The little bulbs you may notice hanging from the roots of your Alocasia plant are called corms. These corms serve as a means of propagation for the plant, allowing you to create new Alocasia plants.
When repotting an Alocasia, it is not uncommon to come across these corms. They can vary in size and number, depending on the age and health of the plant. Corms are essentially storage organs that store nutrients and energy for the plant, helping it survive and grow.
In terms of propagation, these corms can be separated from the parent plant and used to grow new Alocasia plants. This is especially useful if you want to expand your collection or share plants with friends and family.
To propagate using the corms, you can follow these steps:
1. Carefully remove the corms from the parent plant’s roots during repotting. Be gentle to avoid damaging the corms.
2. Inspect the corms for any signs of damage or disease. It is best to select healthy, firm corms for propagation.
3. Prepare a suitable potting mix for the new plants. A well-draining mix that retains some moisture is ideal. You can use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil.
4. Plant the corms in the potting mix, ensuring that they are partially buried but not completely covered. Leave the top portion of the corm exposed.
5. Place the pots in a warm and bright location, but avoid direct sunlight. Alocasias prefer bright, indirect light.
6. Keep the soil consistently moist but not overly saturated. Water the plants when the top inch of soil feels dry.
7. After a few weeks, you should start to see new growth emerging from the corms. This is an indication that the propagation is successful.
8. As the new plants grow, you can gradually increase their exposure to light and adjust their care routine accordingly.
It’s worth noting that propagating Alocasias through corms can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners. It may take some trial and error to achieve successful propagation. However, with proper care and patience, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing new Alocasia plants from these little bulbs.
Personal experience: I have had a few Alocasias in my collection, and I have encountered these corms when repotting them. Initially, I was unsure of what they were until I did some research. I found it fascinating that these bulbs are the key to multiplying my Alocasia plants. I have attempted propagation using the corms, and while not all attempts have been successful, it has been a rewarding learning experience.
