From the tropical, rainy rainforest jungles of exotic, faraway Borneo this "Rhino Hide" Alocasia has traveled to our Shop. Called rhino hide for its tough, pebbly and leathery leaves, the official name is Alocasia Melo, melo being a nod to the the English word melon, also in reference to the canteloupe-like pebbly texture. Classified as a "jewel Alocasia", that means it's a small scale plant, only a coupla feet wide and tall. The leaves are big, rounded hearts, with a definite pointed end in dull, deep green, and deeply quilted with a branchy network of recessed veins. A definite recessed line outlines the thick, sturdy leaves. Smooth, light green stems gracefully lean out with their leaves, not a lot of stems or leaves, Melo's a simple guy. Flowers are the typical Aroid spathe and spadix assembly, in pale cream and not flashy.
Quick Care Guide:
- Water - Med/High (4): Prefers more water than most, but soil can dry out periodically. Use a spray bottle to mist and increase humidity levels without soaking the soil and roots.
- Light - Medium (3): Plant prefers natural, diffused light. Can be placed in a spacious living room. Indirect light preferred. No direct sunlight on leaves.
- Difficulty - Medium (3): Not too difficult to keep happy, but does require some attention.