Latest news with #Alocasia
Time Business News
31-05-2025
- General
- Time Business News
Stunning Duo: Decorating with Alocasia Pink Dragon and Alocasia Jacklyn
Indoor plants have become more than just green companions—they are now essential design elements in modern interiors. Among the most visually striking houseplants available today are Alocasia Pink Dragon and Alocasia Jacklyn. Known for their distinctive foliage and exotic appeal, this duo can transform any space into a botanical haven. Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting your plant journey, these two varieties of Alocasia offer a unique blend of elegance and drama that can enhance any room. With its rich green, arrow-shaped leaves contrasted by deep pink stems, Alocasia Pink Dragon is a showstopper. The name itself evokes a sense of fantasy and charm, and the plant certainly delivers. Its glossy foliage has prominent veins that add depth and texture, making it an ideal focal point in minimalist or contemporary décor. When decorating with Alocasia Pink Dragon, consider placing it in areas with plenty of natural light but indirect sun—near east or north-facing windows, for instance. This will not only support healthy growth but also highlight the vivid color contrast between the leaves and stems. A neutral-toned ceramic or matte black planter can further accentuate its color palette, making it pop without overwhelming the rest of the décor. For larger spaces, Alocasia Pink Dragon works well as a standalone piece. In smaller settings, try placing it on a mid-century plant stand or side table, complemented by natural wood and soft fabrics to create a warm, welcoming aesthetic. Alocasia Jacklyn, a newer addition to the houseplant scene, brings a more untamed, jungle-inspired feel to interior décor. Its uniquely lobed leaves and deep, dark veins give it a rugged, almost prehistoric look that contrasts beautifully with modern or minimalist interiors. Originating from Indonesia, this rare variety has quickly gained popularity among collectors and interior designers alike. Decorating with Alocasia Jacklyn requires a slightly different approach. Its wilder appearance pairs well with eclectic, bohemian, or nature-inspired interiors. Consider placing it among other textured or patterned plants to create a layered indoor garden feel. Woven baskets, terracotta pots, and macramé hangers can all enhance the organic vibe that Alocasia Jacklyn brings to a space. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and appreciates high humidity—making it a great choice for bathrooms, sunrooms, or kitchens with ample natural light. Its sculptural leaves can add visual interest to corners or be used as part of a larger plant display on open shelves or plant walls. While each plant is a star in its own right, decorating with both Alocasia Pink Dragon and Alocasia Jacklyn allows for a dynamic and complementary visual experience. The refined elegance of the Pink Dragon balances the wild energy of the Jacklyn, creating harmony through contrast. To design with this duo effectively, think about placement and balance. Position them in the same room but on opposite ends—perhaps one near a bright window and the other on a raised shelf or corner stand. This creates visual movement and encourages the eye to travel across the space. Alternatively, cluster them with other Alocasia varieties for a striking plant feature that feels curated yet natural. Texture also plays a key role. The smooth, glossy leaves of Alocasia Pink Dragon contrast beautifully with the matte, textured foliage of Alocasia Jacklyn. Combine them with complementary décor items like stone planters, woven baskets, and minimalist furnishings to bring out the best in both. Decorating with plants is not just about placement—it's also about maintaining their health and vibrancy. Both Alocasia Pink Dragon and Alocasia Jacklyn thrive in similar conditions, which makes caring for them together more convenient. Here are a few quick care tips: Light : Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. : Bright, indirect light is best. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves. Watering : Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake—use pots with drainage holes. : Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering is a common mistake—use pots with drainage holes. Humidity : These tropical plants love humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing them near water sources. : These tropical plants love humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing them near water sources. Feeding: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. By investing time in proper care, these stunning plants will continue to enhance your space for years to come. Incorporating Alocasia Pink Dragon and Alocasia Jacklyn into your home décor is more than a trend—it's a design choice that brings life, texture, and visual drama into your living space. These striking plants offer the perfect mix of elegance and wild beauty, making them ideal for anyone looking to elevate their interior with nature's finest artistry. Whether displayed as a dramatic duo or as individual statement pieces, these Alocasias prove that indoor plants can be both beautiful and bold. With thoughtful placement and consistent care, they'll reward you with year-round visual appeal and a deeper connection to the natural world—right from the comfort of your home. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Straits Times
16-05-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Root Awakening: Avoid over-pruning jambu plant
It is best to nurture a new fruit tree from a graft or air-layered branch from a mature plant. PHOTO: JOHN LEE Plant will remain vegetative without light I have been growing this jambu plant for about five years, but it has not flowered or fruited. What is wrong? John Lee When it comes to fruit trees, it is best to nurture a plant that is raised from a graft or air-layered branch taken from a mature, fruiting tree. This ensures that the plant will flower and fruit reliably. Seed-grown plants can be unpredictable. Also, ensure your plant is grown in a sunny spot, as the plant will remain vegetative when not given sufficient light. Give it space to thrive and avoid over-pruning the plant, as it produces flowers seasonally in new growth. Constant drastic pruning will prevent it from flowering, as it will channel its efforts towards producing vegetative growth. Avoid overwatering, apply fungicide to Cypress The plant may have been overwatered or buried too deeply. PHOTO: PHILIP HO My small pine trees seem to be dying. The leaves are turning brown. Should I water them more or move them to the shade? Philip Ho Your plants could be a cultivar of Cupressus, commonly known as Cypress. The decline could be due to a number of reasons. First, check if you have buried your plant too deeply. The base of the stem should not be topped up with growing media, as it will cause the collar to be wet at all times, leading to disease. Remove excessive soil where needed. Second, cypresses in general are difficult to grow in Singapore's wet, humid climate. Consider moving the plant under a clear shelter so it will be shielded from rain but still get enough sunlight. Allow the root zone to dry out between watering sessions. Third, provide sufficient air circulation. The dense canopy can trap moisture, leading to fungal issues that can kill the foliage. At this stage, you may need to apply fungicides, which are available at local nurseries, to improve the situation. Stress can cause Alocasia to go dormant or decline Many alocasia cultivars are sensitive to a wet root zone and need porous growing media. PHOTO: HASSAN ALI I bought a small Alocasia from the supermarket. After a month, I transplanted it into a 20cm pot, including the repotting soil, rice husks and dried banana peel. I have placed the pot at my balcony, where it gets morning sun. Is there a botanical explanation why the leaves remain evergreen? Hassan Ali You have done a good job keeping your Alocasia alive. Its leaves are green as you seem to have achieved all the optimal conditions for it to thrive. Alocasia go dormant or decline with stress. Many cultivars are sensitive to a wet root zone and need porous growing media. Overwatering or moisture-retentive soil can cause the corm (underground storage organ) to rot. High-rise growing conditions are also conducive for pest infestations, such as by spider mites. Orchids are being eaten by caterpillars When the caterpillars become adults, the problem should resolve itself. PHOTO: LAU WAI LEONG My orchid's flowers have been devoured by small, slug-like creatures that blend with the petals. They have what appear to be black mouths, snouts and claws. What are they and how do I get rid of them? Lau Wai Leong Your orchid flowers seem to have been eaten by caterpillars. These pests can be transient – after the current population becomes adults, the problem will resolve itself. The next flowering may or may not be affected. As such, regular preventive spraying of pesticides may not be necessary, and will be expensive and harmful to you and the environment. If really needed, pesticides such as Dipel and abamectin, which are available for sale at local nurseries, are effective in controlling caterpillars. Inspect your plants regularly for the presence of pests and act promptly before the damage becomes extensive. Once spotted, a few caterpillars can be removed easily using a pair of pincers, which is cheaper and more environment-friendly than applying pesticides. Propagate Fiddle-leaf Fig via air-layering This plant is not easily grown from stem-cuttings or in water. PHOTO: JOCELYN NG How do I propagate my old plant? A new branch has sprouted after daily drops of diluted fertiliser at the top of the stem. Do I cut it off from the old stem or cut it off together with the old stem? Should I root it in soil or water? Jocelyn Ng The Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) is usually propagated via air-layering, where roots form on a new plant's stem while it is still attached to the parent plant. You can refer to online videos on how to do so. This plant is not easily grown from stem-cuttings or in water. Answers by Dr Wilson Wong, an NParks-certified practising horticulturist and parks manager. He is the founder of Green Culture Singapore and an adjunct assistant professor (Food Science & Technology) at the National University of Singapore. Have a gardening query? E-mail it with clear, high-resolution pictures of at least 1MB, if any, and your full name to stlife@ We reserve the right to edit and reject questions. Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
