Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’ – historic hybrid with metallic, sculptural leaves

Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’ is a legendary hybrid from 1887, bred by the Chantrier brothers in France. A cross of Alocasia cuprea (Borneo) and Alocasia sanderiana (Philippines), it unites the metallic sheen of A. cuprea with deeply lobed margins of A. sanderiana. This combination produces compact, majestic foliage prized by collectors. Discover more about its genus in our Alocasia guide. It belongs to the Araceae (aroid) family.

● Distinct traits of Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’

  
Hybrid history: Bred by Chantrier Frères, France (1887)
  
Parentage: A. cuprea × A. sanderiana
  
Leaf appearance: Metallic, copper-bronze reflexes with silvery veins and undulating margins
  
Form  and size: Upright habit, reaching ~50–70 cm indoors under optimal conditions
  
Root habit: Tuberous-rhizomatous, allowing division at repotting

● Collector appeal  and historical value

  
Heritage status: Among the earliest aroid hybrids, integral to Victorian conservatories
  
Aesthetic rarity: Combines metallic luster and ornate lobing not often matched
  
Legacy influence: A progenitor cultivar that shaped hybrids like Alocasia × amazonica

● Natural origin  and adaptive background

Parental species hail from humid, shaded rainforest understories where light is filtered, humidity remains high, and soils are airy yet moist. These adaptations — reflective leaf surfaces, tolerance of diffused light, and roots attuned to oxygenated media — inform how you care for Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’ indoors.

● Indoor growth behaviour

This hybrid maintains a steadier, upright form rather than sprawling or climbing. Micro-story: new leaves often emerge with a copper-red tint before maturing into deep metallic green. Under consistent warmth, humidity, and nutrition, it retains its luster year-round without forced dormancy.

● Care guide – precise conditions, strong results

  
Light: Bright, indirect light; shield from harsh midday sun to preserve metallic sheen
  
Water: Water when the top 10–15 % of substrate dries; ensure complete drainage, no standing water
  
Substrate: Use an airy aroid mix (orchid bark, perlite, coco coir) with slight acidity (pH 5.5–6.5)
  
Humidity: 60–80 % supports crisp margins and vibrant surface reflections
  
Temperature: 18–27 °C; stability preserves pigment and growth
  
Feeding: Dilute balanced fertiliser every 4–6 weeks in active growth; taper in lower light phases
  
Semi-hydro use: Performs well in mineral/inert media if aeration and flushing are maintained
Visual cue: Uniform metallic sheen across leaf surfaces signals optimal conditions; dull, uneven patches often indicate humidity or soil imbalance.

● Common problems  and solutions

  
Drooping leaves: Usually from low humidity or erratic watering — stabilize the environment
  
Leaf yellowing: Overwatering or compacted mix — improve drainage and freshen mix
  
Brown edges: Dry air or salt buildup — increase humidity and flush the substrate
  
Pests: Monitor for mites or mealybugs; treat early with insecticidal soap

● Design  and collector tips

Its metallic foliage brings sculptural drama. Place in matte or muted-toned pots that don’t compete with leaf luster. Pair with softer-leaf aroids to contrast texture. Propagate via division for gradual expansion. Propagated responsibly by Foliage Factory partner growers.

● Toxicity  and safety

Contains calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion or contact can irritate mouth and skin. Keep out of reach of pets and children; wash hands after pruning or dividing.

● Etymology  and naming note

The genus name Alocasia distinguishes it from Colocasia. ‘Chantrierii’ honors its breeders, the Chantrier brothers. Over time, misnomers like ‘Bayeriana’ and ‘Splendens’ emerged in trade records; this cultivar is celebrated as the original ornamental form of historic aroid breeding.

● FAQ – Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’

  
Is it rare? Yes — it’s a collector’s specimen and seldom available commercially.
  
How differs from ‘Amazonica’? ‘Chantrierii’ shows stronger lobing and a metallic surface vs. ‘Amazonica’s’ broader gloss leaves.
  
Will it grow in semi-hydro? Yes — with careful aeration and moderate moisture.
  
Does it need dormancy? No forced dormancy; growth slows with reduced light but resumes under stable conditions.
  
Is it safe for pets? No — tissues contain calcium oxalates.

Ready to bring Alocasia ‘Chantrierii’ into your collection? Order now and own a living piece of aroid history, with metallic elegance and timeless character.