Description
- Common names:
- Bambino Alocasia, Alocasia Bambino, African Mask Plant, Elephant Ear Bambino, Oreja de Elefante Bambino, Planta Máscara Africana
- Botanical name:
- Alocasia × amazonica 'Bambino', Alocasia amazonica
- Description:
- A compact tropical beauty with dramatic arrowhead-shaped green leaves featuring striking white veins and burgundy undersides. A challenging but rewarding houseplant for collectors.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Variegated Leaves, Architectural, Rosette
- Origin:
- Southeast Asia
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room centerpiece, Office desk statement plant, Modern interior design, Tropical-themed spaces, Plant collector's shelf
Care Guide
Care level:
For Experienced Owners+
This plant requires consistent attention to watering, humidity, and temperature, making it unsuitable for beginners. It is unforgiving of neglect and cold drafts, demanding a strict care routine to thrive.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or north-facing window where it receives bright, filtered light but no direct sun. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves, while insufficient light causes slow growth and leggy stems.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering causes root rot, while underwatering leads to crispy leaf edges and leaf drop.
Humidity:
Requires Misting+
This tropical plant thrives in humidity levels above 60% and benefits from daily misting, placement on a pebble tray, or near a humidifier. Low humidity causes brown leaf tips and edges to crisp.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F) and is extremely sensitive to cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (60°F). Avoid placing near air conditioners, cold windows, or exterior doors.
Hardiness zones:
Indoor Only+
This tropical plant is not cold-hardy and must be grown indoors year-round in most climates. It can be placed outdoors in shaded areas during warm summer months in Zones 10-11, but must be brought inside before temperatures drop below 15°C (60°F).
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots begin growing out of drainage holes or the plant becomes top-heavy. Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter and only size up one pot size.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe leaves with a soft, damp cloth every 1-2 weeks to remove dust and allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently. This also helps prevent pest infestations and showcases the stunning white veining.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by carefully dividing the rhizomes during repotting in spring, ensuring each division has at least one growth point and healthy roots. Plant divisions in moist, well-draining soil and maintain high humidity until established.