Description
- Common names:
- Alocasia Hilo Beauty, Hilo Beauty Elephant Ear, Caladium Hilo Beauty, Oreja de Elefante Hilo Beauty, Alocasia variegada
- Botanical name:
- Caladium praetermissum, Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty'
- Description:
- A striking ornamental perennial with bluish-black stems and dramatic heart-shaped leaves featuring unique camouflage-like patterns in pale white, lime green, and speckled blotches.
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, Dramatic Foliage
- Origin:
- Philippines
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room Statement Piece, Office Focal Point, Tropical-Themed Spaces, Bohemian Interiors, Modern Eclectic Decor
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
This tropical beauty requires consistent attention to humidity, temperature, and watering schedules. It's not forgiving of cold drafts or neglect, making it best suited for plant owners with some experience.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or west-facing window with filtered light to maintain vibrant leaf variegation. Direct sunlight will scorch the delicate leaves, while too little light causes the striking patterns to fade.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, maintaining consistent moisture without waterlogging. Overwatering can quickly lead to root rot, so ensure the pot has excellent drainage.
Humidity:
Prefers High Humidity+
Thrives in humidity levels above 60% to prevent brown leaf edges and maintain lush growth. Use a humidifier, place on a pebble tray with water, or group with other tropical plants to create a humid microclimate.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C / 65-80°F and is extremely sensitive to cold. Keep away from drafts, air conditioning vents, and never expose to temperatures below 15°C / 60°F as it can cause severe damage.
Hardiness zones:
Zones 10-12+
Hardy outdoors year-round only in USDA Zones 10-12 where temperatures remain warm and frost-free. In cooler zones, it must be grown as a houseplant or brought indoors 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 when the plant becomes top-heavy. Use a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter and choose a pot only one size larger.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the large decorative leaves with a damp, soft cloth every 2-3 weeks to remove dust and allow the plant to photosynthesize efficiently. This also helps showcase the stunning camouflage variegation patterns.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by carefully dividing the rhizomes during repotting in spring, ensuring each division has at least one growing point. Plant divisions in moist, well-draining soil and maintain high humidity until established.