Alocasia lauterbachiana Variegata is a rare and striking variegated form of the well-known Alocasia lauterbachiana, sometimes called the Purple Sword Alocasia. Native to Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands, this species is admired for its bold, upright habit and sword-shaped foliage and the variegated cultivar adds an even more extraordinary layer of beauty.
The long, narrow leaves are typically 4060 cm in length and have a dramatic, lance-like shape with wavy edges. In the variegated form, the foliage is streaked, splashed, or sectorally patterned with creamy white, soft yellow, and mint marbling against deep green. The undersides of the leaves are flushed purple, while the strong stems are streaked with cream and burgundy, making the plant striking from every angle.
This upright Alocasia can reach 90120 cm indoors, forming a dense clump of sword-like leaves. The variegation ensures that no two leaves are ever alike, making this cultivar a true collectors gem.
Alocasia lauterbachiana Variegata Care Guide
Light
Requires bright, indirect light to maintain strong variegation. Too little light causes reversion to solid green, while direct, harsh sunlight may scorch the pale variegated areas.
Watering
Keep soil evenly moist during active growth, watering when the top 23 cm feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can cause root or corm rot. Reduce watering slightly in winter when growth slows or dormancy occurs.
Temperature and Humidity
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Temperature: Prefers warmth, 1828C. Protect from draughts and never allow temperatures below 15C.
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Humidity: Requires high humidity (6080%). Mist regularly, place on a pebble tray, or use a humidifier to prevent browning on pale leaf tissue.
Soil and Potting
Use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix: peat-free compost enriched with orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. Repot every 12 years in spring to refresh the mix and provide space for root and corm growth.
Feeding
Feed every 23 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertiliser. Stop feeding in autumn and winter.
Pruning and Maintenance
Remove old or damaged leaves at the base to maintain appearance. Wipe leaves gently to remove dust and show off their marbled patterns.
Growth and Dormancy
A moderate grower, capable of reaching 90120 cm indoors. Like many Alocasias, it may enter dormancy in winter, during which foliage may die back to the corm before re-emerging in spring.
Common Issues
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Yellowing leaves: Usually caused by overwatering.
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Brown edges: Low humidity or underwatering.
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Loss of variegation: Insufficient light.
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Pests: Can be prone to spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs.
Background and Benefits
The standard Alocasia lauterbachiana is admired for its upright, sword-shaped foliage and purple undersides. The variegated form is far rarer and highly sought after among collectors, with its dramatic marbling and unpredictable leaf patterns. Its upright, structural habit makes it an excellent statement piece in any tropical indoor collection.
Quick Care Summary
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Light: Bright, indirect; avoid harsh direct sun
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Water: Keep evenly moist in growth; reduce in dormancy
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Temperature: 1828C; avoid below 15C
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Humidity: High (6080%)
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Soil: Chunky, free-draining aroid mix
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Feed: Every 23 weeks in spring/summer
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Growth: Upright clump, 90120 cm; sword-shaped leaves with cream, yellow, and green variegation, purple undersides
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