Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’

Alocasia 'Chantrierii'

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' is a historic hybrid between Alocasia cuprea and Alocasia sanderiana. It grows as an upright rhizomatous Alocasia with metallic leaf surfaces, pale primary veins, and broad ovate-cordate blades carried on strong petioles.

The leaves combine sheen, clear venation, and a shaped margin in a way that makes the hybrid immediately distinct. Mature blades can show a softly undulating edge, with the pale midrib and lateral veins drawing attention across the darker metallic surface.

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' historic hybrid features

• Parentage: Alocasia cuprea × Alocasia sanderiana.
• Leaf surface: Metallic upper side with a pale midrib and pale primary lateral veins.
• Leaf shape: Ovate-cordate blades with posterior lobes and a sinuate to undulate margin.
• Growth habit: Upright rhizomatous plant that can build a broad, vigorous crown in a container.

Leaf form and cultivated history

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' originated from the Chantrier brothers’ nursery in Mortefontaine, France. Historical descriptions note its metallic upper leaf surface, whitish midrib and lateral veins, and shaped blade outline.

The hybrid background explains its firm texture, marked venation, and vigorous pot growth. Indoors, it grows best with steady warmth, filtered light, a humus-rich open substrate, and consistent moisture during active growth.

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' care and seasonal growth

• Light: Provide bright filtered light so the metallic leaf surface and pale venation develop clearly.
• Watering: Keep the substrate lightly moist in active growth, watering when the top layer begins to dry.
• Substrate: Use a rich airy mix with bark, perlite or pumice, coco fibre, and a modest humus-rich component.
• Pot size: Give the crown enough room to develop, while keeping the substrate fast-draining around the rhizome.
• Temperature: Keep the plant at 20–28 °C and keep the plant away from cold draughts and chilled root conditions.
• Humidity: Aim for at least 60% to support clean leaf expansion and reduce dry margins.
• Feeding: Feed monthly at reduced strength in active growth; pause feeding during a clear winter slowdown.
• Grooming: Remove fully yellowed leaves at the petiole base once they have finished ageing.
• Summer placement: Established plants can spend warm periods outdoors in sheltered shade when nights remain above 18 °C.

Leaf and root issues

• Yellow leaves with wet substrate: Check drainage and root firmness, then reduce water volume until growth is active again.
• Dry brown margins: Review humidity, watering consistency, and warm airflow around the shaped leaf edge.
• Long weak petioles: Increase filtered light gradually and rotate the pot for balanced growth.
• Leaf spots: Improve airflow around the crown and keep water from sitting on the leaf surface.

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' can become a substantial container plant under warm bright conditions. Mature plants may carry larger leaves and a fuller crown when the root system remains active through the growing season.

Safety around pets and children

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if ingested. Keep it away from pets and children, and wash hands after pruning or handling damaged tissue.

Name origin and botanical notes

Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family. The cultivar name refers to the Chantrier nursery, where this hybrid originated. The genus name is a New Latin alteration of Colocasia, another aroid genus.

Alocasia 'Chantrierii' brings metallic leaves, pale venation, shaped margins and historic hybrid background to an Alocasia collection.