Family: Araceae
Scientific name: Alocasia portei
Common name: Alocasia
Origin: Philippines

This is a fairly rare and large Alocasia species from the rain forests of the Philippines. The plant can reach a height of 3.5 meters, with leaves more than a meter long. The leaves are deeply incised, making it a graceful species to behold. The leaf itself is dark green, but the veins are a light color and therefore stand out. The leaf edge is often wavy, which can give the plant a somewhat whimsical look. After a few years, the plant may also bloom with an inflorescence consisting of a green bract and a light-colored spadix. Several inflorescences usually appear at the same time. 

As a houseplant, the species remains smaller than in the tropics, but the leaves can still grow quite large. Provide an airy, well-drained soil and water the plant regularly. In addition, it is important to choose a light position without direct sunlight. 

Sowing description: Seed has already germinated and can be planted directly into an airy soil mixture (with e.g. Spaghnum-moss, coconut fiber and vermiculite). Keep soil constantly moist and let it develop further at 25-30 degrees Celsius. Then gradually acclimatize to living room conditions. 

Sowing period: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 5 degrees Celsius