{"product_id":"alocasia-melo","title":"Alocasia 'Melo'","description":"\u003cul class=\"tabs\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tab1\" class=\"active\"\u003eDescription\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tab2\"\u003eAlocasia 'Melo' Care Guide\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"#tab3\"\u003eFAQ\/Common Issues\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c!--Start tab content--\u003e\n\u003cul class=\"tabs-content\"\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"tab1\" class=\"active\"\u003e\n\u003cimg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Cactus_26a62e4c-2f57-4ecf-97de-fc345c4a381c_480x480.png?v=1600401339\" class=\"lazyload\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  Alocasia 'Melo' (Alocasia rugosa) is a rare jewel alocasia native to the tropical rainforests of Borneo, where it grows on the forest floor beneath a dense canopy. It belongs to the Araceae family and is one of the more sought-after compact alocasias among collectors for its unusually textured foliage.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Flower_a2da558c-5726-458a-a06c-1a5f7fedc366_480x480.png?v=1600397290\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  The leaves are thick, ovate, and deeply ridged, with a surface that looks almost like hammered stone or rough leather. Each leaf is a dark forest green on top with paler undersides, and the texture comes from the dramatically raised venation pressing up through the blade. 'Melo' stays compact, typically reaching around 12 to 18 inches tall, and the leaves themselves rarely exceed 6 to 8 inches in length.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Growing_2961efa3-9828-496c-8a2c-fa57f0dd8914_480x480.png?v=1600399365\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  Confirmed flower information for this cultivar is limited, but like other alocasias it can produce a small, spathe-type bloom under good conditions indoors. More consistently, 'Melo' draws attention through its leaf texture, which remains the primary visual trait year-round. It also holds onto its leaves through seasonal changes more steadily than many other alocasia species, though it can go dormant briefly in low-light winter conditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg alt=\"\" class=\"lazyloaded\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Lotus_07a2c657-f263-49f7-9bb9-69b9f3b0f4df_480x480.png?v=1600397267\" height=\"16\" width=\"16\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Lotus_07a2c657-f263-49f7-9bb9-69b9f3b0f4df_480x480.png?v=1600397267\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  Rotate 'Melo' every couple of weeks so each side of the plant receives even light exposure. It is sensitive to being moved to new spots, and the leaves may droop or drop temporarily after a location change. Because of its compact size, it fits well in a terrarium with high humidity, which suits its tropical origins. Cats, dogs, and small children should be kept away from it, as the sap causes skin and paw irritation, and the plant is harmful if ingested.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"tab2\"\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Sun_65296975-26d8-49a3-83b6-b7b0ed15ae73_480x480.png?v=1600397323\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Sun_65296975-26d8-49a3-83b6-b7b0ed15ae73_480x480.png?v=1600397323\" class=\"ls-is-cached lazyloaded\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  Alocasia 'Melo' grows best in bright indirect light, such as a few feet back from an east or north-facing window.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Water_d9b740b9-bfce-41c4-ae3e-16bf9678c77f_480x480.png?v=1600397177\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Water_d9b740b9-bfce-41c4-ae3e-16bf9678c77f_480x480.png?v=1600397177\" class=\"ls-is-cached lazyloaded\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  It needs watering roughly every 7 to 10 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between sessions.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Soil_40a149eb-9d43-4bf0-ac38-159c702c72f2_480x480.png?v=1600397158\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Soil_40a149eb-9d43-4bf0-ac38-159c702c72f2_480x480.png?v=1600397158\" class=\"ls-is-cached lazyloaded\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  'Melo' does best in a chunky, well-draining mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark in equal parts.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Temperature.png?v=1613688445\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 85°F and should be kept away from air conditioning vents and heating units.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" data-src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Fertilizer_5853ff19-6010-410a-a082-3abe233cb8d2_480x480.png?v=1600399297\" class=\"lazyload\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  'Melo' is a slow to moderate grower; feed it a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer only.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cimg height=\"16\" width=\"16\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Spackle_0b1c313b-e538-42e0-8818-7f0bdf63d530_480x480.png?v=1600397104\" alt=\"\"\u003e \u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e  It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, where frost is rare and temperatures stay above 30°F. It grows outdoors year-round in Hawaii, southern Florida, and southernmost coastal California. In other states, it is grown as an indoor plant and can be moved outside in a sheltered spot during summer months.\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli id=\"tab3\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eQ: Is Alocasia 'Melo' safe to keep around pets?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Cats and dogs should not be left to nibble or eat the plant, as the sap causes skin and paw irritation and it is harmful if ingested. Keep it on a high shelf or in a spot fully out of reach.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I know when this plant needs water?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Alocasia 'Melo' wilts slightly when the soil has been dry too long. Check the top inch of soil, and if the leaves have started to droop, water promptly and the plant should recover.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Why are 'Melo's leaves dropping after I moved it?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Leaf drop after a move is normal, as it is sensitive to being relocated. Give it a few weeks in its new spot without moving it again, and new growth should resume.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can this plant handle a south-facing window?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Direct sun from a south window will scorch 'Melo's leaves, causing brown patches or bleached areas on the surface. A few feet back from any south-facing window, or a position near an east-facing one, works better.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Does 'Melo' do well in a terrarium?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: Yes, a closed or semi-open terrarium suits it well because the enclosed space naturally maintains the high humidity it needs. Make sure there is still some airflow to prevent fungal issues.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQ: What humidity level does this plant need?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\nA: 'Melo' does best at 60% humidity or above. Placing it near a kitchen, running a small humidifier nearby, or grouping it with other plants all help raise the moisture level around the leaves.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"House Plant Dropship","offers":[{"title":"4\" Pot","offer_id":47189135818926,"sku":"4_ALOCASIA_MELO","price":39.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/2198\/4603\/files\/Alocasia_Melo_fd9298b0-bb30-4237-977f-778c25920613.png?v=1765866252","url":"https:\/\/succulentsbox.live\/products\/alocasia-melo","provider":"Succulents Box","version":"1.0","type":"link"}