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Variegated Alocasia (Macrorrhiza Variegata) - The Elephant Ear Plant Everybody Wants

A great indoor and patio plant, the variegated elephant ears not only look great but also invites colorful tropical vibes to the place where it is grown.

By: THURSD. | 04-01-2023 | 3 min read
Indoor Plants
variegated-alocasia-macrorrhiza-variegata-the-elephant-ear-plant-everybody-wants-header

The striking leaves of Alocasia plants 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 to chartreuse to pale green. None of them is as in high demand as the variegated Alocasia. The Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata.

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 plant gems can transform your indoor spaces.

 

Variegated Alocasia
Picture by botanicalbear - When your eyes are bigger than your belly! #alocasiamacrorrhizavariegata

 

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.

 

Variegated Alocasia (Macrorrhiza Variegata) - the Elephant Ear Plant

 

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.

 

Alocasia variegated
Picture by @tanamanika
 

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.

 
Variegated Alocasia (Macrorrhiza Variegata) - the Elephant Ear Plant
Picture by: planteloves 
 
Elephant Ear Plant - Alocasia Variegata
Picture by:  nectarbotanic

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.

 

Variegated Alocasia
Picture by @relixapip 
 

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.

 

Alocasia variegata
Picture by @foliagedreams

 

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 in white blotches, it is definitely.

 
Variegated Elephant Ear plant
Picture by: @taneman_kiteeeee 
 
Variegated Alocasia Elephant Ear plant
Picture by: @alovagarden

 Header picture: @sighthounds.love.plants.

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