Alocasia melo 14cm
Normal price
€17,00
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The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Alocasia melo — Alocasia
Family: Araceae • Pot diameter: 12 cm • Height: ~20 cm
Simply striking—a tropical sculpture for indoors.
Thick, textured leaf blades like reptile skin, with deep veins; loves bright indirect light, warmth & humidity—not overwatering.
Araceae Evergreen Partial shade Moderate care Rugose leaves
Light
🌤️ Indirect
bright, without direct sun
Watering
💧 Gentle
small amounts; avoid soaking
Temperature
🌡️ 18–22°C
a stable, warm environment
Humidity
💦 High
>60% ideally
What makes it special
- 🪨 Thick, sculptural leaf blades with strong texture.
- 🖤 Dark green with deep veins—a rich texture.
- 📏 Compact—ideal for shelves & designer cachepots.
Ideal uses
- 🌿 Dark-jungle or tropical corners with an emphasis on texture.
- 🪟 Greenhouse cabinet / humid corner.
- 🧱 Minimal arrangements with stone/ceramics.
Where to place it
A bright position with indirect light and no direct sun. Use an airy, aerated mix; water in small amounts when the top layer starts to dry. Humidity >60% helps keep the leaves firm—avoid cold draughts.
Plants to pair it with
- Philodendron micans —velvety texture for harmony.
- Calathea orbifolia —broad stripes for a contrast in scale.
- Ficus elastica ‘Tineke’ —cream highlights beside dark green.
Cultivar origin click to read
Taxonomic background: Alocasia melo (family Araceae)—a species known for exceptionally thick, pitted or wrinkled (rugose/bullate) leaves.
Location/Habitat: Native to Borneo in Southeast Asia, in tropical forest understorey with filtered light, high atmospheric humidity and rich, organic but free-draining growing media. Often found in rocky sites with good runoff where the roots receive air.
Morphology & distinguishing features: The thick blades with strongly textured surfaces reduce transpiration and keep the leaves firm. It differs from other dark Alocasia (such as ‘Black Velvet’) through its heavier texture and stronger central vein.
Ecology & physiology: A shade-tolerant C3 tropical plant, sensitive to prolonged wetness around the roots. Excessive air humidity can lead to guttation, or droplets at the leaf tips—a natural sign of saturation.
Propagation & cultivation: By rhizome division or offsets. A stable 18–22°C and high humidity ensure deep colour and a sculptural appearance. During rest, reduce watering without letting the mix dry out completely.
1) Growing medium: Peat/compost 60–70% + perlite/bark 30–40%; optionally a little pumice for aeration. Always use a pot with a drainage hole.
2) Watering: Small, frequent amounts when the top 2–3 cm start to dry. Empty the saucer and avoid standing water.
3) Light/Temperature/Humidity: Bright indirect light; 18–22°C; humidity >60%. Keep away from draughts & direct sun.
| 🔎 Item | Information |
|---|---|
| 🌿 Scientific name | Alocasia melo |
| 🪴 Pot/Size | 12 cm • height ~20 cm |
| ☀️ Light | Bright indirect light—no direct sun |
| 💧 Watering | Small amounts; avoid overwatering and standing water |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 18–22°C • stable, warm conditions |
| 💦 Humidity | High (>60%); a greenhouse cabinet is welcome |
| ☠️ Toxicity | Toxic/irritant (calcium oxalates)—keep out of reach of children/pets |
💡 Tip: If you see droplets at the tips (guttation), slightly reduce watering/humidity and improve airflow—it indicates saturation, not sweating.
🤔 Did you know? The textured, bullate leaves scatter light and reduce water loss, giving the plant its distinctive sculptural appearance.
Why you’ll love it info
- 🪨 Sculptural texture that draws you in up close.
- 🖤 Dark, elegant foliage for styled corners.
- 📏 Compact—fits anywhere.
🧠 Greenleaf for plant nerds—scientific facts nobody asked for geek
- 🧬 A shade-tolerant C3 tropical understorey plant.
- 🧪 Bullate/rugose leaf blades → reduced transpiration.
- 🌱 Propagation by rhizome division or offsets.
- 💧 Tends to guttate in high humidity or with wet roots.
How much light does it need? light
Bright indirect light/partial shade; avoid direct sun, which scorches the leaves.
How should I water it correctly? watering
Small, frequent amounts when the top 2–3 cm of the mix dry out; never leave water in the saucer.
What humidity does it need? humidity
High (>60%). A humidifier, pebble tray or ventilated cabinet helps.
What growing medium does it prefer? soil
Airy and free-draining (peat/compost + perlite/bark + a little pumice). Always use a pot with a drainage hole.
© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. | The text is original material. Copying is prohibited (Law 2121/1993).
🔎 Note: Due to natural plant variation, the plant you receive may differ slightly from the photograph. Shape, size and colour depend on the season, growing conditions and the nature of each plant.
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Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
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Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.