Night-Scented Lily (Alocasia odora)

Also known as: Asian Taro

The plant in question could be the **Canna Lily (Canna spp.)**. This perennial features large, tropical leaves that can resemble elephant ears and blooms with peach-colored flowers during spring and summer. It thrives in hot and humid conditions, preferring ample sunlight or partial shade in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Night-Scented Lily

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

2 m

Spread

2 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

13 cm to 30 cm

Flower Color

Green Yellow White

Images of Night-Scented Lily

Quickly Identify Night-Scented Lily

Alocasia odora can be identified by its large, heart-shaped leaves with prominent veins. The leaves are typically glossy and dark green. The plant produces a white or light green spathe surrounding a yellowish-white spadix.

Scientific Classification of Night-Scented Lily

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Monocotyledons

Order

Water plantains and allies

Family

Arum

Genus

Elephant's-ears

Species

Night-Scented Lily

Planting and Growing of Night-Scented Lily

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

Once a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Night-Scented Lily?

For Alocasia odora, the ideal watering amount is approximately 250 ml per session. It's important to ensure that the soil is thoroughly moistened but not waterlogged. The root zone should feel evenly damp to the touch without excess water pooling at the bottom of the pot.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Night-Scented Lily? ›

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What are the symptoms of an overwatered Night-Scented Lily? ›

How to save an overwatered Night-Scented Lily? ›

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Night-Scented Lily?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 4 hours

Alocasia odora flourishes in partial sunlight, where it can receive dappled or filtered light akin to its native rainforest habitat. This promotes vibrant foliage and robust growth.

What kind of light does Alocasia odora need? ›

How to provide the ideal light for Alocasia odora? ›

What are the benefits of ideal light exposure for Alocasia odora? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Night-Scented Lily?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for growing Alocasia odora is between 65°F and 75°F. This temperature supports optimal growth, mimicking the tropical climates it naturally thrives in. Outside this range, plant health may begin to decline.

What Soil is Best for Night-Scented Lily?

Soil type: Sandy loam, Loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Alocasia odora thrives in soil rich in organic matter, which helps improve drainage and provides essential nutrients. Organic matter keeps the soil structure loose, allowing roots to expand easily and access water and nutrients efficiently. The plant requires well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which could lead to root rot. Soils with good drainage facilitate the flow of excess water away from the roots, maintaining appropriate moisture and oxygen levels vital for root health. A balance of water retention and drainage is critical. Alocasia odora benefits from soil that retains enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated but isn’t waterlogged. Maintaining this balance supports consistent growth and vibrant foliage. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Night-Scented Lily?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Alocasia odora, the generally recommended fertilization amount is half the strength suggested on the fertilizer's packaging. Carefully diluting the liquid fertilizer ensures the plant receives essential nutrients without the risk of burns to its roots. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Night-Scented Lily?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Inspect the plant regularly and trim any yellow, brown, or damaged leaves at the base. This not only keeps the plant looking tidy but also helps to redirect energy towards new growth. To encourage bushier growth, selectively prune healthier leaves just above the node. This will stimulate the plant to produce more leaves and prevent it from becoming leggy. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Night-Scented Lily plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

Begin by carefully removing the plant from its pot. Gently shake off excess soil to expose the root system. Ensure that the plant is healthy and select an area with multiple offsets or rhizomes for division.

Identify and separate the offsets or rhizomes from the main plant. Use a sharp knife or shears to make a clean cut. Each division should have at least one healthy leaf and a portion of the root system for successful propagation.

Place each division into a new pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure the rhizomes are covered with soil, and water the newly planted sections thoroughly to help them establish.

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How to Repot Night-Scented Lily plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Alocasia odora signals repotting needs through slower growth and roots protruding from drainage holes. It's best to repot it during active growth seasons, mainly spring and summer, to minimize stress and promote root establishment.

Select a pot that is 2-3 inches larger in diameter than the current one, with ample drainage holes. A slightly larger pot versus the current root system gives Alocasia room to grow without overwhelming it, preventing root rot and promoting healthy plant development.

Use a well-draining potting mix that includes perlite or orchid bark for aeration. This helps prevent soil compaction and enhances drainage, ensuring Alocasia's roots receive the necessary moisture and oxygen balance for robust growth.

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Toxicity of Night-Scented Lily

Is Night-Scented Lily toxic to humans?

The Night-Scented Lily is a toxic plant that can be deadly if consumed. It is also known to trigger moderate skin irritation upon contact. Every part of this plant, including its milky sap, is toxic, with the most potent poisons found mainly in the leaves and stems. The presence of calcium oxalates in the plant can lead to various health complications, including the development of kidney stones. When ingested, these calcium oxalates can result in speech difficulties, along with intense burning, numbness, and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips. Additionally, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal distress, such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and abdominal cramps. Contact with the sap can provoke mild to severe skin irritation characterized by redness, rashes, itching, blisters, a burning sensation, and pain. Individuals suffering from conditions like rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones, and hyperacidity should exercise particular caution when handling this plant.

Is Night-Scented Lily toxic to cat?

The Night-Scented Lily is a hazardous plant for cats. If a cat unintentionally consumes any portion of the Night-Scented Lily, it may result in poisoning since the complete plant is toxic when ingested. The signs of poisoning can present in a variety of symptoms, reflecting physical unease or sickness. Initial symptoms may not always be clearly defined, but a cat might show general indications of pain and discomfort. Pet owners who believe their cat has been poisoned by the Night-Scented Lily should urgently seek veterinary assistance at a qualified animal hospital to manage the poisoning.

Is Night-Scented Lily toxic to dog?

The Night-Scented Lily is recognized as a toxic species for dogs. Any ingestion of this plant by dogs poses a poisoning risk, as every part of the Night-Scented Lily is deemed toxic. When a dog ingests any portion of this plant, it may show signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, excessive drooling, pawing at its mouth due to irritation, and trouble swallowing. In more severe instances, consumption can result in more critical symptoms necessitating urgent veterinary care. It is vital for pet owners to ensure their dogs do not have access to the Night-Scented Lily and to promptly seek veterinary attention if poisoning is suspected.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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