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Alocasia micholitziana Frydek Tattoo is a rare and extraordinary cultivar of the well-known Frydek (Green Velvet Alocasia). While the classic Frydek is admired for its velvety, arrow-shaped leaves with bold white venation, the Tattoo variety is prized for its unique patterned variegation that resembles delicate ink-like markings, giving each leaf a tattooed effect.
The foliage is deep emerald-green with the same velvet texture characteristic of Frydek, but irregular patches, streaks, and marbling in shades of pale green, cream, or silvery-grey overlay the surface. This unpredictable variegation ensures no two leaves are alike, making the plant highly collectable. The striking veins and velvety surface further highlight the ornamental contrast.
Compact compared to larger Alocasias, Frydek Tattoo generally reaches 4060 cm in height indoors, producing an upright clump of arrow-shaped leaves that are both exotic and artistic in appearance.
Requires bright, indirect light to maintain its unusual variegation. Too little light will cause the tattoo patterns to fade, while harsh direct sunlight may scorch the delicate foliage.
Keep the soil consistently moist in the growing season (springsummer), watering when the top 23 cm of soil feels dry. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows, but never allow the rootball to completely dry out.
Temperature: Prefers 1826C. Avoid draughts and never expose to temperatures below 15C.
Humidity: High humidity (6080%) is essential. Mist gently, use a humidifier, or place on a pebble tray to replicate tropical conditions.
Use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix peat-free compost blended with orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. Repot every 12 years in spring to refresh the soil and provide room for tuber and root growth.
Apply a diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser every 23 weeks in spring and summer. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.
Remove old or yellowing leaves at the base. Wipe velvety leaves gently with a soft cloth to remove dust and preserve their texture.
A moderate grower, producing upright clumps of 4060 cm. Like many Alocasias, it may enter dormancy in winter leaves may die back to the tuber before resprouting in spring.
Yellowing leaves: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Brown edges: Low humidity or underwatering.
Loss of variegation: Insufficient light.
Pests: Can attract spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs.
The Frydek Tattoo is a modern collectors cultivar, celebrated for its painterly variegation that appears etched into the velvety leaves. With its exotic look and rarity, it is a prized centrepiece for tropical houseplant enthusiasts and a unique twist on the much-loved Frydek.
Quick Care Summary
Light: Bright, indirect; avoid strong direct sun
Water: Evenly moist in growth season; reduce in dormancy
Temperature: 1826C; avoid below 15C
Humidity: High (6080%)
Soil: Chunky, well-draining aroid mix
Feed: Every 23 weeks in spring/summer
Growth: Compact clump, 4060 cm; velvety arrow-shaped leaves with pale tattoo variegation