The exotic African mask plant, also called Alocasia amazonica, loves a moist tropical environment whether it’s outside or in a pot indoors.
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The African Mask Plant scientifically known as Alocasia amazonica is an exotic houseplant admired for its uniquely shaped leaves and striking appearance. With its large, glossy leaves and prominent silver-white veining, it’s easy to focus on the above-ground attributes of this tropical plant. But what’s happening below the soil surface is equally fascinating. Understanding the anatomy and functions of the African Mask Plant’s roots and stems provides insight into how this rainforest native thrives.
A Look Underground: The Root System
The root system is the unsung hero of any plant playing a pivotal role in its growth, health and survival. For the African Mask Plant, the roots serve several crucial functions
Anchor and Support
The roots anchor the plant in the soil providing structural support to keep it upright as its large leaves unfurl. Sturdy roots counteract the weight of the top growth.
Absorb Water and Nutrients
Perhaps the most vital job of the roots is to take up water and dissolved nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium from the soil. The extensive network of fine feeder roots maximizes absorption of these essential elements.
Store Food and Energy
Another key function is storing carbohydrates and proteins manufactured during photosynthesis. These compounds provide energy reserves for future growth.
The Root Structure Up Close
The African Mask Plant has a fibrous root system composed of three main types of roots:
Primary Roots
The initial root that emerges when the plant germinates forms the taproot. It branches to form secondary roots. By maturity, the original taproot is hardly recognizable or relevant.
Secondary Roots
These are branches extending laterally from the primary taproot. They proliferate rapidly, effectively increasing the surface area for water and nutrient absorption.
Feeder Roots
These are the tiniest root hairs that develop from the secondary roots. They are primarily responsible for pulling water and dissolved minerals from the soil.
The bulk of the root system is concentrated in the top 6 to 12 inches of soil, where moisture and nutrients are most abundant. The roots continue growing laterally and branching to maximize access to resources.
What Lies Below: The African Mask Plant’s Underground Stem
While most of us are familiar with stems being the above-ground structures that support leaves and flowers, plants like the African Mask have a modified type of stem that grows underground called a rhizome.
This thick, horizontal rhizome has nodes from which new shoots and roots grow upward and downward. It serves as the energy bank that powers new growth.
Here’s an overview of key functions of the rhizome:
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Stores carbohydrates and proteins for future use
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Produces Auxiliary buds that generate new shoots
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Anchors the plant underground
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Allows rapid vegetative propagation through division
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Enables the plant to spread horizontally and expand its territory
Partnership Between Roots and Rhizome
The African Mask Plant’s root system and rhizome operate in tandem to facilitate growth. The extensive network of fibrous roots efficiently extracts soil nutrients and moisture. This fuels the rhizome’s food production through photosynthesis.
In turn, the energy-rich rhizome powers root growth and shoot regeneration. This mutually beneficial partnership enables the African Mask Plant to quickly establish itself and flourish in its environment.
Caring For The Underground Parts
Now that we’ve shed light on what lies beneath the soil, let’s explore tips for caring for these important foundational structures:
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Avoid overwatering – Too much moisture deprives roots of oxygen and promotes diseases.
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Use well-draining soil – Dense or soggy soil impedes healthy root function.
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Apply fertilizer judiciously – Excess salts from fertilizer damage tender feeder roots.
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Propagate by division – Splitting the rhizome propagates the plant while invigorating it.
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Repot before overcrowding – Restricted roots lead to stunted growth and decline.
While we marvel at the African Mask Plant’s striking leaves, never underestimate the hidden workhorses under the surface. Understanding the form and function of its roots and rhizome provides insights into properly caring for this exotic houseplant.
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.
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Good Alocasia amazonica plant care does require regular fertilization. This is a heavy feeder, and rich organic soil isn’t enough. Use a well-balanced fertilizer every month or a slow-release product every two months. You can stop fertilizing during winter.
African mask does not require a lot of pruning. Remove any faded or brown leaves by cutting them close to the soil or top of the corm.
You can propagate African mask plants by cuttings of stems in spring or by division in spring or summer. Some varieties have corms. When you pull them up, you will see small corms growing on the main structure. You can remove these to plant in another area. Rhizomatous varieties can simply be divided when pulled up in spring.
Plant Anatomy and Structure
FAQ
What kind of soil for African mask plants?
Do African mask plants like to be root bound?
How to propagate an African mask plant?
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).
What do African mask plants look like?
The arrow-shaped leaves can reach a meter or more in length and are in most cases intense green in color. Some species, although retaining the shape and size of the leaves, differ from others in the color of the leaves. Which can also be bronze, purple, and with very obvious dark or light veins. How Many Varieties Does African Mask Plant Have?
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.
Are African mask plants finicky?
Even with the ideal care, African mask plants can be finicky. The longer you grow them, the more likely you are to run into an issue or two. Here are my best tips for getting them back into good health. Yellow leaves on an African mask plant are typically caused by inconsistent watering.