Alocasia Frydek Variegated or Alocasia Micholitziana ‘Frydek’ Variegata is a member of the Araceae family.
The etymology of the Alocasia Micholitziana ‘Frydek’ Variegata is interesting. Micholitziana is named after the original collector and German Botanist, Wilhelm Micholitz. The Frydek part of the name is believed to have come from the person who introduced it to western markets.
Alocasia Frydek Variegata care at a glance.
𪴠Appearance
The Alocasia Frydek Variegata has arrow-shaped green leaves speckled (almost like paint) in white. Each leaf looks different with its variegation. Some of the leaves on my plant will have a full half of the leaf in white, and the other half more in the speckled paint style.
The stem is of a more translucent, yellowy-green colour (like other Alocasia).
âď¸ Light Needs
Alocasia Frydek Variegata thrives in bright, indirect light. This type of light helps with the white variegation on the leaves.
At home, Alocasia Frydek Variegata thrive in bright, east or north-facing windows. They require indirect light for several hours a day. Keep in mind, direct sunlight can cause damage to the leaves.
đĄď¸ Temperature & Humidity đŤď¸
Alocasia Frydek Variegata like temperatures between 15-30 degrees celsius, and high humidity (60%).
When thinking about humidity, you can think about where the plant is native to and where it grows. Is it in a rainforest with high humidity? If yes, you will likely need a humidifier, and to set it somewhere between 40 and 60 humidity.
This is the case for the Alocasia Frydek Variegata. It thrives in high humidity. To keep my plants happy, I use two Levoit humidifiers on opposite sides of my apartment: the Levoit Hybrid Ultrasonic Humidifier (LV600HH) and Levoit Bedroom Humidifier. This allows me to set my preferred humidity level, and read the display so I know how humid my apartment is at all times. A moisture meter is also helpful for this.
đą How Does Alocasia Frydek Variegated Grow?
Like other Alocasias, the new leaves of the Alocasia Frydek Variegata grow in a petiole, from the centre of the base of the plant. The petiole for the Alocasia Frydek Variegata is basically the same colour
The foliage is a brighter green, with whiter variegation when it first grows in. Eventually the leaves settle in a darker green, with the white variegation becoming a bit greener.
Alocasia Frydek Variegata can grow up to 18 cm (35 inches).
đ¸ Does Alocasia Frydek Variegated Bloom?
Alocasia Frydek Variegata can bloom, but it would direct its energy to the flower instead of new foliage. If you want new foliage, you can prune the bloom. It will only bloom when it reaches maturity, which can take several years.
âď¸ How Do You Propagate Alocasia Frydek Variegata?
Alocasia are propagated by corm. Sometimes new plants may emerge from the soil, but this is also from corm. Most of the time you will find the corms near the roots of the plant.
You will have to detangle the corms from the roots and place them in a bit of a humidity chamber or prop box. I just used a glass tupperware container with a lid and a bit of water, filled up half of the height of the corms. It is important to change the water every now and then to avoid algae buildup and molding.
If you used the humidity chamber method, once roots have grown you can pot the corm in soil. I personally wait until I see a petiole to be sure and then pot that in a well draining soil.
đ§ How to Water Alocasia Frydek Variegated
When the top half of the soil is dry, I bottom water the Alocasia Frydek Variegata through the drainage holes of the pot on a tray. Bottom watering is the easiest way to know if your plant is thirsty or not. Overwatering can lead to fungus gnats, root rot, or the death of your plant.
You can top water, but itâs best to do so in a pot with drainage until water is flowing out of the hole. If your pot doesnât have drainage, you might accidentally drown your plant or make some fungus gnats very happy.
You should top water from time to time to make sure any built up minerals can wash through the plant. The water should drip out of the bottom of your drainage hole.
𪳠Pests & Problems đ
- Spider Mites: If you see webbing or signs of damage on your leaves, spider mites may have taken to your Alocasia Frydek Variegata. I spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil, dish soap and water. I repeat this about once or twice a week (depending on the severity of infestation) for about a month. Itâs also good to do this preventatively once a month or so. Learn how to eradicate Spider Mites.
- Drooping Leaves: Your Alocasia is likely thirsty. Just give it a little water and it should be as good as new.
- Yellowing Leaves: If you have a new leaf coming in, your Alocasia is likely fine. Plants pull energy from older leaves to support new growth. But it can also indicate over- or under- watering or lighting issues.
- Mealy Bugs: these look like little white cotton balls on the plant. You can remove these with your fingers if you catch them early enough, but I would use a cotton swab with a drop of Isopropyl alcohol and try to scrape them off the stem.
- Fungus gnats: Spray your Alocasia with a mixture of neem oil, dish soap and water. I also let the soil dry out and add dryer sheets on top of the soil so the gnats canât sense the moisture on the soil.
- Thrips: these are little, dark bugs that look like dirt. They suck the life out of the leaves, and lay eggs within the tissue of the leaf. As they age, they can grow wings and infect other plants. I spray the plant with a mixture of neem oil, dish soap and water. I repeat this every few days to try and get both the pest and the eggs. Sometimes I just chop the affected leaf since they are hard to eradicate. Complete guide on how to get rid of thrips.
â˘ď¸ Are Alocasia Frydek Variegated Toxic?
Alocaisa Frydek Variegata is toxic to humans and pets if ingested as it contains calcium oxalate crystals. These crystals can cause swelling and irritation of the mouth, throat and digestive system if eaten. Some individuals are even allergic to the sap or juice of the plant, causing skin irritation.
Alocasia Frydek Variegata Quick Care Guide
| Scientific Name | Alocasia Micholitziana ‘Frydek’ Variegata |
| Nickname | Variegated Alocasia Frydek, Variegated Elephant Ear, Alocasia Frydek Variegata |
| Origins | Southeast Asia |
| Light | Bright, indirect light |
| Temperature | 15-30 degrees celsius |
| Humidity | High humidity (60-80%) |
| Height | Up to 35″ |
| Blooms | Yes |
| Propagate | Corms |
| Water Frequency | When half-dry (likely once a week) |
| Pests | Spider Mites, Thrips, Mealy Bugs, Fungus Gnats |
| Common Problems | Overwatering, Underwatering, Yellowing Leaves |
| Toxicity | Moderate (not safe when ingested) |
References
Below is a list of external sources I consulted while writing this post. This post is a mixture of my own experiences, and the external sources listed below:
Jomo Studio
Cowells GC
Aroidpedia
