The exotic African mask plant, also called Alocasia amazonica, loves a moist tropical environment whether it’s outside or in a pot indoors.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
The African Mask Plant, also known as Alocasia or Kris Plant is a popular houseplant known for its broad arrow-shaped leaves. While these plants are commonly purchased already grown, it is possible to germinate and grow them from seeds at home. Here is a complete guide to African Mask seeds – from how to collect and store them, to germinating and sowing them for successful propagation.
Collecting and Storing African Mask Seeds
African Mask seeds must be collected when the plant flowers. The flowers consist of a spadix surrounded by a spathe, similar to peace lilies. After pollination, the spadix will be replaced by a cluster of red berries. Once ripe, these berries will contain the seeds.
To collect the seeds
-
Allow the berries to fully ripen on the plant before collecting them. Unripe berries will not contain viable seeds.
-
Gently remove the entire berry cluster from the plant once the berries are red and soft.
-
Mash the berries in a bowl to release the seeds from the pulp Rinse thoroughly under running water
-
Spread the cleaned seeds out on paper towels and allow to air dry for 1-2 days.
Once fully dried, the seeds can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Kept this way, African Mask seeds remain viable for up to a year. For best results, use fresh seeds within a few months. Old or improperly stored seeds may fail to germinate.
How to Germinate African Mask Seeds
African Mask seeds need warm, humid conditions to germinate. Here are some tips for successful germination:
-
Plant the seeds in sterile seed starting mix. This provides the right balance of drainage and moisture retention.
-
Sow the seeds close to the soil surface without burying them. A depth of 1/4 inch is sufficient.
-
Maintain a temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C). Lower temperatures will prevent or delay germination.
-
Keep the seed starting mix moist, but not soaked. Allow the top inch to dry out between waterings.
-
Enclose the seeds in a plastic bag or dome to keep the humidity very high.
Under these conditions, African Mask seeds will begin to germinate in 7-21 days. As soon as the seedlings emerge, remove the humidity dome to prevent damping off disease. Keep the seedlings under bright indirect light while they establish.
Transplanting and Growing On African Mask Seedlings
Once the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual containers. Use a well-draining potting mix amended with compost or worm castings. This will provide nutrients for the young plants.
Care for the seedlings as follows:
-
Water frequently to keep the soil evenly moist but not soaked. Lower leaves turning yellow is a sign of overwatering.
-
Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
-
Give bright, indirect light. Some early morning or late afternoon sun is beneficial.
-
Maintain warm temperatures between 70-80°F (21-27°C).
-
Increase humidity by misting the plants daily or setting their pots on pebble trays.
-
Repot into larger containers as needed to accommodate root growth.
With excellent care, African Mask plants grown from seed will mature enough for display within 8-12 months. At around 15 inches tall, they can be moved to their permanent indoor or outdoor locations.
Tips for Successful African Mask Seed Propagation
Here are some useful tips to help ensure success when propagating African Masks from seeds:
-
Collect seeds from the healthiest, most vigorous plants for the best viability rates.
-
Store seeds properly to preserve viability. Refrigeration in an airtight container works well.
-
Use fresh seeds within a few months for highest germination percentages. Discard seeds over a year old.
-
Provide very warm temperatures of at least 70°F for germination. This tropical plant thrives in heat.
-
Keep the seed starting mix sterile and moisture levels optimal for healthy seedling growth.
-
Give seedlings plenty of humidity, nutrients, and bright light right from the start.
-
Transplant into larger containers frequently to prevent the plants becoming rootbound.
While it requires some patience, growing African Mask plants from seeds is an extremely rewarding way to add these gorgeous houseplants to your collection. Follow these tips, and you’ll soon have a crop of beautiful, vibrant seedlings.
Quick African Mask Plant Facts:
- Botanical name – Alocasia amazonica
- Height – 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m)
- Spread – 1 to 2 feet (0.3 to 0.6 m)
- Sun exposure – Bright indirect, or filtered light
- Soil requirements – Rich, moist, well-drained
- Hardiness zones – 10 to 12
- When to plant – Anytime indoors, spring or early summer outdoors
African mask plant is Alocasia amazonica, one of many species in the genus of plants often commonly called elephant ear or elephant’s ear. Often used as a houseplant, African mask Alocasia is a tropical plant that survives outdoors only in summer in much of North America. Be aware that this plant and other varieties are highly toxic to humans and animals.
African Mask Plant Care
Alocasia amazonica care requires specific conditions. Because it comes from tropical regions of the globe, it is necessary to recreate important aspects of its natural environment in U.S. homes and gardens.
If you live in a zone that is warm enough, you can grow Alocasia outdoors in beds. If not, use it as an annual, bring it indoors for winter, or grow it as a houseplant.
Alocasias grow under taller plants in tropical conditions, so they do best in bright, indirect light or filtered partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage or fade leaf colors. A warm spot sheltered from wind and under a tree or other plants is ideal.
African mask has medium water needs. It prefers soil that stays evenly moist but not soggy. It will not tolerate conditions that are too dry. It will also not tolerate standing water, so the soil and bed or container should drain well. Reduce watering in winter.
Do not leave African mask plants outside when the temperatures dip below 60 or 65 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 18 Celsius). If growing the plant indoors as a houseplant, find a warm spot without cold drafts for this plant. Humid conditions are best, so use a pebble tray or spritz regularly with water.
Provide quality soil that is rich in organic material. If growing in a bed, dig compost or other material into the ground to enrich it. For potted plants, use a rich, soil-based mix. Non-soil mixes do not hold moisture. In terms of soil type, African mask is not particular and will tolerate different mixes as long as it drains well.
How to Take Care of Your African Mask Plant
FAQ
Where should I put my African mask plant?
How to propagate an African mask plant?
How often should I water an African mask plant?
How do you take care of African mask plants in the winter?
How to care for African mask plant?
Maintain the soil on the drier side but at the same time constantly humid. Make sure the soil is well drained and check the roots for signs of root rot regularly. Mist the plants regularly and dust the leaves. The best temperature for African mask plant is between 60 and 75 o F (15 to 25 o C).
Are African mask plants heavy feeders?
The African mask plant can be an especially heavy feeder during the spring and summer, but over-fertilizing it can cause its foliage to burn. Soil: The soil for the African mask plant should be well-draining and well-aerated. A loose combination of potting mix, perlite, and peat (or a peat alternative) should keep your African mask plant happy.
How do you propagate African mask plants?
The best way to propagate your African mask plant is by division. They do not produce viable seeds, and cannot be multiplied by the leaves alone. In the spring or summer, gently remove the plant from its pot and tease apart the roots. If necessary you can use a sharp, sterile knife to separate the rhizomes.
Can African mask plants be grown outside?
The African Mask Plantcan also be grown outside in ideal conditions. When grown indoors, it will grow smaller than if outdoors. Keep your African Mask Plant moist at all times. However, you must avoid the soil being too soggy and the plant sitting in water constantly, as well as allowing the soil to dry out completely.