Alocasia portei care, propagation, leaves problems [All you need to know]

Alocasia portei, which is considered the pollen plant of alocasia odora, is a flowering plant of tropical rainforest but is much more popular for its lobed leaves.

Alocasia portei can grow better in bright indirect sunlight, 70-80% humidity, 48 °F to 88 °F in sandy loam soil. You can propagate it in soil and water. In case of yellowing or brownish leaves, you have to check the problems of pest attack, watering and temperature fluctuation. 

If you are interested in this plant, scroll below to know about it in detail and enjoy the information.

Overview 

Scientific name	Alocasia infernalis
Family	Araceae
Origin	Luzon, the Philippines
Plant height	6 m
Plant type	Tropical perennial plant
Leaf	Yellowish to dark green leaves which are pinnatifid
Stem	Tuberous stem
Sunlight	Bright indirect light
Watering	Once a week
Humidity	60-70%
Temperature	48°F to 88°F

Where to buy alocasia portei

Like many other alocasia plants, alocasia portei is also a rare plant which is difficult to manage from regional or local nurseries. But don’t be disappointed. Many online nurseries are ready to reach you with this plant.

Alocasia portei plant care guide

I have segmented the caring guides of alocasia portei into some sectors so that you may easily understand those and can apply them to your plant. Let’s look at those guides.

The light needed for alocasia portei  

Like many other alocasia plants, this plant also needs a bright intensity of light. But you should not place your plant in such a place where it gets too much scorching light. You can keep it near a window or some other places where it won’t get much shading and bright sunlight will be available the whole day.

Watering prospects of the alocasia portei plant

Here comes the most technical aspect of the alocasia portei plants which is their watering issues. Alocasia loves moisture but not water stagnation. That means you have to water at that amount which won’t let the soil dry along and will drain out excessive water. To maintain this factor, you can water once to your plant for the whole week according to the season. 

Most appropriate soil condition for alocasia portei

The best soil for alocasia portei is sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH. The soil mixture should be prepared with soil, perlite, sphagnum moss and coco peat. You can avoid moss if it is not available to you. A well-drained and nutritious soil is a blessing for their development. 

Temperature and humidity necessity of alocasia portei

The optimum temperature range for alocasia portei should be between 48°F to 88°F. The temperature below this range may freeze the system of its food-taking process. Again, too much temperature will burn their leaves. Additionally, humidity should be between 60 to 70%. A humidity percentage lower than this range will need a pebble tray or a humidifier. 

Fertilizer demand for alocasia portei plant 

Portei plants do not need excessive amounts of fertilizers as too much fertilizer burns their foliage and root system. Due to this problem, I always suggest using liquid fertilizer instead of solid fertilizer columns. Use a liquid fertilizer diluting in 1 gallon of water and then apply it to the soil of your plant.

Alocasia portei plant propagation 

Alocasia portei propagation can be done in two ways which are in the soil and water. Though the root system grows better in a water medium, the plant remaining in a soil medium can have more strong and more vigorous growth. Follow the steps to propagate your portei plant.

• Take a healthy mother plant of alocasia portei and uproot it from the soil.

• Then, after cleaning the soil from the root zone, divide the rhizome into two or three portions according to its thickness with a knife.

• Finally, place the cutting in a pot filled up with soil mixture or in a water jar according to your preference. Root initiation will be started within two weeks.

How to repot alocasia portei plant?

Repot alocasia portei by planting them in another pot after uprooting from their previous pot. But make sure that your hand and other materials used in the repotting process are disinfected. Then, just plant the pot in the new pot and use some sphagnum moss on the upper surface of the soil if available. 

Why are my alocasia portei leaves turning brown?

If you notice that your alocasia portei plant is getting brown, firstly check the water status of your plant. If there is extra water, drain out that. In case of root rot, repot the plant to save it. Thus, you may get rid of the brown leaves of alocasia portei.

Why is my alocasia portei curling?

Curling of alocasia leaves is one of the most common problems which occurs due to inappropriate amounts of water and sunlight. Lack of sunlight or underwatering can be the issues of this problem. You may also face it due to disease. So provide proper sunlight and water to your plant and spray insecticides diluting in water if there’s any pest attack.

Alocasia portei vs alocasia sarian plant 

The wavy margins and yellowish to the green color of these both plants can confuse anyone. But there is a solution to differentiate them. If the margins are more lobbed, it is a portei plant. Otherwise, consider it as an alocasia sarian plant.

Alocasia portei vs alocasia jacklyn plant

The next one is alocasia jacklyn which may be confused with alocasia portei. Here you will get wavy margins and a green leaf surface with a yellow tint. But by observing carefully, you can understand that the portei plants have white veins whereas the veins of jacklyn are purple to black.

Is alocasia portei frost tolerant?

No. Alocasia portei plants cannot be well-established in a cold temperature. As they are from tropical regions, too low temperature hinders their systematic pathway and stops food production which causes the death of the plant. 

Final thoughts 

Well, let me finish here the detailed guide of alocasia portei. The unique wavy and lobed margins of alocasia portei can enchant the mind of anyone. But to retain this, you need to be careful of your plant.

I tried to mention all the crucial prospects of alocasia portei like their caring techniques, propagation and repotting methods, problems that may arise in portei plants with their solutions and some common plants related to them. So check them and care for your plant.