---
title: "SOS! I've had this Scalprum in perlite for months & got used to…"
description: "SOS! I've had this Scalprum in perlite for months & got used to checking & finding zero progress. But yesterday when I gave it a tug I felt roots which was…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/8YJLrBkOSo27kyNSisgUpA/5VkArOhBk0oSHaZCB8g81b"
community: "Alocasia Aficionados"
author: "BlondeinBrooklyn"
published: "2025-07-21T16:43:24.965679Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-ShWEt3pG3w99K5uKkTYNi_tnY0M0QyASTVM574HHQ0/1dc-f-I_QQiRbZ9bAUSgIA.webp?size=large"
---

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# SOS! I've had this Scalprum in perlite for months \& got used to…

_Posted by BlondeinBrooklyn on 2025-07-21_

SOS!

I've had this Scalprum in perlite for months \& got used to checking \& finding zero progress. But yesterday when I gave it a tug I felt roots which was shocking given that the tip I had above the perlite was still completely closed.

So I pulled it out and now I'm thinking I planted it upside down?

What should I do now? Replant with roots/growth up?

![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-ShWEt3pG3w99K5uKkTYNi_tnY0M0QyASTVM574HHQ0/1dc-f-I_QQiRbZ9bAUSgIA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-ShWEt3pG3w99K5uKkTYNi_tnY0M0QyASTVM574HHQ0/rQaQ-QS9Q3SnBDfMj_SMiw.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### Sa commented on 2025-07-21

I’ve totally done this before and didn’t realize until it’s first leaf had opened 🫣😂. I put mine on its side as it readjusted, but this one looks like it would adjust fine if you flip it now.

#### BlondeinBrooklyn replied on 2025-07-21

But you agree that's leaf matter and the sprouting side is the top?

#### Sa replied on 2025-07-21

…probably?

I can’t be 100% sure because it’s a tiny bit hard to see, but I doubt the other end would look so empty with this many established roots unless it was the bottom. I think you’re good.

#### BlondeinBrooklyn replied on 2025-07-25

So turns out it was upside down. Since flipping the leaves are forming. What a trooper this guy is.

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/-ShWEt3pG3w99K5uKkTYNi_tnY0M0QyASTVM574HHQ0/q55mVd-ZR3eQNg-GhL_Daw.webp?size=large)

### Mel commented on 2025-07-21

From what I've understood, the brown shell should be peeled off the corms first. My polly corms looked similar when they started rooting, the leaves appeared to sprout from the bottom as yours is looking, but they did come up right. I left mine in a perlite/moss mix until they looked more like leaves. I wouldn't flip it, I would leave them roots down

#### BlondeinBrooklyn replied on 2025-07-22

Its not a rule to remove husk but some do. That's not the problem-its that I think I had it planted upside down.

### Mel commented on 2025-07-21

This is them now

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/QVtI6Ufhp-w-W2kfLn1ERQAjwRBKj7qlnO-W4H4S_3k/6QXs4geZSF2IMM3XvoE1AQ.webp?size=large)

### Wolfen 🐺 commented on 2025-07-21

Try to push the small tip into the perlite, and drape the roots to either side, covering them if you can

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