Hi,, just a question out of curiosity. I have a plant of Alocasia gageana x odora, bought from a garden centre and growing outdoors with me (zone 10a/b). (It survives and flowers, but is not very spectacular nor I think very happy. It is growing in a heavy clay soil in quite bright light and in a windy situation. I am sure that with a little tlc from me it would grow better.) My question is why was this hybrid the one Alocasia available in the garden centre as it does seem at all special? Is it perhaps because it is easy to propagate or perhaps because it is a bit hardier? Any ideas? Ciao Brian
Brian, I'm answering because I am the one who did the original hybridization of the plant you have. My published name for it is Alocasia x calidora, and someone decided to take one of my seedlings and place it in tissue culture without consulting me first. That plant is not as distinctive as a number of the other seedlings that came out of that cross. Had I been the one putting it on the market, I would have chosen a much more interesting selection. The Calidora is hardier, as Alocasias go, than many of the others. It does like a more airy, better drained soil mix so I think it would do better in such a mix than in the clay you now have it in. Here's a link to my Calidora page: Alocasia x calidora LariAnn Aroidia Research
Lari-Ann, Fantastic to get a response from the expert - thank you ! My plant has more pointed leaves than the Alocasia x calidora in your photo. I have to say that your plant looks more attractive - it must be very frustrating for you to see your hard work misapplied. I promise I will improve the soil for my plant! Unfortunately it must be about job 140 on the priority list...(number 280 if my wife gets her way !!). Thanks again, Muito obrigado, Brian
