The alocasia azlanii is one of the rarest and most idyllic plants to own! If you’ve come into possession of this beautiful plant, you might be wondering how best to care for your leafy friend.
We’ve researched thoroughly enough to go over what an alocasia azlanni is, the best way to nourish it, and even where to purchase an alocasia azlanni!
What is Alocasia Azlanii?
The alocasia azlanii is also known as the red mambo or jewel alocasia. It produces flowers and belongs to the plant family Araceae. First distinguished as a species in 2016, the red mambo is native to Brunei, a country on the north coast of the island of Borneo.
Features of Alocasia Azlanii
The features of red mambo include it’s foliage, it’s size, and how it flourishes in and out of season, as detailed below:
- Height – According to Plant Informer.com, the alocasia azlanii can frow up to two feet tall when grown in ideal conditions indoors. It’s average size is 60 cm.
- Flowers and Leaves – Though the alocasia azlanii is considered a flowering plant, it does not have traditional flowers. Instead, it is known for it’s waxy green leaves highlighted by purple or red veins. These leaves unfurl in a slow manner before their color reaches it’s mature hue.
- Foliage and Stem – The foliage of the alocasia azlanii begins with only one to two leaves before reaching maturity, at which point they are supported by firm stems which branch and merge together as a trunk.
- Evergreen – Being a tropical plant, the red mambo does not change color throughout the seasons, remaining green during all times of the year, though it does enter a dormant period during the winter.
Basic Care of Alocasia Azlanii
To care for your alocasia azlanii, you’ll need to understand the following standards:
- Size and Growth
- Light Requirements
- Water Requirements
- Soil Requirements
- Sunlight Requirements
- Temperature and Humidity
- Drought and Disease Resistance
- Toxicity
- Fertilizing
- Potting and Repotting
- Pruning Requirements
Size and Growth
As mentioned earlier, the alocasia azlanii grows fairly well indoors, and under the best conditions and mindful care, it can reach up to 2 feet in height.
The red mambo grows most quickly in the first two years of it’s life, with it’s most active period being in summer.
Light Requirements
The alocasia azlanii requires bright light for the photosynthesis process, but cannot handle direct sunlight for very long. It can, however, grow nicely under artificial lighting as long as it is under an LED bulb. It should be kept at least a foot from all sources of light.
Water Requirements
The red mambo is particular about how much water it can handle. It’s soil should always be damp without being waterlogged. As long as the top two centimeters of soil in the pot are wet, it will remain healthy.
Drainage and making sure not to overwater the plant are important. Be sure the pot your alocasia azlanii is planted in includes a drainage hole. Be especially light in your watering habits during the plant’s winter dormancy.
Soil Requirements
The alocasia azlanii needs a kind of pot soil that is suitable to draining without totally losing the water content. It flourishes under a type of potting soil that has one part coconut husk granules, two parts perlite potting mix.
Sunlight Requirements
The best time to allow the red mambo to experience full sunlight is in the hours of the morning, and even then, it’s time in such direct sunshine should be limited to no more than two hours. Otherwise, keeping the alocasia azlanii in indirect sunlight, a few feet from a window, is the best option.
Temperature and Humidity
In terms of temperature, the red mambo grows most vibrantly under temperatures that are between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, that is the temperature range that most human beings enjoy indoors!
In terms of humidity, the red mambo is used to a tropical, humid climate. As long as the humidity levels are at 60% or higher, the alocasia azlanii will grow splendidly.
Drought and Disease Resistance
The alocasia azlanii is more prone to the adverse effects of overwatering than underwatering, making it drought resistant. However, the red mambo is susceptible to diseases like stem, crown, and root rot.
These diseases begin by only effecting one side of the plant in drooping and spotted leaves, and can eventually kill the plant. They can be a symptom of overwatering problems.
Toxicity
Like most alocasia plants, the alocasia azlanii is toxic to humans and animals alike. This is because it contains a type of crystal which can cause painful swelling in the mouth and throat area if swallowed.
Fertilizing
The red mambo is not a big eater: it only needs fertilizer once a month during the spring and the summer, which are optimal growth seasons. Use a ½ diluted portion of balanced fertilizer once every two weeks to be safe.
Potting and Repotting
Alocasia azlanii should be repotted every two years as long as you’re hoping to encourage it’s growth. This can be done simply by waiting until the leaf canopy is about as wide as the pot, then transferring the plant to a pot that is slightly larger.
Pruning Requirements
Red mambo should be pruned as often as the leaves begin to die, ensuring that the stems do not suffer breakage from heavy debris.
See a similar post: Xerosicyos Danguyi Care
Outro
In conclusion, the tropical alocasia azlanii is a beautiful, brightly veined flowering plant from the tropics of Borneo.
It is susceptible to root rot if watered more than twice a week, but with careful pruning, indirect sunlight, and a humidity level of at least 60%, it can grow to be a healthy two feet tall! When properly cared for, the red mambo makes an ideal houseplant.
Buying Options
The alocasia azlanii can be purchased on Amazon and Etsy. The price for the plant varies so to get the cheapest price check both marketplaces. Click on the Links below to check the price!
Frequently Asked Questions
Does alocasia need a lot of sunlight?
The alocasia azlanii does not require direct sunlight, but can thrive in indirect light.
Why is my Alocasia Azlanii drooping?
The likeliest reason for an alocasia azlanii to droop is that it has not received the correct amount of watering. Both overwatering and underwatering will cause an alocasia azlanii to droop. Be sure to only water the alocasia azlanii enough so that it has soil that is damp for the first two centimeters.
What is Alocasia Azlanii?
Alocasia azlanii is one of the rarer types of the alocasia plant. It is tropical, able to endure humid climates and found on the island of Borneo. It is characterized by waxy green leaves with brighter veined coloring.
Hey, I’m Lisa and I’ve been an avid gardener for over 30 years. I love writing, talking and living in the garden! Feel free to connect with me on my socials below
