What are the cultivation methods and precautions of Guanyin Lotus?

Guanyin Lotus Introduction

The Alocasia odora is a plant of the Araceae family and the genus Alocasia. It has fleshy tubers underground and arrow-shaped, shield-shaped leaves with purple backs. Flowers grow from the end of the stem. Although this plant has ornamental value, it is poisonous, so try to avoid contact with it as much as possible.

Cultivation method of Guanyin lotus

1. Soil

  The adaptability of the Alocasia odora plant to a wide range of soils is relatively wide, but fertile, loose sandy loam is the most suitable. It can be prepared by mixing leaf mold, coarse sand, and vermiculite, and adding a small amount of wood ash and bone meal as base fertilizer.

2. Temperature

  The Alocasia odora prefers a warm, humid, semi-shady growing environment. The suitable growth temperature is between 20-30 degrees. The temperature in winter should not be lower than 15 degrees. If the ambient temperature is low, frost damage will occur. It needs to be moved indoors for maintenance before winter.

3. Sunlight

  The Alocasia odora is suitable for growing under shaded scattered light and cannot tolerate direct strong light. Generally, it should be shaded in summer and autumn, otherwise the leaves will turn white and sometimes burn spots will occur. However, it needs more sunlight in winter.

4. Water and fertilizer

  The Alocasia odora likes a humid environment, but cannot tolerate waterlogging. Watering should be done “don’t water unless the soil is dry, and water thoroughly when you do.” Spring and autumn are the main growing seasons, so you can water it frequently and fertilize it in time. Summer and winter are mainly its dormant seasons, so control watering and stop fertilizing.

5. Fertilization

The requirements of the Alocasia odora for fertilizer are not high. Fertilize once every 20 days or so during the growing season. Do not splash the fertilizer water onto the leaves when fertilizing. Stop fertilizing during the high temperatures in summer and the low temperatures in winter.

6. Pruning

The Alocasia odora is a relatively easy plant to prune. Generally, you only need to keep 4-6 leaves. You can use sharp scissors to cut the petiole near the main trunk.

Precautions for cultivating Guanyin Lotus

The Alocasia odora is not tolerant to concentrated fertilizers. During the growing season, a thin layer of fertilizer should be applied once every half a month. The concentration must be low. Fertilizers can be organic fertilizers or triple compound fertilizers. More nitrogen should be applied during the growing season to promote beautiful leaf color.