Alocasia Scalprum Plant Care

Alocasia Scalprum (Alocasia scalprum) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Alocasia Scalprum is native to Samar island, the Philippines. Alocasia Scalprum is also known as Philippine Black Velvet.

Alocasia Scalprum displays a large, upright foliage growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Alocasia Scalprum produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alocasia Scalprum every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alocasia Scalprum thrives in bright indirect to filtered light. Avoid placing Alocasia Scalprum in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Alocasia scalprum tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Alocasia Scalprum prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Alocasia Scalprum to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alocasia Scalprum every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect to filtered light and well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alocasia Scalprum is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alocasia Scalprum can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Alocasia Scalprum while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Alocasia Scalprum is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alocasia Scalprum can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alocasia odora plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Alocasia Scalprum is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alocasia Scalprum grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Alocasia Scalprum is native to Samar island, the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Alocasia Scalprum as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.