Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’

Natural range of Alocasia macrorrhizos

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’ is a white-variegated form of Alocasia macrorrhizos. The species occurs naturally from the central Malay Archipelago east through New Guinea and the western Pacific, reaching northern Queensland. These are warm regions with generous rainfall.

Growing Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’

• Light: Keep it in a bright position with filtered daylight; introduce any direct sun gradually.
• Watering: During active growth, water while some moisture still remains around the roots, 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: Choose a fertile mix that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged around the roots.
• Temperature: Keep ‘Variegata’ warm while it is actively growing and move it away from cold glass or draughts before the temperature falls to 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.

Solving problems with Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’

• Pale variegated areas become crisp or papery before the green tissue: Check whether the plant has recently received harsher sun, extra heat through the glass or less consistent watering. Keep it in strong filtered light and return to more even watering. Existing damage will stay visible, so watch fresh leaves for improvement.
• Growth loses strength after several leaves emerge with very little green: Keep all healthy green tissue in place and provide strong filtered light. Do not remove useful green leaves in an attempt to increase variegation; the plant needs that tissue to support continued growth.
• Several leaves start yellowing outside the normal variegated pattern: Start with the root ball. If it is dry throughout, water it thoroughly. If the root ball is still damp despite the decline, inspect the roots for damage. When moisture is not the cause, consider whether the plant has recently become cooler or is receiving less light.

Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Variegata’: 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 the variegated form

The name macrorrhizos joins Greek makros, “large”, with rhiza, “root”, and means “large-rooted”. Variegata identifies the variegated horticultural form.