Plant Care Variegated Alocasia

Variegated Alocasia

Reviewed by: Kiersten Rankel | Last Updated: 02/25/2022

About Variegated Alocasia

Alocasias, commonly known as Elephant Ears, are some of the most common houseplants although their leaves can reach enormous sizes when grown outdoors! 🐘 They typically only support a few leaves at a time (more, when they get more sun!) so don't be concerned if you see an old leaf begin to retire after a new one emerges. They grow out of underground corms which are similar to bulbs, so next time you repot keep an eye out for baby Alocasias! They contain calcium oxalate crystals so be sure to keep them out of reach if you have children or pets! ⚠️

Taxonomy

Alocasia macorrhizos 'Variegata'
Alocasia
Araceae
Alismatales

Also known as

Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Variegata and Alocasia Macrorrhiza Veriegata

How to care for Variegated Alocasia

💦 Water

How often to water your Variegated Alocasia

Water needs for Variegated Alocasia
0.5 cups
every 9

Variegated Alocasia needs 0.5 cups of water every 9 when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5" pot.

Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Calculate water needs of Variegated Alocasia

Water 0.5 cups every
9

Does your plant get direct sunlight?

Select the pot size

5"
☀️ Light

Finding light for Variegated Alocasia in your home

Light needs and placement for plant Variegated Alocasia: 3ft from a window
3ft or less from
a window

Variegated Alocasia may have difficulty thriving, and will drop leaves 🍃, without ample sunlight.

Place it less than 3 feet from a south-facing window to maximize the potential for growth.

Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement of Variegated Alocasia in your home 🏡.

🪴 Nutrients

How to fertilize Variegated Alocasia

Nutrient, fertilizer, and repotting needs for Variegated Alocasia: repot after 2X growth

Most potting soils come with ample nutrients which plants use to produce new growth.

By the time your plant has depleted the nutrients in its soil it’s likely grown enough to need a larger pot anyway.

To replenish this plant's nutrients, repot your Variegated Alocasia after it doubles in size or once a year—whichever comes first.

Browse #VariegatedAlocasia
💡 FAQs
⭐ Difficulty Level

Variegated Alocasia can be challenging to care for, according to some plant parents. Check out the reviews down below to learn from their experiences!

Benefits of Growing Variegated Alocasia →

Common Variegated Alocasia Problems →


💦 Water Needs

Variegated Alocasia prefers for the soil to dry out between waterings and should be watered regularly. Use our water calculator to personalize watering recommendations to your environment or download Greg for more advanced recommendations for all of your plants.

Variegated Alocasia Water Frequency →

Variegated Alocasia Root Rot →


☀️ Sunlight Needs

Variegated Alocasia may have difficulty thriving and will drop leaves 🍃 without ample sunlight. Place it less than 3 feet from a window to maximize the potential for growth. Select your region to see how the current weather in your area affects the placement in your home 🏡.

Variegated Alocasia Light Requirements →

Variegated Alocasia Direct Sunlight Needs & Tolerance →


🐶 🐈 👶 Toxicity

Greg does not have confirmed data on this plant’s toxicity. If you, a family member, or a pet consumes plant material of unknown toxicity, it’s always best to consult a medical professional.

If you or someone else ingested this plant, call Poison Control at US (800) 222-1222. If a pet consumed this plant, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA at US (888) 426-4435.

Variegated Alocasia Toxicity to Cats →

Variegated Alocasia Toxicity to Dogs →

Variegated Alocasia Toxicity to Humans →


💨 Humidity

Variegated Alocasia prefers dry environments. Providing extra humidity or misting your plant allows water to linger on leaves, which can create the perfect environment for harmful types of fungi.

Variegated Alocasia Humidity Needs →


🪴 Soil

Variegated Alocasia is very sensitive to dry soil, so choose a potting soil that retains moisture. A good soil will still drain well and contain lots of organic matter such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.

Best Soil Mix for Variegated Alocasia →

When and How to Successfully Repot Variegated Alocasia →

What Are Healthy Variegated Alocasia Roots →


💩 Fertilizer

Variegated Alocasia is a fast growing plant and may deplete the nutrients in its soil over time. Replenish them with a gentle organic fertilizer or compost every 1-2 months depending on your location and season. Fertilize more often during the growing season and in warmer and brighter climates.

How Much and When to Fertilize Variegated Alocasia →


❄️ Dormancy

It’s common for Variegated Alocasia to go dormant in the wintertime and you may notice their growth slow down. Waterings should be spaced out more during this time.


🌎 Native Region

Variegated Alocasia is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia.


⬆️ ⬇️ Growth Pattern

Variegated Alocasia grows vertically and new growth will emerge from the top of the plant.

Variegated Alocasia Lifecycle →

Variegated Alocasia Size Guide →

How and When to Prune Variegated Alocasia →


🌦️ Growing Outdoors

USDA Hardiness Zone
Variegated Alocasia can be grown outdoors in USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11. Find your local hardiness zone here.

Variegated Alocasia Temperature Tolerance →


🌱 Propagation

Variegated Alocasia can be propagated by division into new individual plants.

  • Check to see if there is more than one plant. In some cases they may still be beneath the soil surface. If you feel confident, you may remove the soil to check for baby plantlets below!
  • If there are multiple plants growing, unpot the plant and gently tug the plants apart, being careful not to disturb too many of the roots. They may be connected by large root segments which you may need to break to free the plantlet.
  • Pot up the new plant in well-draining soil
  • Repot the parent plant back into its original pot

How to Propagate Variegated Alocasia →


🧐 Troubleshooting

When troubleshooting a sad-looking houseplant, start by checking for signs of distress in its leaves, such as yellowing, browning, or drooping, which can indicate overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.

Inspect the soil moisture; too dry or too wet soil can cause problems.

Ensure the plant is getting the right amount of light, as too much or too little can stress it.

Finally, consider environmental factors like temperature and humidity, and adjust care routines accordingly to revive your plant.


Care Summary for Variegated Alocasia

Variegated Alocasia

Variegated Alocasia


Greg recommends:

Water

0.5 cups every 9 days

Placement

< 3ft from a window

Nutrients

Repot after 2x growth

Based on the 4” pot your plant is in, and that it doesn’t get direct sunlight.

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