Alocasia 'Maharani' – Compact Powerhouse Among Jewel Alocasias

Alocasia 'Maharani' is a prized hybrid between Alocasia reginula and Alocasia melo, created by aroid botanist Peter Boyce at Malesiana Tropicals around 2009. Compact, resilient, and visually striking, this jewel Alocasia combines the deep tones and velvet texture of reginula with the rugged thickness of melo, resulting in a small, leathery-leafed beauty ideal for modern indoor collections.

Key Traits That Make Alocasia 'Maharani' Unique

Parentage: Hybrid of Alocasia reginula × Alocasia melo.
Leaf Texture: Thick, leathery, rugose (wrinkled) surface inviting closer inspection.
Coloration: Deep grey-green upper sides; subtle red underside develops with maturity.
Compact Size: Grows up to 30 cm tall, staying neat and manageable indoors.
Inflorescence: Produces a green-white spathe, though believed to be infertile.

How to Grow a Healthy Alocasia 'Maharani'

Light Preferences

Prefers bright, indirect light to maintain strong, vivid leaf texture.
Tolerates lower light but grows slower and may lose color intensity.
Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn.

Ideal Soil and Potting

Use a breathable, well-draining mix with coconut coir, perlite, and orchid bark.
Choose shallow pots with drainage to prevent root rot.
Target a slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 6.5.

Watering Schedule

Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
Keep evenly moist but avoid soggy conditions, especially in cooler months.

Humidity and Temperature

Thrives at humidity levels above 60%.
Ideal temperature range: 18–26°C. Protect from drafts and sudden chills.

Feeding and Fertilizer

Fertilize every 4–6 weeks during growth with a diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer.
Skip or reduce feeding in winter when growth slows down.

Common Issues with Alocasia 'Maharani' and Solutions

Yellowing Leaves

Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage.
Fix: Adjust watering and improve soil drainage.

Browning Tips

Cause: Low humidity or fertilizer buildup.
Fix: Increase humidity and flush the soil periodically.

Pests to Watch For

Spider Mites and Mealybugs: Treat early with insecticidal soap and wipe leaves clean.
Fungus Gnats: Allow the topsoil to dry out between waterings to disrupt their breeding cycle.

Botanical Background and Name Meaning

The name "Maharani" translates to "queen" in Hindi, honoring the majestic influence of its parent Alocasia reginula ('Black Velvet'). Combining the luxurious texture of reginula with the rugged strength of melo, Alocasia 'Maharani' showcases the best traits of both worlds through heterosis, achieving greater resilience and ornamental appeal.

Secure Your Alocasia 'Maharani' Today

Experience the royal elegance of Alocasia 'Maharani'. Order now and enrich your collection with this stunning, easy-to-love jewel Alocasia.

Alocasia 'Maharani'

From €6.95

VAT Included

Alocasia 'Maharani' comes in following sizes:

Baby Plant - comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot and is approximately 10 cm tall

M - comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot and is approximately 20 cm tall
Quick Plant Facts and Care – Alocasia 'Maharani'

Basic Information

Name: Alocasia 'Maharani'

Hybrid Background: Alocasia reginula × Alocasia melo

Developed By: Peter Boyce at Malesiana Tropicals around 2009

Growth Type: Compact jewel Alocasia with leathery, rugose foliage

Size and Appearance

Height Range: Typically maxes out at 30 cm indoors

Leaf Characteristics: Thick, textured, grey-green blades with faint red undersides

Inflorescence: Rarely flowers indoors; spathes are often sterile

Form: Low-growing with tight, symmetrical leaf formation

Growing Environment

Light Needs: Bright, indirect light helps maintain bold texture and color

Humidity Range: Prefers 60–80% for optimal foliage integrity

Temperature: Performs best between 18–26 °C

Potting Mix: Chunky and well-draining with coir, bark, and perlite

Ongoing Care

Water Routine: Water when top 2–3 cm are dry; reduce in cooler months

Nutrient Needs: Feed with diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks

Repot Timing: Every 2 years or when rootbound in shallow containers

Leaf Care: Wipe with a damp cloth to remove dust and reduce mites

Safety and Substrate Options

Toxicity: Not pet-safe due to calcium oxalate content

Container Choice: Use shallow pots with drainage; avoid heavy retention substrates

Hydroponic Potential: Can adapt to semi-hydro using mineral media with caution

Seasonal Shifts: Growth may pause in low light—adjust watering accordingly

Extra Notes and Troubleshooting

Yellow Leaves: Often from poor drainage or overwatering—review substrate and pot

Browning Tips: Suggests low humidity or salt buildup—flush soil monthly

Pests: Susceptible to spider mites and fungus gnats if airflow is poor

Light Stress: Direct sun may bleach or crisp delicate foliage

Fungal Risk: Improve ventilation if leaf spots or stem softness appears

For more insight into long-term care, soil mixes, and growth behavior, be sure to explore the full product details.
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ℹ️ Representative Image: The plant photo is for reference only. Each plant is unique, so variations in leaf count, shape, and variegation are natural.

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