves on an African mask plant are typically have by inconsistent tearing . They care to be observe evenly moist , without mystify too ironical or having wet , soggy feet .
apply amoisture gaugeto help you evaluate , and pee in littler sum more ofttimes when the top inch or so has dry out .
Leaves Turning Black
There are a few reasons that your African mask flora can have smuggled leaves . First , the natural gloss can be very thick , almost dim .
If the black leaves are soggy or brittle however , your flora is under stress . The most common causes are moisture , temperature , or humidity issues .
Keep them in evenly moist territory in an area where they ’ll obtain logical warmth away from vents and drafts . Increase humidness levels with a pebble tray or humidifier .
Brown Spots
Brown smear can be triggered by temperature fluctuations , poor lighting ( either too much or too little ) , disease , pests , or burns from excess plant food .
They need reproducible temp above 60 ° F , and should be kept in a burnished location out of direct sun .
do by any pests immediately . If the spots are diminished and numerous , or developing into pustule , it ’s probable rusting , which can be treated using anatural fungicide . Air circulation can also help .
African Mask Plant Care FAQs
Does an African mask plant bloom?
Yes , an African masquerade party plant can flower when given the proper maintenance . If you keep them in a warm , bright position , and give them coherent water and humidness , they ’ll bloom sometime during the summertime .
Why is my African mask plant dying?
There are many reasons why your African masque plant could be dying . The most common causes of destruction are improper watering ( usually too much ) , unmediated sunlight , and/or temperature shifts .
Where should I put my African mask plant?
You should put your African masquerade party plant in a location where it will maintain an even , strong temperature , get passel of humidity , and slew of soft or collateral bright light .
When should I water my African mask plant?
You should water your African mask works when the top column inch or so of soil is dry to the tactual sensation .
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