Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’

Origin of Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’

Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’ belongs to the ‘Amazonica’ lineage, which derives from Alocasia sanderiana × Alocasia longiloba ‘Watsoniana’. The exact person who selected ‘Balloon Heart’ remains unconfirmed. It appears to have originated as a mutation in a South Korean tissue-culture laboratory and was in trade by October 2021.

Care for Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’

• Watering: Let the upper part of the mix begin to dry, then water again before the potting mix dries all the way through. Water until excess runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, then empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Light: Bright daylight suits ‘Balloon Heart’, with the leaves kept out of harsh direct sun.
• Potting mix: Use a nutrient-rich, loose mix that keeps moisture even without becoming soggy.
• Temperature: Keep it around 20–28 °C and away from cold windows or draughts. Move it away from cooler spots before temperatures fall below 15 °C.
• Humidity: Alocasia does best with medium to high humidity. Keep it in a bright spot away from heaters and air-conditioning. If the air is dry, place it near other houseplants that like similar conditions, leaving space between the leaves, or use a clean humidifier.

Troubleshooting Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’

• Several leaves turn yellow after a cold draught while the soil is still damp: Move the plant somewhere steadily warm and wait before watering again. Do not add more water while the root ball is still damp. If the plant keeps weakening or the base becomes soft, check the roots for damage.
• Crisp brown edges keep spreading: Check whether the root ball has been getting much drier than usual. Also look for hot, dry air around the plant or a build-up from heavy feeding. Correct the cause that fits and watch the next leaves for improvement.
• Scattered yellow speckles appear on the leaves: Inspect the leaf undersides closely, especially beside the veins, for spider mites or fine webbing. Keep the plant away from nearby plants. If mites are present, use a treatment labelled for spider mites on indoor ornamental plants, and repeat it only as directed on the label.
• Fresh growth opens with rough pale scratches and tiny black dots: Check inside the rolled leaf for thrips. Isolate the plant if you find them. Use a treatment labelled for thrips on indoor ornamental plants, and repeat it only as directed on the label.

Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’: toxic if chewed

• Pets: This Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant and any cut pieces where pets cannot chew them.
• Children and handling: Keep it out of reach of children. Sap from damaged tissue can irritate skin and eyes, so wash your hands after pruning and avoid touching your face.
• Why it irritates: Alocasia tissue contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or contact with sensitive tissue can cause immediate local irritation.
• Possible symptoms: Mouth exposure can cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• After exposure: For a pet, contact a veterinarian. For a person, remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water; seek medical or poison-control advice if symptoms are significant. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent medical attention.

Names in Alocasia ‘Balloon Heart’

‘Balloon Heart’ is the hybrid Alocasia ‘Aurora’ × Alocasia longiloba ‘Lowii’. Aurora is Latin for “dawn”, and longiloba means “long-lobed”.