Variegated Alocasia - Easy Care Tips

We run down how to care for a variegated alocasia…

Variegated Alocasia Summary

Light needs:	Bright indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:	Check soil once a week, water if the top 50% is dry.
Fertilizer:	A balanced fertilizer every month in spring and summer.
Soil:	A rich well draining potting compost.
Humidity:	60%.
Temperature:	15-30°C (59-86°F)
Where to buy:	Try one of these Rare Plant Shops.
Common issues:	Over and underwatering.

Buy this plant on Etsy

Introduction

Welcome to our variegated alocasia care guide. It’s a beautifully white variegated version of the classic elephant ear. It is a really impressive plant that will always demand attention due to it’s white and green splashes. Huge leaves with beautiful paint-splash variegation. On new leaves the variegated area is not always white, but as the leaf matures and hardens off the variegated areas normally get whiter.

Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.

A note about affiliate links: when you buy a plant, pots, soil, or other goods through links on this article we sometimes earn a commission. It doesn’t cost you anything, but it really helps us out if you do use them. Thanks a lot! An example of this is if you buy a plant on Etsy using this link. Read our privacy policy for more information. Thanks again.

Light Needs

Plenty of indirect sunlight will be best for your variegated alocasia. You have to be really careful not to burn the white areas of the leaf with direct sunlight.

How Often to Water

Check the soil once a week and then water it if the top 50% of soil is dry. They don’t want to fully dry out but neither should they sit in soggy soil.

Tip: when it comes to watering keep them moist but not soaking wet, tip out excess water after watering so they don’t get a soggy bottom!

Variegated Alocasia Fertilizer

Feed your variegated alocasia a balanced fertilizer every month in spring and summer. Make sure the first time you feed them you dilute the feed well in case of burn.

Soil

A rich well draining potting compost is best. If you use a standard potting mix, then add about 20% perlite for drainage. For more on which soil to buy or how to make your own see our guide: Alocasia Soil.

When To Repot

Alocasias like to be a little root bound so do not worry about regularly repotting. They can get huge even in a small pot. They produce more pups in a smaller pot too. But It’s a good idea to check them at about Easter time to see if the roots are crowded and pot them up a size if needed as they will grow better with adequate root space.

Humidity

60% humidity is ideal, which is higher than most households so you’ll need to up it for the best conditions. But alocasias can tolerate a a bit lower, make sure to at least mist them occasionally.

Variegated Alocasia Temperature

15-30°C (59-86°F), which means they’ll do well in most homes. They can get colder at night and still be fine.

How To Propagate Variegated Alocasia

You can propagate variegated alocasia by dividing it at the base when smaller pups have appeared. Take them all out of the soil and split them at the rhizome. Then pot the plants up separately. Just be careful when dividing and make sure you cause as little damage as possible to the roots or rhizome.

Personally with elephant ears I don’t take all the pups out, I like to leave some in the pot to keep the plant fuller and bushier.

Variegated Alocasia USDA Zone

They can live outdoors in zones 10-11.

Size

They can grow to over 2 meters tall (6.5 feet) when mature, if given space and their care needs are met.

Variegated Alocasia Odora Vs Macrorrhiza

When mature you can tell the difference as the odora is small with more rounded leaves but the mature macrorrhiza gets bigger and has pointier leaves.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

Yes they are toxic to ats and dogs if eaten, seek a vets advice if you think your pet has eaten any.

Variegated Alocasia Yellow Leaves

Any stress will show on those huge leaves. If the plant is under or over watered it can cause yellowing leaves. You should be able to easily tell which one your is by checking the soil and your watering scheduled. It should be kept moist but not soaking.

Where To Buy

Try one of these Rare Plant Shops or Etsy.

Other Names For A Variegated Alocasia

Variegated elephant ear.

FAQs and Common Problems

Yellow leaves are a common issue, they could be due to either over or underwatering. Check the soil and you’ll know which one it is. You need to make sure the plant has enough water, but that it does not sit in soggy soil.