Variegated Alocasia plants are one of the most sought after houseplants for tropical plant collectors and anyone who has an indoor garden. Maximalist Alocasias Variegated Alocasias, with their diverse and varied mottled leaves, their different leaf forms also provide a virtually unlimited plethora of pattern combos making way for minimalism houseplants to transform any space into lush exotic jungle.
But, variegated Alocasias are not just nice to look at they also have some very cool care conditions and fun facts about them. This all-encompassing guide will help you to understand, whether it being a begginer or foilage addicted veteran just like me on how to grow, care and enjoy the amazing lightshow of variegated Alocasia plants.
Let’s know the details!
Why Does My Alocasia Have Variegation?
Variegation: Mutates the leaves of plants to have varying coloured zones, both naturally and artificially. On Alocasia variegation, you typically see erratic clumps of it in the leaves or a marbled pattern with streaks running through causing white splotches and/or cream overtones on top of green.
Nature is relatively short of variegation in plants since having leaves with stripes makes a plant less effective at photosynthesis. Because the white part of leaves is not where chlorophyll is (thus unable to gather light), it cannot product energy from sunlight as does green tissue. It is what makes variegated plants more difficult to grow but also all the better for someone who would want a plant that not everyone else can easily have.
Top 15 Variegated Alocasia Varieties
With a defined set of variation, Alocasia differs by feature between types So here are a few of the most wanted variegated Alocasia types.
Alocasia Frydek Variegata: This is a type with big, velvety leaves having bold white or cream variegation that looks great on their sharp deep green backdrop. The Frydek Variegata is one of the most in-demand Alocasia varieties with collectors due to its distinctive patterning.
Known for its large, elephant-ear-shaped leaves, the Odora Variegata boasts a striking creamy white and dark green patching across each leaf. This plant also has large, tropical leaves making a great statement home.
Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata: This variety is a show-stopper with massive leaves full of irregular cream/ green varigation. The Macrorrhiza Variegata is also known as the “Giant Taro” because of its huge predaceous leaves and taro shaped appearance.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Variegata: This Alocasia has textured leaves looking like dragon scales. The foliage has more muted variegation but no less visual appeal with light green or white streaks gracing the dark green leaves and every leaf is well-veined.
Growing Variegated Alocasia Indoors
In addition to their attractive appearance, there are a few other advantages variegated Alocasia plants provide when grown indoors:
Alocasia air purification: Contribute to better indoor air quality by removing harmful gasses such as formaldehyde and benzene from the atmosphere. This makes it an excellent option to enhance indoor air quality, primarily in houses with little ventilation.
Variegated Alocasia: they are typically sense of aesthetic value in interior matters. Since they have such intricate leaf patterns with unique shapes, Frogskin plants also pair well as the finishing touches to any minimalist, tropical or boho-themed space.
Relaxation: Coming up with plants, Variegated Alocasias are generally recommended to help reduce stress as they have been scientifically proven to encourage relaxation in houses with their distinctive foliages. Their beauty and intricacy can bring a peaceful ambiance to your home or office.
Living Fossil: Alocasias are Millions of Years Old! This means that the Alocasia- type plant has been around since dinosours roamed the earth with a few Cretaceous fossil genera known. These ancient beginnings only add to the mystique of owning and caring for them.
Alocasia: A type of plant that is due to the large, ear-shaped leaves are often referred to as elephant ears. This is particularly applicable to the larger size like an Alocasia Macrorrhiza.
Toxicity: A crosthing fact about Alocasias is they are poisonous to pets and humans whether it consumed. The crystals of calcium oxalate present in the plant cause itching, swelling and on consumption choke. Remember to put them in places where you furry friends and kids can’t get near it.
Caring for Variegated Alocasia
Because variegation greatly reduces their capacity for photosynthesis, Variegated Alocasia plants are typically quite challenging to care for. But with some love and care, they can become full as well to show off their lovely leaves. Take good care of your variegated Alocasia-
- Light Requirements
Variegated Alocasia also requires bright indirect light to keep the across its leaves. Because their white or cream-colored parts of the leaves cannot photosynthesize, they need more light than a completely green plant. Remember not to expose it directly the light of day, as this burns and discoloration on leaves.
Your plant should be placed near a north or east-facing window and you can filter the direct sunlight with sheer curtains. Alocasia that is not receiving enough light may lose its variegation and produce smaller, weaker leaves.
- Watering
Alocasias want their soil moist all the time, and so they can die from root rot when over-watered. Water: Water thoroughly whenever the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. As most ultriciiscular cacti are winter growers, water less often during the growing season.
Pro Tip: Use a fast-draining potting mix and place your Group near the bottom of their container to keep water from pooling at it roots, leading to rot.
- Humidity and Temperature
Due to the fact that they are tropical plants, variegated Alocasias love high humidity levels. 60 – 70% is ideal for your plant. If the air is dry in your home, which might be particularly true during the winter go by spritzing water on vegetation or maybe adding a pebble pan with drinking water diffusing some extra moisture from and also even putting dehumidifier close to.
- Ideal Warm Temperature
65°F-80°F for Alocasias If it becomes too cold, the plant might shed some leaves make sure to not place them near drafts.
- Fertilizing
Use a balanced, water-soluble feed to promote healthy growth in your variegated Alocasia during the spring and summer. If the plant is still in leaf, a half-strength fertilizer should be fine every 4 – 6 weeks. Avoid over-fertilizing, which creates salts in the soil and can damage root system.
Alocasia Variegata Problems and Solutions
Variegated Alocasias are, after all also tropical plants that can be finicky when changes occur in their environment. Five Local Ranking Problems and ways to Solve Them
Yellowing Leaves: Theres a few issues if your Alocasia’s leaves are turning yellow, they could be overwatered or under watered or possibly not enough light. As long as a plant gives into the above mentioned criteria of having well-draining soil and access to proper light, you can tweak when giving water.
Pests: Alocasias can also be affected by pests including spider mites, mealybugs and aphids. Check the plant often, including under leaves If you see pests, treat immediately with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Variegation Loss: If your plant loses its variegation it might not be receiving enough light. Place it in a brighter spot without direct sunlight.
How to Divide a Cast Iron Plant?
Unpot the Parent Plant Carefully remove your Alocasia from its pot, and give it a little shake to free some of the dirt so you can see what’s going in under there.
Divide the Rhizomes: find parts of that have roots already growing and twist them apart. Each should contain at least one healthy leaf and a good length of root.
Report the Divisions: In a well-drained soil, plant each division immediately after and water softly once planted again put them in some warm damp space.
Take Care of the New Plants: Continue to care for them as mature Alocasia plants, keeping them in bright indirect light and watering consistently.
Conclusion
When it comes to Alocasia plants, variegated varieties are more than just beautiful houseplants: they’re living pieces of art that bring a little bit of the tropics indoors. While these may be high maintenance plants that you need to care for, in order the keep their variegation and have them thriving indoors as well, they absolutely are one of a kind-looking.
So, by giving them their perfect light and humidity with the correct maintenance you can have these tropical plants around for a long time.
Whether you love them for their elephant-ear shaped leaves, the uncommonness of their splashes and strikes or simply because they are an ancient species variegated Alocasias make a worthy investment in any indoor plant collection.
