About
Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata' is a vigorous, evergreen perennial that can reach heights of up to 4 meters. It features sturdy, erect stems and elongated, arrow-shaped leaves with wavy margins. The foliage is primarily dark green, accented by lighter green veins and variegated patterns of ivory and grey-green. The leaf blades can grow as long as 1.2 meters and are supported by equally long petioles. This plant produces yellow-green flower bracts that can measure up to 35 centimeters in length, and it may flower throughout the year.
About the genus
Alocasia consists of sturdy, evergreen perennials that develop rhizomes or tubers. They feature large, typically peltate leaves marked by prominent veins. While their flowers are somewhat inconspicuous, they can give rise to orange-red fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 2.5-4 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 15°C. See Alocasia for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division in spring or summer. Propagate by stem cuttings in spring
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free