Many Alocasia plants have striking leaves, but none is as popular as the Alocasia Macrorrhiza variegata. Also known as the variegated Elephant Ears plant, this plant, which is originally native to Southeast Asia, is an exciting indoor plant that is in high demand nowadays. When the Alocasia Macrorrhiza reaches its mature plant height, its leaves can reach 3-4 feet!
Prices range between $25 for a small plant to a whopping $500-$600 for a large mature piece as shown below.
Variegated Alocasia (Macrorrhiza Variegata)
The variegated alocasia (Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata) for sure is one of the most spectacular houseplants you can grow. The glossy leaves of this plant are marbled with tones of light green and white blotches. It is a plant everybody wants nowadays. Read the article 'The Best 6 Big Leaf Houseplants for 2023' to find out what other plant gems can transform your indoor spaces. Another name is Alocasia macrorrhizos. Some say this is the correct spelling. Variations in the spelling of macrorrhizos are sometimes typos or people guessing "near enough" for the name. Alocasia "Borneo Giant" is also the Alocasia macrorrhizoz or Macrorrihiza. We stick to the later denomination.
Alocasia Macrorrhizos Is a Statement Plant
The Alocasia macrorrhiza plant is a true statement plant. With its very large white and green leaves, some people also name it variegated Alocasia Calidora to add to the confusion, it can easily become the centerpiece of your living decor. Originating in subtropical Asia and eastern Australia, there are many varieties of Alocasia, from exotic types with striking color patterns and variations to classically refined and elegant ones. Alocasia comes in a wide variety of colors from almost black, see the Alocasia Frydek, to chartreuse to pale green. Or even Silver. See for example the Alocasia Silver Dragon. But none of them are as in high demand as the variegated Alocasia, the Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata.
The Ideal Conditions for the Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata
Each plant is unique and needs particular conditions to thrive in an indoor setting. Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata is no different and putting some thought into your initial setup, to get the right conditions will save you endless trouble in the long run. Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata is a standing plant, with huge leaves on widely spreading stalks. As such, they need room to grow both vertically and horizontally. They need bright, indirect light and prefer warm, and humid conditions.
Find the Perfect Spot for Your Variegated Alocasia
It's also important to know if you start with a small young plant, or with a more mature older plant. Younger plants adapt more easily to environments that are less suited for Alocasias in general, whereas where older mature plants need the perfect spot from the time you give it the place in your home. Alocasias do best in bright, indirect light. The Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata, with its variegated leaves, will need brighter light (for longer periods each day) than other Alocasias, as the white portions of the leaves do not contain chlorophyll and will not photosynthesize to produce energy. This means that the green parts of the leaf need to work a little harder and a little longer to meet the plant’s energy requirements.
No Direct Sunlight, Please!
Make sure to not place the plant in direct sunlight. The light needs to be bright but indirect or filtered through a curtain or shade cloth to prevent leaves from scorching and burning. The light requirement ranges from 15,000 to 25,000 lux. You can achieve the light range by placing the pot near a north or east-facing window so that the plant gets just a little sun exposure.
The Watering of the Variegated Alocasia Macrorrhiza
Generally speaking, the Variegated Elephant Ears need a bit less than the non-variegated types, as their growth goes a bit slower. They thrive on soil that drains well and is regularly moist. When you feel that the top few inches of soil are dry, it's time to water the Alocasia Macrorrhiza. Make sure to let it dry out once in a while because maintaining constant moisture in the soil increases the likelihood of pests and illnesses developing. Watering Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata is best done slowly, stopping when you notice that the water is beginning to drain out of the pot. Remember not to leave the pot submerged in water as well.
Alocasia leaves All Have Dripping Water from Their leaves
When your Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata is dripping water from its leaves, it means it's slightly overwatered and it's trying to get rid of the excess water by sweating it off. The excess water escapes from tiny pores in the leaf. This is normal and no reason for concern, your plant is fine. Be careful of your wooden antiques underneath your plant though, as the water is slightly acidic and will make circles in the wood that don't go away.
Other Care Tips for the Alocasia Macrorrhiza
Warmth:
Since the plant is tropical, warm temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees are ideal for growing it. Since the plant cannot withstand temperatures below fifty degrees Fahrenheit, you must keep it away from chilly air coming from fans or air conditioners. You can leave the plant outside during the summer but don't forget to bring it inside before the nights become too cold.
Humidity:
The ideal humidity range for the plant is between 60 and 80%. It is not feasible to plant in an area with high humidity at home, so you must create a more humid area for Alocasia macrorrhiza variegated. The ideal method is to gather all the plants that require high humidity and bring a tiny humidifier for each plant. This will assist in adding moisture throughout the year and will accelerate the plant's growth. Alternatively, you can lay a pebbled tree beneath the plant and water it.
Soil:
Although the plant requires well-draining soil, it's crucial to avoid having excessively damp soil since this can lead to fungal illnesses like root rot. To plant Alocasia macrorrhiza variegata, you can also measure the pH, which should be between 5.6 and 5. To make the perfect planting soil, mix equal amounts of compost, peat moss, perlite, and orchard bark.
Try Not to Become Attached to a Particular Leaf
Try not to become attached to a particular leaf as they don't tend to last as long as leaves on other tropical plants. Depending on the specific species, you'll get maybe a few months out of your Alocasia leaves. But! They're faster growers, so as quickly as they are to drop a leaf, they're as fast to grow new ones and will reward you with many beautiful leaves during your life.
Macrorrhiza Variegata Is a Very Rare Elephant Ear Plant
So, the Variegated Alocasia (Macrorrhiza Variegata) is a very rare elephant ear plant and is quite different from the typical. The incredibly large thickly sculpted glossy green leaves are held upright on dramatically rigid stems. This Alocasia will be an interior design object within itself. With foliage that is covered whit white blotches, it is a piece of art in itself. Make sure to take care of your statement Alocasia, and you, and the people visiting your home, will be in awe of such a wonder of nature.
Header picture: @sighthounds.love.plants.
