Alocasia culture

From: Jean Halverson jahalve at mhtc.net> on 1999.11.20 at 16:25:48(3843) I bought two Alocasia from a nursery center--both growing very well. Somehow, I thought these plants liked to have their feet wet. On advice from a nursery worker and checking the Web, I realize that they don't. The information, though, indicates that they can overwinter as a dormant plant. +More Neither had a name tag but the nursery worker said one was 'African Mask.' The other has no name. The leaves are a dark olive green with darker veins and a narrow, dark edge. The underside is burgundy and the leaf edge has a slight wave to it. The leaves feel quite thick and look velvety. I really like the subtle colors on it. Should I encourage these to go dormant? If so, how? Both pots had a plant that looked like they could be separated so a sister and I shared them. 'African Mask' doesn't look like anything happened, the other wasn't happy (I may have gotten the offset plant) but is now recovering. Can I keep them growing now, put them outdoors when the weather warms up (probably late June here in Zone 5a) and let them go dormant next fall? Jean Halverson Wisconsin USA

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