Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' in pot

Credit: Danae

Green and white Alocasia 'Batik Variegata

Credit: Danae

Alocasia 'Batik Variegata', an alocasia with unique leaves

On the island of Java in Indonesia, craftsmen draw regular patterns on fabric by hand using wax. This technique, known as Batik, has given its name to a cultivar of Alocasia odora: Alocasia 'Batik Variegata'. Indeed, the designs on its leaves resemble those patiently traced by Indonesians.

How to recognize Alocasia 'Batik Variegata'?

Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' is a perennial plant. Larger than alocasia 'Tiny Dancer it reaches 1.5 meters in all directions. It has an upright habit.

The elongated leaves are heart- or lance-shaped. They can exceed 50 centimetres in length. Green, they are speckled with cream or gray. The splash pattern is random, making each blade unique.

Flowering is rare in indoor cultivation. However, Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' can produce a pale green spathe enveloping a whitish spadix.

All parts of the plant (leaves, rhizomes, petioles) contain calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is toxic in the event of contact or ingestion by humans and animals. Wear gloves when pruning or repotting, and keep your Alocasia batik variegata out of the reach of young children, dogs and cats.

Our maintenance tips

Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' plants are relatively hardy. If you live in a region with mild winters, you can install yours in the garden.

Watering

To know if you need to water, touch the soil. Water only when the surface of the substrate is dry (two to three centimeters). Use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater, at room temperature.

To prevent the roots from suffocating, don't leave standing water in the saucer or planter.

Spray

The air in our apartments is too dry for plants used to high humidity. Mist your Alocasia odora 'Batik Variegata' with water at room temperature.

Rainwater is preferable to tap water. Tap water causes white spots on the foliage.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Alocasia odora 'Batik Variegata' to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Choose a shallow drilled pot. Its width should be slightly greater than that of the root ball. Place a bed of clay balls or gravel at the bottom for drainage.

Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' plants plants need light, draining soil. For the substrate, mix potting soil for green plants, sand and peat. You can also use leaf compost, peat moss and sphagnum moss.

Pour in the substrate and plant your Alocasia 'Batik Variegata', without burying it too deeply.

Place the pot on a saucer filled with clay balls to increase humidity.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Supplement watering with a houseplant fertilizer to promote the development of your Alocasia odora 'Batik Variegata'.

If you have just repotted, wait six to eight weeks before starting to fertilize.

Cleaning

The leaves of your Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' accumulate dust. It interferes with photosynthesis and encourages the appearance of parasites. Clean them with a clean, damp sponge.

Remember that alocasia 'Batik Variegata' plants is toxic. Wear gloves when dusting.

Prune

To encourage the growth of your Alocasia 'Batik Variegata', prune regularly.

Remove dead leaves and wilted flowers.

Plantation

Soak the rootball of your Alocasia 'Batik Variegata'. Meanwhile, choose a spot in partial shade. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball.

Plant your Alocasia 'Batik Variegata' in the center. Don't bury it too deeply- the rootball should be flush with the surface.

Fill in with a mixture of garden soil and compost, then water. You can mulch the base with organic matter to protect the plant from the cold.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take advantage of the annual repotting to remove the shoots that form on the outside of the plant. If necessary, separate them with pruning shears or a clean, sharp knife.

In a pierced pot, pour a layer of clay balls for drainage. Add potting soil for seedlings and planting.

Using a pencil, make a pilot hole and plant your cutting.

Water at room temperature to help the plant take root.

Diseases / Threats

Aphids

Red spiders

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Alocasia - Alocasia
Species	Alocasia odora - Alocasia odora
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Semi-evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrats	Clay soil Loamy soil
Planting methods	Open ground In pots In tubs
Categories	Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Large pot Toxic
Origins	South Asia East Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	9b
Leaf color