Archive for May, 2008
Zig zag aka Ric Rak aka Fishbone Cactus ( Cryptocereus anthonyanus )
I’ve just found this prize. It is a fast grower and should fill this basket in no time. One branch broke off and we have it rooting in another pot. To propagate, take a small piece of stem, place it in soil, keep moist until you see new growth.
Flowers will open only at night, for one night, and are very fragrant.
It is an epiphytic plant, you can grow it in soil or in orchid bark, use which ever pleases you. In the wild it grows on trees with aerial roots.
Use bright, but not direct light so an east or west window is best. Keep it somewhat dry like you would an Easter or Christmas cactus but don’t let it dry out as much as a regular cactus.
It can be trained up something rather than allowing it to hang down, but usually it is left to hang.
Elephant ears aka African mask ( Alocasia Frydek )
This does very well indoors. Place it in an east or north window and keep the soil moist.
If you are someone who over waters your house plants you’ll like alocasias. They love water. Just be sure to let all the water drain out of the bottom of the pot before putting it back in its saucer.
Protect them from the cold, keep it away from drafty windows and doors if you are in a cold climate.
This plant wants a humid location. Keep it in a bathroom or kitchen or some other damp part of your home if your home is dry.
Alocasia will reach 1′ to 2′ tall indoors.
If it out grows its pot you can easily divide it into more plants. Slice the plant into parts with a sharp knife, keeping some leaves and roots with each section. Or you can leave it whole and just put it in a larger pot when the time comes.
The only problem might be if your home is too dry. If it isn’t doing well it is likely your home has dry air. Take a tray that is a couple inch deep, fill it with gravel and water and use that as a saucer for your plant. Keep water in the tray.
If you are not planting it in potting soil that has time released fertilizer, fertilize monthly.
The correct name for this plant is Alocasia micholitziana but most often you’ll find it labeled Alocasia Frydek or Alocasia Fryder.
This plant is native to the Philippines where they are an important food crop. The starch from the plants is combined with coconut milk in several dishes. Don’t try this at home, improper cooking can result in illness.
