Alocasia cucullata aka Buddha's Hand
Taxonomy
Alocasia cucullata, also known as Chinese Taro, Chinese Ape, Buddha's Hand, or Hooded Dwarf Elephant Ear, is a perennial evergreen herb from the Araceae family's genus Alocasia. It's native range is unclear as it's only known from cultivation and from specimens growing near human habitation and in disturbed areas. It's one of the most popular houseplants around, growing to an impressive size of 3.5 feet (1 meter) and sporting thick stems, large, heart-shaped leaves with pointed tips. Alocasias contain calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it away from children and pets. When repotting, keep an eye out for baby Alocasias as they grow out of underground corms similar to bulbs. With enough space to grow, Alocasia cucullata will bring a delightful picturesque view to any home.
Common names
Buddha's Hand, Chinese Taro, Chinese ApeHow to care for Buddha's Hand
Difficulty
If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Buddha's Hand is a great choice to test your gardening skills.
Water
Buddha's Hand should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Buddha's Hand loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Buddha's Hand prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Dormancy
During the cold period, it is common for Buddha's Hand to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.
Toxicity
Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.
Humidity
The Buddha's Hand does not need extra humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their root system, making soil watering the best way to provide humidity to your plants.
Fertilizer
The Buddha's Hand should be repotted when it has doubled in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing fresh potting soil with all the essential nutrients each year ensures the plant's well-being, eliminating the need for fertilizer. Remember, plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Buddha's Hand’s native range is tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Alocasia Genus
Alocasia wentii Alocasia Elephant Ears
Alocasia odora Asian Taro
Alocasia princeps Alocasia Purple Cloak
Alocasia brisbanensis Cunjevoi
Alocasia boa Upright Elephant Ear
Alocasia nebula Alocasia Nebula
Alocasia Taro
