Alocasia ‘Metalhead’

Parentage and habitat behind Alocasia ‘Metalhead’

‘Metalhead’ is the hybrid of Alocasia lauterbachiana and Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Plumbea’. A. lauterbachiana grows near rainforest edges and rivers around New Guinea. A. macrorrhizos ranges through warm tropical lowlands from the Malay Archipelago to the western Pacific.

Both parent species receive filtered light and regular moisture in nature.

Growing Alocasia ‘Metalhead’

• Space: Give this upright plant enough height and room around the sides for its leaves, and use a stable pot as it gets taller.
• Light: Plenty of bright filtered light will suit it. If you give it direct sun, build the exposure up slowly.
• Watering: Water before the roots become completely dry. 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 potting mix that holds some moisture but drains well.
• Temperature: Keep it around 18–29 °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 ‘Metalhead’ troubleshooting

• Broad pale or tan patches appear on the leaves: Think about whether stronger direct sun has started reaching the plant. Move ‘Metalhead’ away from harsh midday sun and let it get used to brighter light gradually. Scorched areas will stay visible, so judge the change by later leaves.
• New foliage carries rough silver marks with tiny black specks: The metallic sheen of a healthy leaf should still look smooth. Thrips damage looks scraped or rough and is often accompanied by black specks around young folded growth. If you find thrips, separate ‘Metalhead’ from nearby plants and use a treatment labelled for thrips on indoor ornamental plants, repeating it according to the label. Our thrips guide explains treatment and follow-up.
• Several leaves yellow and the plant starts to droop: A large plant does not always need more water. Check the pot first. If the root ball has become very dry, water thoroughly and let the excess drain; if the mix is still wet and the plant keeps weakening, inspect the roots and base. Our yellow-leaf guide helps when the moisture check does not explain the change.

Alocasia ‘Metalhead’: 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.

Names in Alocasia ‘Metalhead’

The parent names behind this hybrid carry these meanings: lauterbachiana honours German botanist Carl Lauterbach, while macrorrhizos means “large-rooted”.