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My regal shield’s oldest leaf has grown so large and heavy that the… | Alocasia Aficionados | Planta community

Nikiller

My regal shield’s oldest leaf has grown so large and heavy that the petioles base is unable to support it. I heard a wet celery crunching sound while playing helldivers just now and I look over to see this tragedy. Does anybody have any recommendations? Either for if I should just trim it or not, or if I should, how can I preserve the leaf as it’s my favorite plant. I’ve already used garden Velcro to hold the leaf up the first time it fell but this time there’s nowhere to support it from. Also enjoy my stepchildren making a guest appearance.

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6 comments

  1. Grammy_Lisa

    You need a sphagnum moss pole to support them.

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    • Nikiller

      These are definitely not climbers and no moss pole will hold up a 42 pound alocasia without a metal rod, you’re thinking of a pothos, monstera, or some philodendrons

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    • Grammy_Lisa

      Here’s mine-I got a different moss pole, but I have to put it together & get some plant holders. Watch the Sydneyplantguy on YouTube. I’ve learned a LOT from him.

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  2. Denise

    Alocasias are known to drop an older leaf when growing out a new one. I just had to cut one of my girl’s old leaves the other day as well, but it’s also shooting out a few new ones and an inflorescence!

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    • Nikiller

      I chop all my alocasia inflorescences when I first notice them. I think they’re a waste of the plants energy. Mine always has a new leaf working, thankfully only my smaller alocasias have made inflorescences.

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    • Denise

      I used to do that until my cuprea started throwing out a new flower every time I cut one. After the fifth one, I decided to let it finish its thing, THEN cut it. That did the trick, and it started putting out new leaves again like crazy! 😂

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