African Mask

Alocasia × mortfontanensis (ah-loh-KAY-see-ah mort-fon-tah-NEN-siss)

Family: Araceae Unknown Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Alocasia x mortfontanensis is a hybrid of A. longiloba × A. sanderi that was bred and described by French horticulturist M.M. Chantrier, of Mortefontaine, France. The epithet, mortfontanensis, means "originating from [the French commune] Mortefontaine." This ornamental herbaceous perennial has large, smooth, thick, arrowhead-shaped, medium to dark green leaves. The silvery to lime-white veins are very prominent. Its flowers have a small, creamy-white, finger-like spadix that is surrounded by a light green spathe. As houseplants, they rarely flower. The plant size varies from 1 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight, moist, and well-drained, fertile, loamy soil as well as warm temperatures and high humidity. Air temperatures should not drop below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. It may be grown indoors as a houseplant or outdoors after the danger of the last spring frost has passed. Before the first frost of fall, the plant should be brought inside for overwintering, and watering should be reduced. It may be propagated by division of offsets. This is a strikingly beautiful tropical plant has several popular cultivars, and they may be used as houseplants, container plantings, patio settings, or garden borders. All parts of this plant are toxic; therefore, exercise caution when small children or pets are nearby. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Overwatering may cause root rot and bacterial stem rot. More information on Alocasia .

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 46 attributes.