Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’

Background of Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’

‘Tigrina Superba’ is a named form of Alocasia zebrina. The species is native to warm, humid rainforest on several Philippine islands and grows from the lowlands into the hills, where it receives filtered light through gaps in the canopy. Indoors, provide bright indirect light. Use a deep pot with an open mix and water as the surface begins to dry.

Care advice for Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’

• Light: Provide bright, filtered light and rotate the pot periodically. Even illumination encourages balanced petiole growth and helps the plant maintain an upright form.
• Watering: Water as the substrate surface begins to dry, soak the pot fully and keep the root zone lightly moist during active growth. Let all excess water drain after each watering.
• Temperature: Aim for 22–26°C during active growth. Protect the plant from cold draughts and abrupt temperature changes that can interrupt new-leaf development.
• Humidity: Maintain 60–80% relative humidity. A consistent level supports the expansion of its large leaves and reduces dry margins.
• Substrate: Choose a rich, open mixture of peat-free compost or coir, orchid bark and pumice or perlite. It should distribute water evenly and stay well aerated after watering.
• Feeding: Supply a weak, complete liquid foliage fertiliser as new leaves develop. Reduce feeding during slower periods and rinse the substrate occasionally with plain water.
• Repotting: Repot when the roots and rhizome occupy the available space, increasing the container by one size. Keep the rhizome at the same depth and replace substrate that has started to compact.
• Support: A stable, adequately deep pot supports the tall petioles and expanding foliage. A heavier outer container can add stability as the plant matures.
• Propagation: Separate rooted offsets or collect cormels during repotting. Cormels grow best at 25–30°C in lightly moist, airy substrate; a mature rhizome can also be divided into sections with viable growth points.

Tiger markings and stress symptoms

• Natural tiger markings: Tiger-like bands on the leaf stalks are natural pigmentation. Healthy bands remain firm and dry; soft, sunken or expanding areas need closer inspection.
• Buckled, scarred leaves: Buckled new leaves with silvered scars and black specks are typical of thrips. Look through folded growth and along the stalks, quarantine the plant and repeat the chosen thrips control at its labelled interval.
• Darkening after cold: Water-soaked areas that darken after a cold draft or chilly journey suggest chilling injury. Move the plant into stable warmth and remove badly damaged foliage after the affected area stops expanding.
• Root decay signs: Yellowing and wilting in a persistently damp mix point to root decay. Pause watering, assess the roots and move the plant into loose substrate after trimming any soft areas.

Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

The meaning and history of ‘Tigrina’

Alocasia combines the Greek prefix a-, meaning “without” or “lacking”, with Colocasia, the name of a related aroid genus.

The formal botanical citation is Alocasia (Schott) G.Don. George Don established the genus at that rank in 1839 in Hortus Britannicus, edition 3, page 631.

The epithet zebrina means “zebra-like” and refers to the banded petioles. George W. Johnson and Robert Hogg described Alocasia zebrina in 1862 in Journal of Horticulture and Cottage Gardener, volume 28, page 139.

‘Tigrina’ was recorded in William Bull’s 1864 catalogue and refers to the tiger-like markings on the petioles and peduncles.

‘Tigrina’ was never validly published as a species name; its placement under Alocasia zebrina is a horticultural convention.