Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’

Background of Alocasia ‘Flying Squid’

Alocasia ‘Flying Squid’ arose as a mutation of Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Plumbea’. The parent species, Alocasia macrorrhizos, grows naturally from the central Malay Archipelago across New Guinea and the western Pacific to northern Queensland.

Care for Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’

• Watering: Let the upper part of the mix begin to dry between waterings, but do not let the potting mix dry 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: Keep ‘Flying Squid’ in bright light but away from prolonged harsh sun.
• Potting mix: Use a rich, free-draining mix that suits its compact growth.
• Temperature: Keep ‘Flying Squid’ above 15 °C and away from cold glass and draughts.
• Repotting: Keep pot increases modest and move up only when the roots are visibly crowding the current pot.
• 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.

What to check with Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’

• The plant stops producing new growth for much longer than usual: Start by checking whether the plant has become cooler or the light has dropped. If those conditions are unchanged, look at the roots and how long the mix stays wet. Correct a root or moisture problem before increasing fertiliser.
• Yellowing starts at the base of a leaf stalk and the potting mix smells sour: Remove the plant from the container and inspect the roots and base. Cut away only sections that are unmistakably mushy or dead, then replace the old substrate with clean, airy mix. Firm tissue should stay in place.
• Tiny pale pinpricks keep appearing on the leaves: Use good light to inspect the leaf undersides and newest growth for moving mites or strands of webbing. If you find clear signs, quarantine the plant from nearby plants. Use a treatment labelled for spider mites on indoor ornamental plants, and repeat it only as directed on the label.

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’: 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.

Why it is called ‘Flying Squid’

The epithet macrorrhizos means “large-rooted”, from Greek makros, “large”, and rhiza, “root”. ‘Flying Squid’ is a dwarf mutation of Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Plumbea’ that appeared in the horticultural trade around 2017.

Its narrow, twisting leaves inspired the ‘Flying Squid’ name.