Nova

Alocasia ‘Frydek Variegata’

Elephant’s Ear, Variegated Green Velvet Alocasia

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• Nova likes...

  • 

    Regular watering

    Moist, but not soggy. Use the finger dip test to see if Nova needs a drink. Please don’t let him dry out completely.

  • 

    Bright light

    Nova will enjoy a consistently warm, bright spot that gets lots of light but not too much direct sun.

  • 

    Humidity

    The more the better! Avoid misting Nova’s velvety leaves. Rather group him together with your other houseplants to create a moist microclimate.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek Variegata’

  Nickname

  Elephant’s Ear, Variegated Green Velvet Alocasia

  Plant type

  Perennial, Indoor

  Plant height (including pot)

  20-30cm

  Pet/baby safe

  No, toxic if ingested

  Nursery pot size

  12cm

• About Alocasia ‘Frydek Variegata’

  Add some interest to your plant collection with this unusual and exotic Alocasia. Putting a spin on the already spectacular Alocasia ‘Frydek’, this variegated version swirls patterns of white through otherwise rich, velvety, dark green leaves, while retaining its distinctive deeply grooved veins.

  If you’re familiar with tropical plants then you’ll know there’s a few things that Nova needs to remain looking as splendid as he does in his native Philippines. Regular watering and lightly moist soil with good drainage is key. Too little or inconsistent watering can lead to yellowing leaves and browning leaf tips and margins. Similarly too little humidity can cause this jungle-loving leafy plant some stress. 

  Give your Alocasia ‘Frydek’ a monthly feed with liquid plant food throughout the growing season – April to October – and then stop feeding and lighten up on watering over winter. Keep that humidity up if you have your heating on though, and avoid cold draughts. ‘Frydek’ likes temperatures to stay above 16 degrees celsius. Last but not least, wipe down those velvety leaves with a damp cloth to remove any build up of dust and consider repotting your Alocasia every couple of years using a jungle potting mix. 

  Did you know?

  Some Alocasia, like ‘Frydek’ get their velvety texture from fine hairs on their leaves called trichomes. These hairs help those large leaves reflect sunlight and reduce water loss.