Alocasia 'Variegata' (Exotic Giant Taro)

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$114.95
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Growing Zone: 8-11

Growing Zone: 8-11 Outdoors

Plant Specifications

Plant Name Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata', Giant Taro, Wild Taro, Variegated Upright Elephant Ear
Mature Height 10-12 feet
Mature Width 5-6 feet
Spacing 3-4 feet apart
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Temperature Tolerance 30-80°F
Watering Needs Moderate (Once a week)
Growth Rate 10 inches/year
Difficulty Level Easy
Grows Well Indoors Yes, with indirect sunlight
Flowering Time Spring to Early Summer
Origin Native to South America
+ Add a Pot BelowSeamless Setup 🌿 We Repot for You.Unbox, Unwind: Apartment-Ready Plants.

Growing & Care Tips

This is a personal favorite. Step into a realm of horticultural rarity with the Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata,' colloquially known as the Giant Taro or Wild Taro. This exceptional plant boasts nature's artistic flair through its captivating variegated leaves and imposing presence, making it an exceedingly sought-after addition. Trying to find this plant elsewhere will not be easy. This is an extremely rare and hard to find Alocasia. 

Cultivation of Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata'

Caring for the Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata' is a gratifying journey. Bestowing bright, indirect light reveals its vibrant variegation, but shield it from direct sunlight. Maintain consistently moist soil, allowing the top inch to dry out before watering. Regular misting recreates its tropical habitat, fostering robust growth.

Our Tips for Optimal Growth
Ensure your Giant Taro thrives by maintaining a humid environment, utilizing a humidity tray or room humidifier. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Periodically rotate the plant to ensure even growth and prevent its magnificent leaves from leaning towards the light.

Versatile Uses and Placement
The Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata' serves as a captivating centerpiece indoors or a dramatic focal point in outdoor landscapes. Its exquisite foliage adds an air of elegance to any space. Utilize it to craft a breathtaking tropical display on patios, verandas, or as an indoor statement plant, infusing sophistication into your surroundings.

Planting and Repotting Guidance
For planting or repotting, opt for a well-draining mix with good aeration to prevent waterlogging. Choose a pot accommodating its growing root system with ample room to spare. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil, ensuring the plant has the space to thrive.

Effortless Ongoing Maintenance
Maintaining the Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata' is surprisingly straightforward. Trim away any yellowing or damaged leaves at the base to stimulate fresh growth. 

Sizing

Discover our premium offering: the "Grower's Pick.” This exceptional plant selection stands out as the most sizable option available, featuring the tallest and most robust plant we can ship. Each “Grower’s Pick” is meticulously chosen for its advanced maturity, ensuring a developed root structure for superior growth and vitality.

Frequently asked questions

Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, is a stunning plant that requires proper care to thrive. One common question that plant enthusiasts often ask is how often Alocasia Variegata should be watered for optimal growth. To ensure the optimal growth of your Alocasia Variegata, it is essential to strike a balance in watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the plant to wilt and suffer. A good rule of thumb is to water your Alocasia Variegata when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch. This typically translates to watering every 1-2 weeks, depending on the climate and humidity levels in your area. Another helpful tip is to water your Alocasia Variegata with room temperature water, as cold water can shock the plant. Additionally, make sure to provide adequate drainage for your plant to prevent water from pooling at the bottom of the pot. By following these watering guidelines and paying attention to your plants specific needs, you can help your Alocasia Variegata thrive and grow beautifully. In conclusion, the key to watering Alocasia Variegata for optimal growth is to strike a balance by watering when the top inch of soil is dry, using room temperature water, and ensuring proper drainage. By following these tips and monitoring your plants needs, you can help your Alocasia Variegata flourish and add a touch of exotic beauty to your indoor space.

When considering the best location for planting Alocasia Variegata indoors, its important to mimic its natural habitat to ensure optimal growth and health. Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, thrives in bright, indirect light and high humidity levels. To successfully grow Alocasia Variegata indoors, place it near a window where it can receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. Additionally, maintain a consistent humidity level by misting the plant regularly or placing a humidifier nearby. Alocasia Variegata also prefers well-draining soil to prevent root rot, so consider using a mixture of potting soil and perlite. In conclusion, the best location for planting Alocasia Variegata indoors is a spot with bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. By providing these optimal conditions, you can ensure that your Alocasia Variegata thrives and adds a touch of tropical beauty to your indoor space. Remember to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry and fertilize it monthly during the growing season to promote healthy growth.

To ensure the longevity of your Alocasia Variegata plant, also known as the Exotic Giant Taro, there are several key factors to consider. This stunning tropical plant requires specific care to thrive and remain healthy in your home. First and foremost, it is crucial to provide the Alocasia Variegata with the right amount of light. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, so placing them near a window where they can receive ample sunlight without being exposed to direct rays is ideal. Additionally, maintaining a consistent watering schedule is essential. Alocasia Variegata plants prefer moist, but not waterlogged, soil. Water them when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. Furthermore, humidity is crucial for the Alocasia Variegatas well-being. Mist the plant regularly or place a humidifier nearby to create a humid environment, especially during the dry winter months. Lastly, fertilize your Alocasia Variegata plant every 4-6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. In conclusion, by providing your Alocasia Variegata plant with the right amount of light, water, humidity, and nutrients, you can ensure its longevity and vibrant appearance. Remember to monitor its care closely and adjust as needed to keep this exotic plant thriving in your home.

Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, is a stunning plant that requires specific seasonal care to thrive and flourish. To ensure your Alocasia Variegata remains healthy and vibrant throughout the year, its essential to provide the right conditions and attention based on the changing seasons. During the spring and summer months, Alocasia Variegata benefits from increased sunlight and warmth. Place your plant in a location with bright, indirect sunlight and maintain a consistent watering schedule, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize your Alocasia Variegata every 2-4 weeks with a balanced, liquid fertilizer to support growth and foliage development. Additionally, humidity is crucial for this plant, so consider misting its leaves regularly or using a humidifier to create a humid environment. As the fall and winter seasons approach, its important to adjust your care routine for Alocasia Variegata. With decreased daylight hours and lower temperatures, your plant may require less frequent watering to prevent root rot. Reduce fertilization to once every 6-8 weeks, as the plants growth slows down during the colder months. If your Alocasia Variegata is placed near a drafty window or heating vent, consider moving it to a more stable environment to avoid temperature fluctuations. In conclusion, Alocasia Variegata thrives when provided with appropriate seasonal care that addresses its specific needs. By adjusting your care routine based on the changing seasons and maintaining consistent light, water, and humidity levels, you can ensure your Alocasia Variegata remains healthy and vibrant year-round. Remember to observe your plant closely and make adjustments as needed to support its growth and well-being.

Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, is a striking tropical plant known for its large, variegated leaves. When it comes to the typical dimensions of Alocasia Variegata, its important to consider both the size of the plant itself and the dimensions of its leaves. A mature Alocasia Variegata plant can reach heights of around 3-6 feet, with a spread of 2-4 feet. The leaves of this plant can grow to be quite large, typically measuring between 1-2 feet in length and 1-1.5 feet in width. These size estimates can vary depending on the specific growing conditions, such as sunlight, humidity, and soil quality. To help your Alocasia Variegata thrive and achieve its full potential size, its essential to provide it with the right care. This includes placing it in a well-lit spot with indirect sunlight, watering it regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and providing it with a humid environment. Additionally, fertilizing the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. In conclusion, the typical dimensions of Alocasia Variegata can vary, but generally, this plant can reach heights of 3-6 feet with leaves measuring 1-2 feet in length and 1-1.5 feet in width. By providing the right care and growing conditions, you can help your Alocasia Variegata thrive and showcase its impressive size and beauty.

Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, can be a stunning addition to a mixed container garden. However, it is important to consider its compatibility with other plants to ensure they thrive together. When choosing plants to pair with Alocasia Variegata, consider its unique needs. This tropical plant prefers moist, well-draining soil and indirect sunlight. To create a harmonious container garden, select plants that have similar light and water requirements. For example, pairing Alocasia Variegata with other tropical plants like Calathea, Ferns, or Bromeliads can create a lush, cohesive look. Additionally, consider the size and growth habits of the plants. Alocasia Variegata can grow quite large, so be mindful of spacing and ensure that smaller plants are not overshadowed. Mixing in plants with varying heights, textures, and colors can create visual interest and balance. In conclusion, Alocasia Variegata can thrive in a mixed container garden when paired with plants that have similar light and water requirements, as well as complementary sizes and growth habits. By carefully selecting and arranging plants, you can create a beautiful and harmonious display that highlights the unique beauty of each species.

Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, is a popular plant among enthusiasts due to its striking variegated leaves. However, like any plant, it is susceptible to pests that can potentially harm its growth and overall health. Common pests that can affect Alocasia Variegata include spider mites, aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. To treat spider mites, regularly mist the plant with water to increase humidity and wash the leaves with a gentle soap solution. For aphids, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap. Mealybugs can be removed manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Scale insects can be treated by scraping them off with a soft brush and applying neem oil to the affected areas. It is important to regularly inspect your Alocasia Variegata for any signs of pest infestations to catch them early. Additionally, maintaining proper humidity levels, providing adequate airflow, and avoiding overwatering can help prevent pest problems in the first place. By staying vigilant and addressing any pest issues promptly, you can ensure that your Alocasia Variegata remains healthy and thriving. In conclusion, while pests can pose a threat to your Alocasia Variegata, there are effective ways to treat and prevent infestations. By following the advice outlined above and staying proactive in your plant care routine, you can enjoy the beauty of your Exotic Giant Taro without the worry of pests causing harm. Remember to regularly monitor your plant, provide optimal growing conditions, and take swift action if pests are detected to maintain a thriving Alocasia Variegata.

To safely clean Alocasia Variegata leaves for optimal health, follow these simple steps. First, prepare a gentle cleaning solution by mixing lukewarm water with a small amount of mild liquid soap or neem oil. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the delicate leaves. Next, dampen a soft cloth or sponge with the cleaning solution and gently wipe the surface of each leaf. Be sure to support the underside of the leaf with your hand to prevent tearing. For tougher dirt or residue, use a soft-bristled brush or cotton swab to carefully clean hard-to-reach areas. Once you have cleaned all the leaves, rinse them thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Finally, allow the leaves to air dry completely before placing the plant back in its original location. Regularly cleaning Alocasia Variegata leaves not only enhances their appearance but also promotes optimal health by allowing the plant to photosynthesize efficiently. In conclusion, cleaning Alocasia Variegata leaves is a simple yet essential task to maintain their health and beauty. By using a gentle cleaning solution, being careful not to damage the leaves, and allowing them to air dry properly, you can ensure your plant thrives for years to come. Remember to clean the leaves regularly to prevent dust build-up and keep your Alocasia Variegata looking its best.

When it comes to cultivating Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, the type of soil you use can significantly impact its growth and overall health. This tropical plant requires well-draining soil that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. To create the ideal soil environment for Alocasia Variegata to thrive, consider using a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and sand. This combination allows for proper aeration and drainage, preventing root rot and other moisture-related issues. Additionally, adding organic matter such as compost can provide essential nutrients for the plants growth. Its crucial to avoid using heavy clay-based soils or those with poor drainage, as they can lead to root rot and stunt the plants growth. Regularly check the soil moisture levels by inserting your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle - water the plant only when the top inch of soil feels dry. By providing the right soil conditions, you can ensure that your Alocasia Variegata thrives and displays its stunning variegated leaves to their full potential.

When looking to maximize cost-efficiency when purchasing Alocasia Variegata plants, there are several key strategies to keep in mind. Alocasia Variegata, also known as the Exotic Giant Taro, is a stunning plant known for its large, variegated leaves that make a bold statement in any indoor space. To ensure you get the most value for your money when adding this unique plant to your collection, consider the following tips. Firstly, its essential to shop around and compare prices from different nurseries or online retailers. Some places may offer Alocasia Variegata plants at lower prices, especially if youre willing to purchase smaller or younger plants that may be more budget-friendly. Additionally, keep an eye out for sales or promotions that can help you save money on your purchase. Another cost-saving tip is to consider buying Alocasia Variegata plants from local plant swaps, gardening groups, or botanical society events. These can be great places to find unique plants at lower prices or even through plant trades. Additionally, consider propagating your Alocasia Variegata plant through division or cuttings to grow new plants at little to no cost. In conclusion, maximizing cost-efficiency when purchasing Alocasia Variegata plants involves researching prices, exploring alternative purchasing options, and considering propagation methods to save money on your plant collection. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of Alocasia Variegata without breaking the bank.

Looking to add a touch of uniqueness to your home with an Alocasia Variegata plant? This stunning Exotic Giant Taro species with its striking variegated foliage can be a beautiful addition to any indoor space. Here are some unique ways to customize the appearance of your Alocasia Variegata and make it stand out even more in your home. One way to personalize the look of your Alocasia Variegata is by choosing a stylish and decorative pot or planter. Opt for a pot that complements the colors of the plants leaves or go for a bold, contrasting color to create a statement piece. You can also get creative with the pots material, such as ceramic, terracotta, or woven baskets, to add texture and visual interest. Another way to customize the appearance of your Alocasia Variegata is by incorporating different types of plant accessories. Consider adding decorative rocks, pebbles, or moss to the top of the soil to create a polished look. You can also include plant stakes or trellises for support and to add a touch of elegance to your plant display. In conclusion, there are several unique ways to customize the appearance of your Alocasia Variegata in your home. By choosing a stylish pot, adding plant accessories, and experimenting with different plant arrangements, you can create a personalized and eye-catching display that enhances the beauty of this exotic plant. Dont be afraid to get creative and have fun with your Alocasia Variegata to make it truly your own.

When handling Alocasia Variegata, also known as the Exotic Giant Taro, its important to take certain safety precautions to ensure both your well-being and the health of the plant. This stunning tropical plant with its large, variegated leaves requires careful handling to avoid any potential issues. First and foremost, be aware that Alocasia Variegata contains oxalate crystals that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes if handled incorrectly. To protect yourself, always wear gloves when handling the plant, especially when repotting or pruning. Additionally, be cautious not to touch your face or eyes while working with the plant and wash your hands thoroughly after touching it. Another important safety measure is to keep Alocasia Variegata away from children and pets, as ingesting any part of the plant can cause stomach upset and other health issues. Place the plant in a location that is out of reach of curious hands and paws to prevent accidental ingestion. In conclusion, taking safety precautions when handling Alocasia Variegata is essential to ensure a positive experience with this beautiful plant. By wearing gloves, washing your hands, and keeping the plant out of reach of children and pets, you can enjoy the beauty of the Exotic Giant Taro without any worries.

Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, stands out from other exotic houseplants due to its striking variegated foliage. The unique color pattern on its large, heart-shaped leaves sets it apart and makes it a standout addition to any indoor plant collection. One of the key factors that distinguish Alocasia Variegata is its care requirements. This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and prefers consistently moist soil. Providing a high humidity environment, regular watering, and occasional misting can help keep the plant healthy and vibrant. Additionally, it is important to avoid direct sunlight, as this can cause the leaves to burn. Another standout feature of Alocasia Variegata is its potential for growth. With proper care, this plant can grow quite large, making it a dramatic focal point in any room. Regular fertilization during the growing season can help promote healthy growth and vibrant foliage. In conclusion, Alocasia Variegatas unique variegated foliage, care requirements, and growth potential set it apart from other exotic houseplants. By providing the right conditions and care, you can enjoy the beauty of this stunning plant in your home.

If you are considering purchasing an Alocasia Variegata plant, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, its important to familiarize yourself with the return policy to ensure a smooth shopping experience. The return policy for Alocasia Variegata plants may vary depending on the retailer you purchase from, so its crucial to review the specific terms and conditions before making your purchase. Typically, reputable plant retailers offer a return policy that allows for returns or exchanges within a certain timeframe if the plant arrives damaged or if there are any issues with its health upon arrival. Its essential to inspect your Alocasia Variegata plant carefully upon delivery and contact the retailer immediately if you notice any issues. Some retailers may require photographic evidence of the plants condition for refund or exchange purposes. In conclusion, before purchasing an Alocasia Variegata plant, be sure to review the retailers return policy to understand the process for returns or exchanges in case of any issues with your plant. Inspect your plant upon delivery, and contact the retailer promptly if you encounter any problems. Remember to follow the retailers specific guidelines for returns to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Propagating Alocasia Variegata, also known as Exotic Giant Taro, is a great way to expand your plant collection easily. This stunning plant with its striking variegated leaves can be propagated through division or by taking stem cuttings. To propagate Alocasia Variegata through division, carefully remove the plant from its pot and separate the rhizomes into sections, making sure each section has at least one healthy shoot and root system. Replant these sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Keep the new plants in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light to encourage growth. Another method to propagate Alocasia Variegata is by taking stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem with a node, remove any leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, and place it in water or a well-draining potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm, humid environment with indirect light, and roots should start to develop within a few weeks. In conclusion, propagating Alocasia Variegata is a simple process that can yield more beautiful plants for your collection. Whether you choose to divide the rhizomes or take stem cuttings, providing the right conditions such as warmth, humidity, and indirect light will help your new plants thrive. Keep in mind that patience is key, as it may take some time for roots to develop and new growth to emerge. With these tips, you can easily propagate Alocasia Variegata and enjoy more of these stunning plants in your home.

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with a tracking number.

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