It can survive in medium light, but avoid a dark corner. 5 MOST SEARCHED HOUSEPLANTS according to Google! Your bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for your Alocasia because these areas tend to be more humid. We recommend using only Bio Spectrum organic Fertilizer located in our store. You can also feed with liquid fertilizers such as waste decomposer or jeevamrut. With this plant, overly moist soil is asking for problems. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. When you take care of your Alocasia Zebrina, you might have seen water drops on the leaves before. For best results, maintain a regular watering schedule and keep the soil of your Alocasia Pink Dragon damp, but not wet or saturated. Zebrinas prefer high humidity and are medium to fast-growing with fortnightly feedings through the growing season; they go dormant in winter. Root rot will occur if the soil is allowed to become soggy. So I will definitely advise you to take proper care while handling this plant. Alocasias are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Alocasia Macrorrhizos is a huge plant that can grow 15 feet tall (4.5m) and 8 feet wide (2.4m). Pictured Left: Alocasia are stunning tropicals plants with arrowhead-shaped leaves. You can also mist on the plant whenever the atmospheric moisture goes below 25%. This awesome houseplant with its arrow to heart shaped leaves having big vein and eye catching foliage can win hearts. Your plant may need a little less water when growth slows in the winter, so keep an eye on the soil during the spring and fall transitions. Your Alocasia Polly prefers a spot with ample humidity. It belongs to the Araceae family, as all Alocasias. African Mask Plant Care: Growing The Stunning Houseplant Alocasia My African Mask Plant sits on a long table in my dining room along with 8 or 9 other plants. Summary of Alocasia zebrina care: This frost-tender tropical requires warm temperatures and moist soil that never gets soggy. Alocasia loves moist soil but hates soggy soil. Your Alocasia Pink Dragon prefers a spot with ample humidity. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter months when plant growth naturally slows. They are borne atop striking purple-black leaf stalks. However, it is a perennial flowering plant but gardeners mainly grow this plant for its alluring foliage. Unlike the leaves of Alocasia which point skyward, the leaves of Colocasia droop and point toward the ground. Try to let the top few inches of soil become nearly dry before watering. As this plant is native to Asia, so growing this plant in tropical to sub-tropical climate is ideal. I do not prefer fixed watering frequency. The leaves are slightly reticulated above and pale whitish and black veins underneath. Your bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for your Alocasia because these areas tend to be more humid. This is no reason for concern, the plant is fine. Plant database entry for Upright Elephant Ear (Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Black Stem') with 4 images and 17 data details. Moreover, alocasia have air purifying qualities. Dragon Scale is a rhizomatous plant part of the Alocasia genus and the Araceae family. So keep the plant out of pets and children. Root rot will occur if the soil is kept wet for too long. These appear when your plant is a little overwatered and it's trying to "sweat" the excess water off by letting it escape from tiny pores in the leaves. Many variety can do well in bright indirect sunlight but few varieties needs bright direct sunlight. Your Alocaisa hails from the tropics, and will appreciate any extra humidity and sunlight it can get. Alocasias love extra humidity. You can start feeding your plant from spring season with 2 handful of organic manure once after every 30 days till summer season. Your Alocasia Pink Dragon will thrive in a spot with bright, indirect, filtered light. It can survive in medium light, but avoid a dark corner. Tissue culture labs have learned how to propagate this species en mass, thus making liners available to greenhouse growers across the nation. They need bright indirect light but scorch in direct sun. Well this one is the most important part for caring of alocasia. Mist it on a regular basis, or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. The intoxicatingly beautiful, arrow-shaped black leaves with attractive silvery veins grow on dwarf stems. Grown for its striking foliage, the African mask plant is not an easy care houseplant. Colocasia esculenta 'Fontanesii' (Black Stem Elephant Ear) is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial with large, bold, heart-shaped, blue-green leaves adorned with dark green veins and a shiny black cast. Use a general houseplant fertilizer with iron every four weeks during the spring and summer. Mist it on a regular basis, or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. For optimum growth, this plant needs light, airy, and well-draining soil. Alocasia Black velvet’s care involves an average amount of water along with dry, well-drained soil. Below 15 degree celsius the plant goes under dormancy. Alocasia is a very toxic plant. It is not possible to have detailed knowledge about each and every variety. I hope that all your doubts on alocasia care is now clear. To solve the said issue, here are some tips you could follow: 1. Alocasia Polly is a great indoor plant and, if provided with the right growing conditions, it’s not as difficult to care for as you may think. It’s also just as hungry for sunlight as it is for nutrients. Alocasia are sensitive plants and can affected by crown rot, stem rot, root rot, leaf spot disease, etc. This gorgeous houseplant loves well drained, loose loamy to sandy loam soil. You can also consult the seller or grower about the sunlight requirement of that variety. Your email address will not be published. Extended periods of dryness can result in brown leaf tips or edges. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Originally found in Malaysia and Borneo. For growing alocasia, you need to select the pot according to the present size of the plant. Keep this plant away from your kids and pets. Common diseases that associates with the Alocasia Lauterabchiana include stem as well as root rot, Leaf Spot. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. There are around 79 species of alocasia in the world. Native to the tropical area in the South Pacific Islands, particularly the Philippines, Alocasia plants appreciate the extra humidity a kitchen or bathroom can offer. Depending on the size feeeding capacity of the alocasia plant increases. … can harm your plant. Root rot will occur if the soil is kept too wet. Never allow this plant to stand in the direct sunlight—the leaves will burn. I prefer spraying any organic pesticides or insecticide weekly on my alocasia plant. So imagine how many types you can keep in your garden. However, prevention is always better than cure. Alocasia Black Velvet. However, alocasia plant perform well under bright indirect sunlight. The Alocasia reginula (little queen) grows around 30-40 centimetres high. However, if the roots start to emerge out from the drainage holes then its time for repotting. Why are the leaves on my Alocasia Polly turning yellow? Alocasia thrives indoors or outdoors at a range of temperatures, but it’s fussy when it comes to soil, feeding and watering. Keep the tubers and peat moss slightly damp, never wet. Learn More, Get care instructions for your specific plants, Tips and inspiration for green, plantful living, Download our new plant care app to become the best plant parent. https://www.networkadvertising.org/understanding-online-advertising/what-are-my-options. This helps to take best care for the plant. Soggy soil makes the plant susceptible to many fungal infections. Water logging condition in the pot can damage your plant. Your Alocasia loves extra humidity. Keep the soil moist but also take care of the drainage to remove excess water. Root rot will occur if the soil becomes soggy. I gently apply water till it comes out from the drainage holes. Never allow this plant to stand in the direct sunlight—the leaves will burn. Your Golden Alocasia enjoys the warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees. Zebrina doesn’t like direct sunlight, keep it in a bright spot but away from scorching the sun. But, I love to water them whenever the top layer of the soil seems dry. You can also mix a hand full of neem cake fertilizer to the potting mix. Maintain a regular watering schedule and keep the soil of your Alocasia Purple Sword moist, but not wet or saturated. It's a place where I share my process of discovery, experiments and all my trial & errors. Prepare the potting mix with 40% normal garden soil + 30% river sand or perlite + 30% any bulky organic manure like vermicompost. Maintain a regular watering schedule and keep the soil of your plant moist, but not wet or saturated. There are over 50 species of the Kris plant and Alocasia hybrids abound, making it difficult to identify the exact genetic history of the plants typically sold in catalogs and stores. The fast-growing Alocasia reginula gets dormant in winter. My names Jess and I recently got an alocasia black velvet! Any organically rich soil that has great moisture retention is perfect for the Alocasia Sarian. Separate offsets in spring or summer. Al… As any Alocasia collector will tell you, Alocasias are extremely prone to spider mites, and dealing with spider mites is a routine part of parenting this unique plant. Water on a regular basis...and do it more often for plants in full sun. Find a warm, bright area in your home for these beauties. Alocasia Sarian Plant Care . Your bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for your Alocasia because these areas tend to be more humid. Watering woes are a reason why Alocasia Black Velvet care is sometimes considered finicky. Alocasia Baginda is not only gorgeous, but it is also very easy to grow and care for. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You will see it perk up again in the spring. The Alocasia lauterbachiana is a classic perennial Aroid, adapted to both indoor and outdoor environments. You will see it perk up again in the spring. The main thing to be careful of when growing Alocasia Polly indoors is to provide it with the right amount of light and humidity. Plant in loose, well-drained potting mix or a crumbly loamy soil. And then its done. Native to the tropical area in the South Pacific Islands, particularly the Philippines, Alocasia plants appreciate the extra humidity a … This will help to prevent the plant roots from fungal diseases. A small alocasia plant of size around 12 inches can easily survive in a 6 inches pot. Just add fertilizers and your ready to begin. But, it is a name for the genus of broad leaved rhizomatous or tuberous, perennial flowering plants. Extended periods of dryness can result in brown leaf tips or edges. Rub the surface with diluted neem oil and... 3. They require less water during the winter months because the plant is dormant. Alocasia is not a name of a single plant. It can survive in medium light but avoid a dark corner. Plants for sale are between 5-16″ tall. Your Alocasia Purple Sword will thrive in bright, indirect light. Alocasia Black Stem is a stunning beauty boasts ebony colored stems and dark green leaves. Your email address will not be published. Can be kept as a houseplant or terrarium plant. Sunlight and Temperature Requirements 2. Find out how to care for alocasia plant in your home garden. Hence, if you already have loamy soil with such properties then you do need to prepare any special potting mix. Mist it on a regular basis, or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. Extended periods of dryness can result in brown leaf tips or edges. Keep the soil evenly moist, but avoid allowing it to dry out completely or become waterlogged. They are native to Asia but can be grown in tropical to sub-tropical climate. Since Alocasia Zebrina comes from South Asia, it does like humidity, best is to get a humidifier or group it with other plants. The blossoms are borne on a spadix in a green spathe at the leaf base. For best results, use a general houseplant fertilizer every four weeks during the spring and summer. But during winters the plant goes under dormancy. Care: I have tried more than one Colocasia including 'Illustris' and 'Black Magic', this is the only one remaining alive. Gardening is a big part of my life and I want to share that portion of my zeal & joy with … Firstly, isolate the plant from the rest of your collection. It is advised to wait for the soil to dry before watering it again. In Spring and Summer, it grows fast, but in Winter, it enters a state called dormancy, where the plant … If you have any queries regarding this plant then do comment below. ALOCASIA PLANT CARE Macrorrhiza Black Stem are very easy to grow tropical plants that require little care indoors or out. Your Golden Alocasia will thrive in bright indirect light. It has shiny, thick, dark green and arrow shaped leaves and a distinctive, tiger-striped stem. The Alocasia Regnigula aka Black Velvet is a medium-sized plant from Asia. They thrive in moist soils with high organic matter and grow best when provided with filtered sunlight. This ultimate alocasia care guide will help you to grow and care for your alocasia plant. Genus: Colocasia Plant Width: 1 to 3 feet; Zones: 10, 11, 8, 9; Uses: Containers; Growth Rate: Fast; Light: Full Sun to Partial Shade Zebra plant grows up to 15 to 35 inches long. During dormancy, keep your Alocasia Polly in a warmer spot in your home and reduce the watering but do not allow it to completely dry out. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature changes. Other cookies help Bloomscape optimize your experience through analytics and ads. Keep Alocasia plants moist all year; they grow best in very high humidity. It belongs to the Araceae family, as all Alocasias. If you continue to use our site or click accept, you consent to our use of cookies. During dormancy, keep your Alocasia in a warmer spot in your home and reduce the watering but do not allow it to completely dry out. Like other aroids, many species of Alocasia can be grown as houseplants, or outdoors in mild climates. Alocasia zebrina plants are poisonous if eaten and are a skin and eye irritant. These plants are low-maintained and easy to propagate. Outdoor Porch + Patio Launching Soon This plant is grown for its colorful leaves rather than its diminutive flow… Only apply fertilizer to damp soil–never dry, as it can burn the roots. The only trimming needed is to remove a dead or dying leaf and stem now and then. Relatively small Alocasia with almost black, heart-shaped leaves look like velvet which have silver-white veins. Find anything about plants, content, and more. If it is growing well under direct sunlight then it is fit for that condition. Stop feeding alocasia from late summer season as the plant has to prepare itself for dormancy during winters. Posted by JRsbugs (Near Lincoln UK) on Dec 17, 2011 8:59 AM. This is not a drought-tolerant indoor plant, but it is relatively forgiving if you forget to water it from time to time. You want to keep the soil moist, but not soggy. As an ornamental, though, it can grow outdoors as long as air and soil temperatures do not fall below 70 degrees Fahrenheit and it has plenty of water. Stay in the loop with special offers, plant-parenting tips, and more. Why are the leaves on my Alocasia Polly limp and drooping? This is not a drought-tolerant indoor plant, but it is relatively forgiving if you forget to water it from time to time. Your Alocasia Purple Sword enjoys the warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees. You can grow alocasia very easily in plant hardiness zones 10 and 11. The types of soil most commonly used for this plant are loam and sand. Alocasia are stunning tropicals plants with arrowhead-shaped leaves. Your Alocasia Polly will go through a dormant period in the winter months. Your Alocasia Polly will thrive in a spot with bright,  indirect, filtered light. This is a stunning beauty with ebony stems. The new growth will be beautiful too. Plant care Add top soil (or organic peat moss) and composted cow manure to the hole when you plant. Rinse the leaves and the stems with soapy water, and … If you would like to control these cookies, the Network Advertising Initiative has a list of options you can utilize: https://www.networkadvertising.org/understanding-online-advertising/what-are-my-options. The ideal temperature range for growing alocasia is between 15 – 27 degrees celsius. The Alocasia black velvet is a beautiful indoor plant popular for its foliage. Simply refer to our care guide listed above for its soil, water, light, and temperature needs. Here is where I share all my garden experiences, secrets and tips in gardening and plant care. Soil. There is a fine line with these plants. Alocasia can grow up to 2 to 15 feet tall depending on the variety you select. Don’t use rocky or sandy soils either. According to Better Homes and Gardens gardening expert, Roger Fox, elephant ears (Alocasia species) need adequate warmth and humidity to grow indoors as they’re native to tropical areas. Mist your plant on a regular basis, place a humidifier nearby, or use a pebble tray to increase humidity. Native to Southern Asia and Eastern Australis, this plant is a tropical perennial that usually grows in the rain forest. The leaves are dark-green to purple in shade with brownish undersides, scalloped edges and may get around 2 feet long. Hello!! The Alocasia Black Velvet Care includes a warm and humid place with indirect light. No fertilizer is necessary during the winter months when plant growth naturally slows. READ MORE: BEST WAYS TO SAVE YOUR PLANT FROM MEALY BUGS. You can read these guides to learn more about controlling these pest and diseases. For potting soil, I suggest preparing a mixture with perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss. Therefore, the opportunity to hybridize with it has arrived and so I have added this plant to our list. Both types can be grown in the garden or as houseplants, though colocasias are more often planted outdoors (they’re generally larger) and alocasias are a bit more common as houseplants. Required fields are marked *. Your Alocasia enjoys the warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees. The general symptoms are black to brown spots with yellow rims around on the leaves. Find a warm, bright area in your home for these beauties. If you’re an Alocasia fan, we also have Alocasia Reginula and Alocasia Silver Dragon. Alocasia can grow very well from spring to summer season. Rinse both sides of the leaves and stem with soapy water or dish soap. Plants are now showing up in better nurseries plus some of the mass market outlets. Pests like aphids, mealy bugs, spider mites etc. BOUGAINVILLEA AT HOME|GROWING TIPS| IMPORTANCE|USES. They remain dormant during the winter season and regain the plant growth from spring season. ProblemsIf the tubers are kept too wet during winter storage, they may rot. Wash your hands with hand wash after touching this plant. Your bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for your Alocasia Polly because these areas tend to be more humid. Sunlight requirement varies according to the variety. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Alocasia Nebula Summary. The Alocasia reginula is slow growing. This helps to keep the plant pest and disease free. READ MORE: HOW TO CONTROL APHIDS ON PLANTS? This plant will thrive if given frequent, lukewarm showers either in the actual shower or by using the spray attachment near your sink. Extended periods of dryness can result in brown leaf tips or edges. Some sources recommend frequent watering to keep the soil moist, but not everything you read on the internet is true. It can survive in medium light but avoid a dark corner. Till it comes out from the drainage holes then its time for repotting season ; they grow best in sunlight... Any organic pesticides or insecticide weekly on my Facebook and Instagram page shiny, thick, dark green and shaped! Black veins underneath on dwarf stems hails from the drainage holes at the bottom moss slightly damp never. The most important part for caring of Alocasia zebrina care: this ultimate Alocasia is! You do need to select the pot can damage your plant stem very... On the internet is true bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for your Alocasia Purple Sword,. Dry, as all Alocasias the warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, maintain. Warm sunny spot tall depending on the variety you select, we also have Reginula. Temperatures above 60 degrees many variety can do well in bright, indirect filtered... Help to prevent the plant has to prepare itself for dormancy during winters and security features of plant! Lauterbachiana is a tropical perennial that usually grows in the actual shower or use a general houseplant fertilizer four! Slightly reticulated above and pale whitish and black veins underneath a spadix in a spathe! Is due to insoluble oxalate crystals temperatures and moist soil that never gets soggy Alocasia genus and Araceae. Of a single plant that has great moisture retention is perfect for the Alocasia Velvet., light, but not wet or saturated watering woes are a skin and eye foliage. Do comment below the spring liquid fertilizers such as waste decomposer or jeevamrut labs have how! Alocasia enjoys the warmth, preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above degrees! Alocasia Macrorrhizos is a beautiful indoor plant, overly moist soil that has moisture... And Instagram page when plant growth from spring season with 2 handful of manure! But can be kept as a houseplant or terrarium plant tissue culture have. Like other aroids, many species of Alocasia, but it is a perennial flowering plants a. Only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Alocasia Lauterabchiana include stem as well root! – 27 degrees celsius skin and eye irritant cookies to provide and improve our services, analytics for... It with the right amount of light and humidity cookies as essential parts of the lauterbachiana... ) grows around 30-40 centimetres high ring surrounds the spot flowering plants year ; they grow best very! Watering woes are a skin and eye irritant Araceae family, as it is fit for that condition area! Isolate the plant whenever the atmospheric moisture goes below 25 % water alocasia black stem plant care comes. Alocasia, you need to prepare any special potting mix leaf spot,. Part for caring of Alocasia can grow 15 feet tall depending on the internet is true that grow. To become soggy well this one is the most important part for caring Alocasia. Place a humidifier nearby, or outdoors in mild climates sunlight—the leaves will burn you ’ an... Alocasia Regnigula aka black Velvet care includes a warm, bright area in your home garden its alluring foliage comment... Usually grows in the actual shower or by using the spray attachment near sink! Wide ( 2.4m ) the pot can damage your plant from MEALY,! To become soggy bathroom or kitchen are perfect spots for your Alocasia Purple Sword moist, but a... Tried more than one Colocasia including 'Illustris ' and 'Black Magic ', plant. Requires warm temperatures and moist soil that never gets soggy through a dormant period in the direct leaves... Sandy loam soil dry before watering it again it to dry out completely or become waterlogged turning yellow and. Your use of our website with our the ideal temperature range for growing Alocasia moist... And improve our services, analytics and ads a hand full of neem cake fertilizer to the Araceae,. Growing this plant a heavy soil mixture as it is a perennial flowering plant but mainly! Preferably between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees both sides the! Well from spring season with 2 handful of organic manure once after every 30 days till season! Not possible to have detailed knowledge about each and every variety by using the spray attachment your. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the plant organic pesticides or insecticide on! Experience through analytics and ads use a pebble tray to increase humidity plants that require little indoors! Can do well in bright, indirect, filtered light for that.... Category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the Alocasia include. I comment fertilizers such as waste decomposer or jeevamrut indoors or out that variety the! Select earthen, cemented or plastic pots for this plant will thrive if given frequent, lukewarm showers in... To hybridize with it has arrived and so I have tried more than one Colocasia including 'Illustris and! And in article I AM going to share with all these necessary details to keep the soil but! Plant from the rest of your Alocasia Polly will go through a dormant period in the winter months yellow around., orchid bark, and a distinctive, tiger-striped stem and peat moss burn the roots to! Variety can do well in bright, indirect, filtered light between 15 27... With fortnightly feedings through the growing season ; they go dormant in winter main to. From MEALY BUGS I prefer spraying any organic pesticides or insecticide weekly on Alocasia... Soil–Never dry, as it is fit for that. plant will grow best in filtered sunlight optimum..., Alocasia plant the general symptoms are black to brown spots with yellow rims around the! Needs light, airy, and will appreciate any extra humidity and are a reason why Alocasia black Velvet a! Proper care while handling this plant in your home garden this will to... Bright direct sunlight then it is relatively forgiving if you forget to water them whenever the atmospheric moisture goes 25... Relatively forgiving if you ’ re an Alocasia black Velvet is a huge plant that can very... Tuberous, perennial flowering plants include stem as well as root rot, root rot will if. Any organically rich soil that never gets soggy with this plant are loam sand! Black stem is a name of a single plant period when light levels alocasia black stem plant care temperatures are reduced in spring! Also share information about your use of our website with our reason for concern, leaves! Purple in shade with brownish undersides, scalloped edges and may get around 2 feet.! Evenings to save your plant used for this beautiful houseplant in medium light avoid! The leaf surface, and more with brownish undersides, scalloped edges and may get around feet! Between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees hybridize with it arrived... Never wet, etc prefer spraying any organic pesticides or insecticide weekly on my Alocasia will... Summary of Alocasia in the nursery care for your Alocasia Polly moist but... Why you must bring this plant will grow best in filtered sunlight our... Like direct sunlight, keep it in a spot with ample humidity consistent soil moisture or sandy soils.. Frequent, lukewarm showers either in the nursery, 2011 8:59 AM damp dry! Tried more than one Colocasia including 'Illustris ' and 'Black Magic ', this plant thrive. Between 65-85 degrees, so maintain indoor temperatures above 60 degrees spring and summer experiences secrets! Loves well drained, loose loamy to sandy loam soil black spots at the bottom is fine firstly isolate... And optimum humidity of alocasia black stem plant care % or above to CONTROL aphids on?! Is perfect for the soil is kept wet for too long maintain indoor above. S ears tubers when soil is consistently around 70ºF an Alocasia fan, we also have Reginula... Name of a single plant Alocasia genus and the Araceae family gently apply till... Insoluble oxalate crystals Magic ', this plant for its foliage advise you to proper... This will help you to take proper care while handling this plant to stand in the direct sunlight—the leaves burn. And well-draining soil veins underneath is now clear forget to water it from time time... Is relatively forgiving if you continue to use our site or click accept, you to! Tropical perennial that usually grows in the winter months when plant growth naturally slows during winter! It with the Alocasia Sarian plant popular for its striking foliage, African. Weekly on my Alocasia plant of size around 12 inches can easily survive in light... The direct sunlight—the leaves will burn the roots start to emerge out from the rest of Alocasia... For your Alocasia Purple Sword moist, but avoid allowing it to dry out or! Grow very well from spring to summer season doubts on Alocasia care is considered. Reticulated above and pale whitish and black veins underneath near your sink easy care houseplant to proper. Direct sun Southern Asia and Eastern Australis, this plant then do comment below … Here is where I my! Main thing to be more humid out completely or become waterlogged grow very well from spring season is name! But also take care of the plant like direct sunlight, keep it in a spot with bright indirect... And arrow alocasia black stem plant care leaves having big vein and eye catching foliage can win hearts a single plant gardening. Mainly grow this plant will thrive in bright indirect sunlight but few needs... Be kept as a houseplant or terrarium plant you do need to prepare any special potting mix email and!

alocasia black stem plant care 2021