Alocasia Frydek
Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek'
Also known as: Frydek, elephant's ear, Alocasia micholitziana
How do you care for an Alocasia Frydek?
Light: Bright, indirect light. Missouri Botanical Garden lists part shade or filtered sun. Water: Water freely from spring to autumn; cut back to a minimum in winter. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of their reach.
About Alocasia Frydek
Alocasia 'Frydek' is a velvet-leaved elephant's ear with narrow, arrow-shaped, dark green leaves, bright white veins and burgundy undersides. NC State Extension lists it as a cultivar of Alocasia micholitziana, while Missouri Botanical Garden describes it as a hybrid selection that reaches about 0.9 m (3 ft) tall and wide. The RHS recommends bright, indirect light, high humidity and a gritty houseplant compost for A. micholitziana, with watering cut to a minimum in winter and temperatures kept above 15 °C (59 °F). It is toxic to cats and dogs.
Alocasia Frydek quick facts
- Botanical name
- Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek'
- Family
- Araceae (arum family)
- Native to
- Garden selection; the genus Alocasia is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia
- Light
- Bright, indirect light. Missouri Botanical Garden lists part shade or filtered sun.
- Water
- Water freely from spring to autumn; cut back to a minimum in winter.
- Humidity and temperature
- High humidity, for example a tray of moist gravel. Keep above 15 °C (59 °F); Missouri Botanical Garden suggests a humid spot at 16–18 °C (60–65 °F) in winter.
- Size
- Up to 0.9 m (3 ft) tall with a similar spread.
- Pests
- Watch for spider mites, mealybugs and scale, especially indoors.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or summer.
- Cats and dogs
- Toxic. Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists insoluble calcium oxalates for Alocasia species, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. 'Frydek' is not listed separately. Source: ASPCA
Sources: Missouri Botanical Garden: Alocasia 'Frydek'; NC State Extension: Alocasia; RHS: Alocasia micholitziana; ASPCA: Alocasia
Alocasia Frydek guides
Alocasia Frydek care at a glance
- Light
- Medium to bright indirect. Tolerates lower light but grows best in medium to bright indirect light. Can get leggy without enough light. Grow lights: Thrives under artificial grow lights (LED or fluorescent, 10-12 hours/day). A great option if your space lacks natural light.
- Watering
- Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. Adjust with the seasons — less in winter, more in summer.
- Humidity
- Loves higher humidity (60%+). If your air is dry, group it with other plants, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier nearby.
- Temperature
- Standard room temperature (60-80°F / 15-27°C) is perfect. Avoid cold drafts and sudden temperature swings.
- Soil
- Needs well-draining soil — add perlite or orchid bark to a standard potting mix. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.
- Pets
- Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists insoluble calcium oxalates for Alocasia species, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. 'Frydek' is not listed separately.
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
Common Alocasia Frydek problems, answered
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Alocasia Frydek Drooping: Thirst, Wet Roots, or Cold?
A drooping Alocasia Frydek is usually short of water at the leaves: either the mix has dried out, or wet mix has damaged the roots so they cannot take water up. Cold, a sudden move, and leaning toward the light cause drooping too.
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Alocasia Frydek Yellow Leaves: Normal Turnover or a Problem?
One old Frydek leaf yellowing while new leaves come through is normal turnover. Several leaves yellowing at once points to wet or dry roots, too little light, cold, winter rest, or spider mites.
Questions about Alocasia Frydek
Is Alocasia Frydek toxic to cats and dogs?
Toxic to dogs and cats. The ASPCA lists insoluble calcium oxalates for Alocasia species, causing oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. 'Frydek' is not listed separately.
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