---
title: "i got this at a free plant exchange and it was unlabeled. i’ve tried…"
description: "i got this at a free plant exchange and it was unlabeled. i’ve tried to figure out what kind of plant it is by google lens and comparing it to other types of…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/93_gAoJ_SKOTLFcomKkKWg?language=fr"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "gabby"
published: "2024-07-21T20:11:49.099609Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lxrSi8n0x8Qsz2SWYrC-_T4znbE4UhElWcfctTk1Qcs/07OALio8QN2v4Cl43Wcd9w.webp?size=large"
---

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# i got this at a free plant exchange and it was unlabeled. i’ve tried…

_Publié par gabby le 2024-07-21_

i got this at a free plant exchange and it was unlabeled. i’ve tried to figure out what kind of plant it is by google lens and comparing it to other types of plants. i currently have it marked as a giant elephant ear (alocasia wentii). i was wondering if someone could verify or figure out what type it actually is. i currently have an orchid that i’ve had for at least less than 3 weeks so im new too all of this. id like to have a collection but of course, i have to start small. any tips or suggestions would be very much appreciated!

![Pièce jointe 1 sur 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lxrSi8n0x8Qsz2SWYrC-_T4znbE4UhElWcfctTk1Qcs/07OALio8QN2v4Cl43Wcd9w.webp?size=large)

## 5 commentaires

### Kakes! a commenté le 2024-07-21

elephant ear! looks like he could use some better soil but let him sit in his new home for a week or so before repotting/watering. i love mine 🥰 they get big fast! 🐘

#### gabby ha respondido el 2024-07-22

thank you!! i just got some potting mix today, so i definitely will be repotting around next week like you advised.

### K a commenté le 2024-07-22

It can be tricky to tell the different alocasia apart as babies, but the care is similar so you can always wait and see. What’s kind of potting medium is it in?

#### gabby ha respondido el 2024-07-22

i don’t know but i think it’s just some soil from outside. i just got some potting mix today!

#### K ha respondido el 2024-07-22

Alocasia are notoriously picky with their potting media and watering schedules, so you didn’t pick the easiest early plant, but a few things will make it a lot easier:

1\. It’s good that it’s young because the more mature they are, the less they seem to handle changes in environment in my experience. Alocasia is the only genus that I really prefer to get as babies for that reason.

2\. They don’t like to dry out but they’re also pretty prone to root rot. As a result, they tend to do well with a chunky, fast draining potting mix and more frequent watering to compensate. What kind of potting mix did you get?

3\. There are many approaches, but a good starting point is to water when the pot is maybe 50-60% dry. I like to do this by weight, so if I think it’s time to water I pick up the pot to check. I want it to feel much lighter than when I’ve first watered but not super light like when it’s really dry. Some people prefer to stick their finger into the soil or use a moisture meter.

4\. This is mostly anecdotal, but try to avoid watering at night. Mine really seem to prefer morning watering, and I often wake up to some edema if I water at night.

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