Alocasia Jacklyn

Alocasia Jacklyn Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

Alocasia Jacklyn is a highly sought-after collector’s plant if you are looking for a stunning houseplant and is also widely known by its official name Alocasia Sulawesi Sp.

It is found in Indonesia’s mountain forests and the gorgeous green leaves with blackish green veins offer a stunning appearance. This plant gives a green vibe indoors but it’s important to know how to properly care for it. Read on for all the info you need!

What is Alocasia Jacklyn?

Alocasia Jacklyn

Alocasia Jacklyn is a beautiful Aroid native to the Indonesian mountain forests. It was previously thought to be a mutation of Alocasia Nycteris or Alocasia Portei and has been recently identified as a unique plant.

Alocasia Jacklyn is an easy-to-grow plant flourishing handily at temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Its large gorgeous domino-style leaves distinguish Alocasia Jacklyn with blackish veins and arrow-shaped foliage. It can reach up to 1.5 meters in height but grows to around 80 centimeters as a houseplant.

Most alocasias prefer living in live moss. You can alternate it for a wet medium for an indoor plant. These plants require a significant amount of oxygen for proper growth. Adequate oxygen supply saves the root from rotting and supports aggressive growth. You may also improve the development by adding a sufficient amount of fertilizer. 

Origin and Classification

The official name for Alocasias Jacklyn is Alocasia Sulawesi Sp. It is also commonly known as Alocasia Sulawesi and belongs to the family Araceae. 

Alocasia Sulawesi is native to the mountain forests of South Asia, primarily on the Sulawesi island of Indonesia. These plants grow in those regions abundantly with a high growth rate. You may also find Alocasia zebrina reticulate above the Alocasia Jacklyn habitat on Sulawesi island. The veins on both plants are incredibly similar. 

Features of Alocasia Jacklyn

1. Height

Alocasia Jacklyn is often used as a houseplant while it can grow to a significant height in favorable conditions. Most outdoor Alocasia Jacklyn plants grow around 5 feet. Yet, they can reach as high as 10 feet. It is most likely to attain a height of 80 centimeters when used as a houseplant.

2. Leaves

This plant has moderate to large-sized leaves depending on its height. They may range between 20 cm and 90 cm. The foliage is vibrant green in color and arrowhead-like in shape. The veins are in a contrasting blackish-green hue. It is a gorgeous, deeply lobed aroid.

3. Stems

The leaves of Alocasia Sulawesi originate from the stiff stems of the plant. They are purplish in color with streaks on them. The stems are not much visible because of the enormous foliage covering most of the area. Still, they add a beautiful element to the overall look of the plant.

4. Toxicity

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Alocasia Jacklyn is not toxic to humans or animals on touch. However, it can be harmful when ingested. The calcium oxalate crystal in the plant’s leaves can cause swelling and irritation in the oral area. That is why preventing your pets from eating Alocasia Jacklyn leaves or stems is suggested.

Basic Care of Alocasia Jacklyn Plant

Alocasia Jacklyn requires moderate care with tropical temperature and biannual trimming. You can grow it inside or outside your house according to your preference. The basic care of the Alocasia Jacklyn plant includes:

1. Size and Growth

Alocasias are categorized as tuberous or rhizomatous plants. Alocasia Jacklyn is a fast-growing perennial plant. It can grow as high as 10 feet when provided with suitable growth conditions like water, soil, fertilizer, etc. It can add a jungle-like flair to any area. However, you may see your indoor Alocasia Jacklyn reaching a standard height of 80 cm.

2. Light Requirements 

Alocasia Jacklyn is a tropical plant happier in light than in the shade. It is best to offer indirect sunlight to the plant instead of direct light. Your indoor plant will stay happy even if it does not get proper sunlight, as you do not want it to grow massively. Yet, a sufficient amount of the sun helps the leaves attain their bright green color. 

Remember that direct sunlight will burn the leaves, and the night temperatures are not fit either. Make sure to keep your plant safe from direct sunlight between 10:30 am and 03:30 pm to save the foliage from turning brown. When growing the plan outside, partial shade is preferable.

3. Water Requirements

Alocasia is not a very demanding plant, and you do not have to water it every day. Watering your Alocasia Jacklyn twice a week is plentiful. You may also reduce the watering frequency to once weekly in winter. Always check if the top 1″ to 2″ of the soil is dry before watering. Water your plant every time you see the soil dry.

Make sure not to overwater the plant. Alocasia Sulawesi is quite sensitive to overwatering, which leads to leaves turning yellow and wilting. Under watering can cause the foliage to turn brown and crisp.

4. Soil Requirements

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This plant grows the best in well-draining, airy soil. Make sure to provide loose soil with plentiful drainage holes. Do not use a heavy mixture of dirt as it can damage rhizomatous plants. Also, avoid using sandy or rocky soil not to block the drainage. It can halt the oxygen supply to the root and cause them to rot. The tuber bulbs should be above the growing medium to get enough oxygen.

5. Temperature

Alocasia Jacklyn is native to the mountain forests of Indonesia. The country experiences a moderately warm temperature throughout the year. Thus, these plants grow well in 17 °C to 22 °C temperatures. 

They are sensitive to cold weather and harsh conditions. You should avoid leaving them outside in temperatures below 15 °C. Make sure to keep a steady temperature indoors when the temperature falls outdoors. If you cannot maintain a warm temperature within the house, it is better to keep your plant in partial sun and shade.

6. Humidity

The plant is adapted to high humidity because of its native location near the equator. It grows the best in 60% or higher humidity. The leaves become larger and attain a gorgeous, vibrant color. The Alocasia Jacklyn plant does not tolerate humidity levels below 50%.

Browning of the tips of the foliage indicates a lack of humidity. Place your plant near a window with sufficient airflow or use a humidifier to keep it fresh.

7. Drought & Disease resistance

This plant does not put up with drought-like conditions. It requires enough water to grow properly; otherwise, the leaves will soften and wilt. It is not entirely disease-resistant either. Leaf infections and root rot are common Alocasia Jacklyn care issues.

Root rot may occur due to insufficient oxygen or overwatering. Let the soil dry before watering the next time. Avoid watering the plant in late hours as it will not dry and cause water retention.

8. Fertilizing 

Alocasia Jacklyn flourishes better when you fertilize it properly. It is best to apply the fertilizer during summer and spring. Do not feed fertilizer to the plants in the cold weather of autumn and winter. Adding it once a month is more than enough.

When growing Alocasia as a houseplant, dilute the recommended fertilizer strength by half. It helps reduce the concentration as you do not want the plant to grow high indoors.

Giving more fertilizer than needed leads to salt build-up in the soil. An elevated amount of salt causes the leaves to turn yellow and damage the roots. Flushing the soil after a few months helps remove the extra salt.

9. Potting & Repotting 

These plants require repotting after every 12 to 18 months. Yet, they are not an exact estimate of when you should repot your plant. Monitor Alocasia Jacklyn to see when it gets root-bound. Make sure that the roots of the plants are coming out of the pot’s drainage hole when you decide to repot.

It is best to change the pot between spring and early summer. Repotting the plant before it is ready can cause shock and distress. Plant the growing Alocasia Jacklyn in at least a 2-inch larger container than the present one. Do not opt for a huge pot for a small plant.

10. Pruning Requirements 

Outdoor Alocasias can grow into a large plant reaching a few feet. While indoor plants do not attain the same height, they may grow around 4 feet tall.

The leaves may be as large as one foot. Alocasia Jacklyn is a fast-growing plant, and its leaves require trimming and pruning every once in a while. The leaves will need pruning around every six months. Also, look out for infectious leaves to prevent further damage to the plant. 

How to Propagate Alocasia Jacklyn

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Alocasia Jacklyn is a rhizomatous plant. You can propagate it through a few different methods. The most preferred way is to grow through rhizomes. You can either divide the rhizomes or separate the offsets.

Propagation through Offsets

Propagating the plant from offsets is unpredictable yet a spontaneous, natural process. They grow at the base of the Alocasia Jacklyn plant roots. They appear according to their timetable. If you want to propagate the plant, it is better to take the opportunity when you see them. 

Step 1

Remove the offsets from the parent plant.

Step 2

Add them to another pot with suitable arid soil.

Step 3

They grow to be the exact copies of their parent plant soon.

Propagation through Division

Step 1

To grow the plant by dividing rhizomes, take it out of the pot

Step 2

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Step 3

You can see numerous rhizomes interconnected into the root system

Step 4

Take a knife to divide the rhizomes. Each rhizome gets its root system

Step 5

You can divide the parent plant once into two or more per your desire

Step 6

Add each divided plant in separate pots with optimal soil to facilitate progression

Common Problems Caring For Alocasia Jacklyn

While Alocasia Jacklyn is not a high-maintenance plant, it may suffer issues like changes in foliage, and diseases and pests. Here’s how you can manage these problems.

1. Change in Foliage Color

You may experience a change in the color of your Alocasia Jacklyn leaves. The foliage may turn yellow due to overwatering or brown due to under watering. Make sure to water the soil when it is dry and prevent overwatering. Browning of the leaves may also be due to low temperatures than 15 °C.

2. Diseases

Alocasia Jacklyn does not attract many plant diseases. However, it may suffer from root rot if the bulbs are not above the surface or do not get enough oxygen. Sometimes the leaves may get fungal or bacterial infections.

3. Pests

Pests like mites, spiders, and mealy bugs can affect the health of your houseplant. Trim any leaves that show signs of disease. Isolate your plant and use a pesticide like Neem oil to prevent further harm to the plant.

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Outro

Alocasia Jacklyn is a gorgeous plant native to the mountain forests of Sulawesi island of Indonesia. It grows up to 10 feet outdoors and reaches 80 cm outdoors. The leaves are arrow or heart-shaped with prominent blackish veins.

 It requires arid, well-drained soil. Alocasia grows well in warm temperatures with twice-weekly watering. Neglecting its water needs can cause the leaves to turn brown or yellow. Make sure to water the plant properly, trim and report when needed. It looks gorgeous as a houseplant. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I water Alocasia?

Alocasia Jacklyn prefers twice-weekly watering in summers and once weekly in winters. Water it only when you see that the soil is dry 1 to 2 inches. Overwatering the plant can lead to root rot, therefore always be mindful about the exact amount of water that you are giving to the plant. 

How do you keep Alocasia happy?

Alocasia Jacklyn enjoys tropical temperatures as it is native to Indonesia. Save it from temperatures below 15 °C to keep it in good health. Water the plant bi-weekly and shift to a larger pot when needed. Do not forget to use well-drained soil to provide enough porous spaces and oxygen to the roots.

Does Alocasia need a lot of sunlight?

Alocasia requires a moderate amount of shade and sun. The leaves need sunlight to attain a vibrant green color. However, leaving the plant in full sun may burn the leaves. Place your outdoor plant under shade during peak sun hours.

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