Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Splash’ (‘Camouflage’)

Identity and natural origin of Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Splash’ (‘Camouflage’)

‘Splash’, also known as ‘Camouflage’, is a variegated form of Alocasia macrorrhizos. The species grows naturally in island Southeast Asia, New Guinea, the south-western Pacific and northern Queensland, all warm regions with generous rainfall.

Growing Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Splash’ (‘Camouflage’)

• Light: Keep it in a bright position out of prolonged hot sun and introduce stronger sun gradually.
• Watering: During active growth, let the upper part of the mix begin to dry, then water before the potting mix dries all the way through. Water until excess runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, then empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Potting mix: Use a fertile, loose mix that holds some moisture while draining freely and staying airy after watering.
• Temperature: Keep it around 20–28 °C and away from cold windows or draughts. Move it away from cooler spots before temperatures fall below 15 °C.
• Humidity: Alocasia does best with medium to high humidity. Keep it in a bright spot away from heaters and air-conditioning. If the air is dry, place it near other houseplants that like similar conditions, leaving space between the leaves, or use a clean humidifier.

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Splash’ (‘Camouflage’): what to check

• Yellowing spreads into areas that are normally green: First work out whether the root ball has become too dry or is remaining wet for too long. If the root ball is dry throughout, water it thoroughly. When the mix is already wet and the plant is declining, examine the roots instead. If watering seems normal, check whether the plant has recently had less light or a change in temperature.
• The plant starts drooping after repotting and the fresh mix stays wet: Avoid adding more water simply because the foliage is drooping. Compare the size of the root system with the new container. If there is far more wet mix than roots, move the plant into a smaller pot and keep all firm roots intact.
• New growth opens with rough scraped marks or small black dots: Look inside the unopened leaf for thrips and dark specks. If you find them, quarantine the plant before treatment. Use a treatment labelled for thrips on indoor ornamental plants, and repeat it only as directed on the label.

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Splash’ (‘Camouflage’): toxic if chewed

• Pets: This Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant and any cut pieces where pets cannot chew them.
• Children and handling: Keep it out of reach of children. Sap from damaged tissue can irritate skin and eyes, so wash your hands after pruning and avoid touching your face.
• Why it irritates: Alocasia tissue contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or contact with sensitive tissue can cause immediate local irritation.
• Possible symptoms: Mouth exposure can cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• After exposure: For a pet, contact a veterinarian. For a person, remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water; seek medical or poison-control advice if symptoms are significant. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent medical attention.

What macrorrhizos means in ‘Splash’

Macrorrhizos is Greek in origin, joining makros, “large”, to rhiza, “root”.

Linnaeus published Arum macrorrhizon in 1753 in Species Plantarum, page 965. The Alocasia macrorrhizos combination followed with George Don in 1839 in Hortus Britannicus, third edition, page 631.