Variegated Alocasia, also called Elephant Ear, is an amazing plant to have in your garden indoors. The enormous foliage of macrorrhiza Alocasia is splattered with hues that range from deep shades of green to pure white, making an appealing focal point wherever it is utilized.
This massive plant is low maintenance as an added benefit.
| Scientific Name | Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’ |
| Common Name | Elephant Ear |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Watering | Each week, water if the top portion of soil dry. |
| Temperature | 65deg to 80degF (18 to 27oC) |
| Hardiness Zone | 10-11 |
| Humidity | 60-80% |
| Soil Type | Rich, quick-draining, loamy |
| Soil pH | 5.6-7 (mildly acidic and neutral) |
| Fertilizing | A balanced diet twice each month during summer and spring |
| Repotting | Each year |
| Pruning | Take away dead leaves when they appear |
| Propagation | Seed, offsets or cuttings |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans alike. |
| Mature Size | 12-15 feet for houseplants |
| Bloom Time | Rarely do we see flowers |
What’s Unique About Variegated Alocasia?
Alocasia Variegated Alocasia plant is indigenous to tropical rainforests of the South Pacific.
Its huge leaves flecked with white and green have resulted in it receiving the popular term Elephant Ear.
It could also expand to a size that can reach fifteen feet high and 6 feet wide. Make sure you’ve got enough room to allow it to grow.
Since these plants can be toxic to animals and humans, It is recommended to take precautions for households with children and pets.
But, the growing Variegated Alocasia will create a fresh, tropical atmosphere in your home and is well worth the effort.
Variegated Alocasia Care And Guide
Variegated Alocasia plant care gives it conditions similar to the rainforests from which it comes.
To get the most effective Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata treatment, you must plant this massive plant in indirect but bright sunlight, with warm temperatures with high humidity. Maintain the soil moist but not completely wet.
Light Requirements
In the tropical forests of the South Pacific, Variegated Alocasia plants flourish under their shade in the shadow of the trees.
If you live in a home, you can achieve the Variegated Alocasia lighting requirements of between 10,000 and 10,000 lux to 20,000 Lux.
Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata’s light requirements can be met by placing them in an east or north-facing window with exposure to morning sunlight.
Be sure to keep them away from the direct sunlight that shines through west and south-facing windows. The intense light of the afternoon can burn the leaves and seriously harm the plant.
You can shade your variegated Alocasia from direct sunlight with an elongated curtain if you need to.
Watering
Variegated Alocasia prefers being cultivated in constantly damp soil without being overly filled with water.
Variegated Alocasia irrigation should be performed only after the upper inch or so in the soil has dried to the point of contact. Intentionally soaking the soil can encourage the growth of pests and diseases.
However, If you allow the soil to dry for too long, the stunning foliage of Variegated Alocasia is likely to fall.
To make water Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata Add water to the pot until the excess is drained from the bottom. Make sure not to let the pot stand in the water.
The low maintenance requirements for watering are an important reason why the Variegated Alocasia is relatively simple to cultivate.
Temperature
As with all tropical plants, Alocasia, like all tropical plants, is variegated. Alocasia is most productive in warmer temperatures.
The most efficient variation of the Alocasia temperatures ranges from between 65 and 80degF (18 up to 27oC).
Fortunately, the lower limits of the optimal temperature of Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata are similar to that of the typical home.
Ensure that you keep your variegated Alocasia far from cold blasts of air conditioners or fans since they have a restricted tolerance to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10degC).
You can move your Alocasia Variegated outdoors during the summer heat. Return them indoors before temperatures drop, as they’re not frost-hardy.
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Variegated Alocasia Humidity
Tropical rainforests are humid, and it’s no surprise that the Variegated Alocasia humidity requirements are on the hot side.
The optimal humidity level for Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata is 60-80%.
High humidity isn’t sustainable or even desirable within your home. It is necessary to figure out methods to create more humidity for your Variegated Acasia.
Collect all your plants that need humid conditions, and then invest in a humidifier to bring humidity to the air within the vicinity.
It is also possible to place pebbled pots under the pot of your Variegated Alocas and then fill it up with water. Be sure to ensure that the pebbles can keep the pot’s lower part higher than the water level.
Soil
Variegated Alocasia soil should be able to keep moisture in and at the same time be able to drain well, preventing it from getting too wet. This can help prevent fungal diseases, such as root rot.
The optimal pH level for Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata is between 5.6-7, which is mildly pH-neutral to acidic.
Find the perfect soil suitable for Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata by mixing equal parts of orchard bark, peat moss, perlite, and compost. The soil mix will drain well and supply organic material to help your Variegated Alocasia thrive.
Coco coir can be a great alternative to peat moss, which is more eco-friendly.
Fertilizer
The huge leaf of Variegated Alocasia will develop the best when they are fed regularly.
The most effective fertilizer ratio is one that is balanced 10-10-10-10 or 5-5-7-5.
Any liquid fertilizer used indoors is best diluted to half the recommended strength.
Apply this fertilizer to Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata twice a week throughout the spring and summer growing seasons.
Fertilize the soil after watering it thoroughly to ensure an even dispersion to your roots. The nutrients will flow across the entire area if the soil becomes not moist.
There is no need to apply Variegated Alocasia fertilizer during the winter and fall as the plant goes into dormancy.
Potting & Repotting
Variegated Alocasia Repotting is recommended each year.
Once it’s done, it will be possible to notice roots sprouting out of the drainage holes or notice it is filling the soil.
It is best not to make the pot larger when repotting Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata. Anything greater than a couple of inches more in diameter will cause the growth rate of your Variegated Alocasia in a downward direction.
If you want to repot your Variegated Alocasia plant, use fresh potting mix in a container with good drainage holes.
After taking the roots ball out of its container, gently pull off the tiny new plants that have sprung up around the edges. Then, you can put it up in a separate pot.
Variegated Alocasia Pruning
The Variegated Alocasia prune is generally only required when the leaves have died or are damaged.
Although Variegated Alocasia is a tropical evergreen plant, its particular leaves only have a comparatively short duration of about a month.
When a leaf dies, it is essential to cut them to prevent the growth of diseases and keep your Alocasia variegated looking the best it can.
For cutting Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata leaf stems, use a sharp sterilized knife or scissors. Cut the leaf stem within a few inches of the soil’s surface.
Don’t leave the cut plant material on top of your soil.
Variegated Alocasia Propagation
Variegated Alocasia propagation is possible in many different methods.
The most efficient method to propagate Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata is to do so by splitting the plant after potting it. Simply pull away the offsets that will form within the plant and place each in its pot.
If you’re not yet ready to plant, you can still take cuttings of the stem and plant them in soil or water. Make sure to do this during the busy growth season in spring and summer to get the best results.
If you happen to see your own Variegated Alocasia flower, once the seeds are mature, you can begin to plant the seeds. But, the chances of germination are very low, and it could take some time to allow the plants to reach a colossal size.
Common Problems of Variegated Alocasia
Variegated Alocasia issues are generally caused by not providing it with the proper growth conditions.
To avoid problems caused by Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata, be aware of aspects like temperatures, watering, and humidity.
It is recommended to check the leaves at least once a week or every other time you water to spot issues early before major damages occur.
Pests
Variegated Alocasia pests comprise the majority of insects that are known to attack houseplants.
Spider mites are among bug species that are most likely that you will be found within your Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata.
Be on the lookout for small yellow or white spots on leaves. They can be eradicated by applying neem oil on the leaves.
If you see tiny bits made of cotton on the bottom of leaves, then you’ve got mealy bugs. Utilize a cotton ball submerged in rubbing alcohol to get rid of and eliminate the bugs and their eggs.
It is possible to stop the problem in the beginning by wiping the leaves on both sides using the oil of neem or detergent and water mixture. Every few weeks, do this to prevent bugs from forming.
Diseases
The best method to stop Variegated Alocasia illnesses from forming is to keep the soil from becoming filled with water.
If stems and leaves start becoming yellow and mushy, you likely have root rot symptoms. Take the plant out of its pot, and remove all roots that have turned black and affected leaves. Replant the plant in a new pot of soil, and reduce the watering you give it in the future.
If your leaves show brown blotches that change to black, then your Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata suffers from Xanthomonas Bacterial Leaf Spot. Take out the affected stems and leaves, and apply a bacterial spray to prevent the spread.
Growing Problems
The majority of Variegated Alocasia issues are solved through adjusting the surroundings. If you suspect you have an illness, check out what changes in growing conditions could do.
If your variegated Alocasia’s leaves are wrinkling or have edges that appear brownish, the soil could be too dry or could be receiving too much sun.
When the leaves tips turn brown, the humidity isn’t sufficient. Make sure you increase the humidity levels of the Variegated Alocasia.
Yellowing leaves may result from cold tap water or water containing chlorine or fluoride to feed your Variegated Alocasia. If you cannot get distillate water, let the tap water stand overnight to cool to ambient temperature, and then allow the chemicals to dissipate.
Toxicity of Variegated Alocasia
Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata can be toxic to animals and humans alike. The plant’s entire parts contain enough calcium oxalate, which can cause serious health problems for humans and pets.
It is interesting to note that the toxicity goes away after the plant is cooked. The roots, known as”taro,” are a widely consumed food item in many regions around the globe.
For Humans
Variegated Alocasia can be harmful to humans.
Children tend to be more likely to consume some of the leaves because their curiosity may cause them to try the taste.
If they’ve had a small amount of food and they’re not likely to be a victim of a severe reaction, however, if their tongue or mouth swells or they are having difficulty breathing, seek urgent help immediately.
The sap from Variegated Alocasia may cause skin irritation, and should it get into the eyes, it could irritate for several hours.
Cleanse the skin that is exposed with water and soap. You can also apply a topical cream when a rash appears.
For Pets
Variegated Alocasia is a pet hazard. It is difficult to know how severely it affects them.
If you think your dog or cat may have eaten Variegated Alocasia leaves, keep an eye out for signs of vomiting, excessive drooling, or wheezing.
When any signs appear, you should take them to the vet for immediate veterinary treatment.
If you wish to keep pets and an elephant ear plant, it is ideal that you keep the plant out of the reach of animals. While it’s not recommended to be planted in a pot hanging from the ceiling, it is possible to create a fence around the plant’s base to prevent it from being accessed.
Variegated Alocasia Appearance
Its Variegated Alocasia look is stunning in both size and color.
The huge leaves, with their variegated colors and their huge height and width, will dominate any area where it is placed. Be sure to give it enough room to expand out and up when it grows slowly to its maximum size over the next 10 years.
Foliage
The breathtaking vegetation that is Variegated Alocasia is the primary attraction.
Each leaf could be up to 3 feet in length if a plant is mature. They come in an arrow-like or shield-shaped shape, and the edges are ruffled. The leaves are released each week or two during its growing season, between summer and spring.
The leaves with variegated colors are a random pattern with shades that range from dark green to white across both edges. Each leaf is borne from an upright, stiff stem and arcs out elegantly.
The leathery, thick leaves are glossy that can be maintained by wiping them frequently to prevent dust from building up.
Flowering
Variegated Alocasia flowering may occur after the plants reach their full size and will require years to mature.
The best chance is to witness an Alocasia macrorrhiza Variegata bloom in the late spring or early summer when the plants are most active.
Flowers aren’t very attractive, composed of an uncolored spathe or a green spathe wrapped in a creamy white spadix.
The flowering period is five days. They develop red fruit and plant seeds. The fruit is poisonous.
Certain growers take the blooms before they bloom to concentrate the plant’s efforts on leaf growth. But, they release a pleasant scent that you might want to take in.
Size and Growth
The dimension of Variegated Alocasia is among its most spectacular aspects.
It is a slow growth rate, which takes about 10-15 years before it reaches its maximum size of between 12 and 15 feet, as well as a width of 4-6 feet.
These stiff, stout stems from variegated Alocasia don’t require stakes to ensure its sturdy vertical growth.
It is important to be sure to take into consideration the size and maturity of Variegated Alocasia into consideration before deciding whether to put it into your home.
But, you could always take the offsets off the parent plant and plant them in pots to create an older plant. Public institutions with bigger areas, like libraries or retirement homes, might be willing to receive the donation of the more substantial Variegated Alocasia.
Variegated Alocasia Fragrance
Variegated Alocasia flowers emit a pleasant aroma, but you need to wait for the plant to grow to its full size to appreciate it.
The leaves do not emit any scent. This makes it an excellent plant for public areas that do not allow scents like retirement homes or other medical establishments.
Think about the variegated Alocasia scent as an option when you have the patience and space to let the plant develop to maturity. If you’re sensitive to the smell, You can eliminate it by cutting off the blooms before they begin to flower.
If not, take pleasure in the fragrance of flowers during the short flowering time between late spring and early summer.
Suggested Uses for Variegated Alocasia
Whatever you decide to do in the garden, a Variegated Alocasia will undoubtedly be the main attraction of the show due to its size and beautiful appearance of its variegated foliage. It’s the ideal centerpiece for a tropical garden.
Finding a place for it indoors isn’t easy because of its massive size when it reaches maturity. But, if you’ve got cathedral ceilings at least 12 feet tall, then you shouldn’t have any problems achieving it.
Smaller spaces like the city’s apartments could become overwhelmed by a variegated Alocasia in a couple of years of growth. However, it’s possible to plant offsets and maintain an annual cycle of young plants.
FAQ
What is Variegated Alocasia?
Variegated Alocasia is an exotic plant native to the South Pacific rainforests. It is usually planted as a houseplant in temperate climates or outdoors within zones of 10 or over.
How can you tell if there is a variant of Alocasia?
Variegated Alocasia is characterized by large, arrow-shaped leaves that have different shades between dark green and white. They grow on rigidly tall stems. In mature plants, the leaves may be as long as 3 feet.
How do you care for Variegated Alocasia?
Variegated Alocasia should be planted in indirect, bright light in warm temperatures that have high humidity. Ensure the soil is constantly moist and fertilized frequently during the growing season.
How do I cultivate Variegated Alocasia indoors?
Variegated Alocasia can be grown indoors in mild climates. Plant it in the full sun and regular contact with water. In addition, you can provide humidity to ensure the leaves are healthy.
How can I cultivate Variegated Alocasia outside?
Alocasia variegated Alocasia can be planted outdoors all year round in zones 10 and 11. In zones with temperate climates, plants can be moved to a shaded patio during the summer heat.
How do you speed up Variegated Alocasia increase?
Variegated Alocasia is slow to reach the size of its maturity. It could take 10 years to reach its full size when it flowers.
How tall can Variegated Alocasia increase?
Indoors, Variegated Alocasia may reach 12-15 feet and up to 4 to 6 feet wide. If you don’t have enough room for a mature plant, you can swap it out for a young plant.
How do I create Variegated Alocasia to grow faster?
Variegated Alocasia can grow rapidly when it has the ideal conditions for growth, which include direct, bright light warm temperatures, warm temperatures, high humidity, and regular fertilization.
How do you stake the Variegated Alocasia?
Variegated Alocasia doesn’t usually require stakes to develop in a straight line. Bamboo poles can be used as a pole to encourage vertical growth in the event the plant begins to become lean.
How to pot Variegated Alocasia?
Variegated Alocasia is best cultivated in a non-porous container with adequate drainage holes. Choose a dense, porous soil mix that allows the excess water to drain quickly.
How do I revitalize Variegated Alocasia?
If it’s too dry, make sure all soil is humidified. It is important to water it slowly and steadily to allow the soil to soak up the water but not run across.
Why do my Variegated Alocasias die?
Your Alocasia Variegated could suffer from root decay or fungal disease affecting the leaves. Find the cause and remove the affected areas before placing them back in fresh soil.
What is the reason my Variegated Alocasia getting droopy?
It is possible that your Variegated Alocasia’s soil could appear dry or wet. Water it well, or pull it out of the soil that has been soaked and plant it in a new soil mix that is porous and pliable.
How cold does Variegated Alocasia be able to stand?
Variegated Alocasia grows poorly when temperatures are below 50degF (10degC). Temperatures higher than 32 degrees (0degC) can end their life. It should be maintained between 65deg and 80degF (18 to 27oC).
How do you remove pests from Variegated Alocasia?
Variegated Alocasia can be susceptible to pests common to the area, including mealybugs and spider mites. Regularly cleaning leaves with soap and water solution will keep the pests out.
Can Variegated Alocasia be harmful to cats?
Variegated Alocasia indeed causes cat poisoning. If your cat is vomiting, drooling, or wheezing, you should take them to the vet immediately. Keep your plant away from the reach of your cat to avoid this happening.
Is Variegated Alocasia harmful to dogs?
Variegated Alocasia may indeed be harmful to dogs. If your pet is vomiting or wheezing, and you believe he’s consumed some of the leaves, go to the vet as soon as possible.
Are the effects of Variegated Alocasia harmful to children?
Yes, Variegated Alocasia is harmful to children if your child is suffering from an enlarged tongue or mouth and is having difficulty breathing go straight to an emergency room.
Is Variegated Alocasia poisonous to humans?
Yes, Variegated Alocasia can be harmful to humans. The sap may be painful when it is in your eyes or cause irritation to the skin. If exposed to the area, wash it using cold water.
Does Variegated Acasia have any scent?
Variegated Alocasia flowers possess an appealing scent. However, they only appear on mature plants in the late spring and early summer. Its leaves Variegated Alocasia do not smell.
Are variegated Alocasia rare?
This is why the Variegated Alocasia (Macrorrhiza Variegata) is one of the extremely uncommon Elephant ear plants and differs from the common. The enormous leaflets, which are sculpted thickly, are held on robust stems.
Why are variegated plants so expensive?
Differentiated Monstera plants are pricey because of their rareness. The marbled or half-moon appearance is due to an alteration in the formation of chlorophyll. The size and pattern of variegation in Monstera Monstera could range between $100 and a few thousand dollars.
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