air plant squid Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Flying Squid' – Foliage Factory

air plant squid Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Flying Squid' – Foliage FactoryAlocasia macrorrhizos 'Flying Squid' Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Flying Squid' is a compact dwarf form with narrow upright petioles and tiny spear like leaf tips. The plant forms a small base with thin upright stalks. The reduced leaves are the normal growth form of this cultivar. 'Flying Squid' produces slim petioles that finish in small pointed tips or narrow pieces of leaf tissue. Small blades and slower water use Because the leaf surface is reduced,

Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Flying Squid'

Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Flying Squid' is a compact dwarf form with narrow upright petioles and tiny spear-like leaf tips. The plant forms a small base with thin upright stalks.

The reduced leaves are the normal growth form of this cultivar. 'Flying Squid' produces slim petioles that finish in small pointed tips or narrow pieces of leaf tissue.

Small blades and slower water use

Because the leaf surface is reduced, the plant uses water more slowly than broad-leaved Alocasia macrorrhizos forms. A pot that is too large can stay wet around the roots for too long, especially in cooler conditions or lower light.

New growth often appears as a fine spear before the petiole finishes extending. A settled plant may carry several slim upright petioles at once.

• Leaf form: tiny spear-like tips or strongly reduced blades.
• Petioles: thin, upright and slightly outward-arching.
• Base: compact, with narrow growth above the substrate.
• Water use: slower than broad-leaved giant taro forms.
• Care: warm roots, bright filtered light and a snug pot.

From the 'Plumbea' line

'Flying Squid' comes from the Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Plumbea' line, an old cultivated line of giant taro. This compact form has been grown since the late 2010s. It keeps the warm-rooted behaviour of the species in a much smaller plant.

Snug-pot care for 'Flying Squid'

• Pot size: Keep the pot close to the root mass. A snug pot helps the substrate dry more evenly.
• Watering: Let the pot lighten before watering again. Reduced leaves mean slower drying.
• Light: Give bright indirect light or soft filtered morning sun so new petioles rise firmly.
• Substrate: Use an open mix with bark, coco husk, perlite or mineral granules.
• Temperature: Keep the root area warm and stable. Cold damp mix quickly weakens this form.
• Humidity: Moderate to high humidity helps tiny leaf tips avoid drying.
• Feeding: Feed lightly during a growth phase. The small root system handles gentle nutrition best.
• Handling: Let soft new petioles firm up before moving the plant or working around the base.
• Mineral growing: Use mild nutrients and steady warmth while the plant adjusts to inert mineral or semi-hydro growing.

Base-level stress signs

• Soft petioles: Check root warmth, pot weight and recent watering.
• Yellowing stalks: Inspect the lower substrate and root condition.
• Dry spear tips: Review humidity, heat and fertiliser salt build-up.
• Leaning growth: Rotate gradually and keep light even around the pot.
• Very slow growth: Improve warmth and light before increasing water or fertiliser.
• Pests: Mealybugs, mites and thrips can hide around petiole bases and tiny leaf tips.

Division, flowering and safety

Propagate by division, offsets or firm rhizome sections during a clear growth phase. Small divisions need warmth, a modest pot and an open substrate while roots re-establish. Mature plants can flower with a spathe and spadix; indoors, its narrow petioles and tiny leaf tips define the plant.

The name 'Flying Squid' comes from the thin upright petioles and tiny pointed tips. The plant contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it away from pets and young children and wear gloves when dividing or cutting.

Keep it warm and bright in a snug pot; the narrow petioles weaken quickly in cold, wet mix.