Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’

Natural background of the cultivar

‘Flying Squid’ is a cultivated mutation of a widespread tropical island species. Alocasia macrorrhizos comes from humid regions across Malesia, the Philippines, New Guinea, Queensland and the Solomons; the distorted leaf form developed in cultivation.

Growing corm-forming aroids indoors

• Light: For Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’, give bright indirect light, with gentle morning or evening sun after acclimation. Avoid hot midday sun.
• Watering: Water when the upper layer begins to dry, checking deeper in a large pot than a small one. Large leaves use water quickly, but corms need full drainage.
• Humidity and airflow: Moderate to high humidity is usually enough. Keep air moving around the crown, especially where large leaves overlap, and avoid cold draughts.
• Feeding: Use a complete fertiliser at a low dose sparingly while growth is strong. Feed less often when growth or available light decreases.
• Leaf care and propagation: Clean each division gently without pulling or folding it. Let it dry and give the lobes room to avoid tearing.
• Temperature: Keep the corm and roots steadily warm; cold, wet substrate is especially risky.

Troubleshooting Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’: narrow blades and tightly folded new leaves

• Several leaves yellow or the blades fold: One old yellow leaf is normal. If several change, check the root ball: a dry root ball points to thirst; wet substrate with soft roots points to root damage. If the roots are firm, also check light, cold draughts, recent environmental changes, pests, feeding and normal leaf turnover.
• Soft stem base or a sour-smelling root ball: A sour root ball or soft lower stem indicates damaged roots or basal tissue. Stop routine watering, retain only firm tissue and use fresh airy substrate that fits the remaining root system. A mostly soft lower stem is unlikely to recover.
• Fine pale speckling or webbing: Spider mites hide along the midrib and leaf margins. Isolate, inspect both sides, rinse with lukewarm water and dry away from sun. Treat the divided or textured lower surfaces at the product's stated coverage and interval.

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’ is toxic to pets

• Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Flying Squid’ is toxic to cats and dogs.
• Chewing releases insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause immediate mouth pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing.
• Contact a veterinarian promptly after suspected chewing, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

What macrorrhizos means in Flying Squid

The species epithet macrorrhizos means “large-rooted”, from Greek words for “large” and “root”. Alocasia combines the Greek prefix a-, meaning “without” or “lacking”, with Colocasia, the name of a related aroid genus.