Alocasia nycteris 'Batwing' – Exotic Foliage with Striking Structure


Alocasia nycteris 'Batwing' is a rare tropical aroid native to Panay Island in the Philippines, known for its dramatic bat-shaped foliage and upright, architectural growth. First described by Medecilo, G.C.Yao, and Madulid in 2007, this terrestrial species features glossy, arrow-shaped leaves with rippling edges that resemble wings in motion. A bold and sculptural addition to any rare plant collection.


What Makes Alocasia nycteris 'Batwing' Unique


Leaf Shape: Dark green, arrowhead-shaped leaves with flared edges – resembling bat wings in flight.
Size: Grows up to 1.5 m tall and around 50 cm wide indoors.
Growth Form: Upright and sturdy with distinctive striped petioles.
Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate – not safe for pets or small children.



Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions
This Alocasia originates from tropical forests on Panay Island in the central Philippines. In its natural habitat, it grows in shaded, humid conditions with rich organic soil. These conditions can be replicated indoors with warm temperatures, high humidity, and filtered light.


How to Care for Alocasia nycteris 'Batwing'


Light: Bright, indirect light – avoid direct sun to protect the delicate leaf edges.
Watering: Water only when the top 2–3 cm of soil have dried out. Never let the plant sit in soggy soil.
Humidity: 60 % or higher is ideal. Dry air can quickly cause brown tips.
Temperature: Best kept between 20–28 °C. Do not expose to temperatures below 15 °C.
Substrate: Use a well-draining mix with bark, perlite, and organic compost components.
Feeding: Apply liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth – regardless of the season.
Repotting: Only repot when rootbound or when the substrate breaks down.
Suitable for Semi-Hydro: Adapts well to mineral substrates with stable moisture control.
Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves close to the base with clean shears.
Propagation: Can be propagated via rhizome division during repotting.



Common Issues and How to Solve Them


Yellowing Leaves: Usually caused by overwatering – check substrate and watering schedule.
Brown Tips: Often due to low humidity or nutrient stress – improve air moisture and adjust feeding.
Pests: Occasionally affected by spider mites or thrips – treat early with neem oil or gentle wiping.



Botanical Background and Classification
Alocasia nycteris was officially described in 2007 by Medecilo, G.C.Yao, and Madulid (published in J. Bot. Res. Inst. Texas 1: 817). The species name nycteris references the bat genus Nycteris, highlighting the plant’s wing-like leaf shape. The genus Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family and includes many bold, tropical species prized for their foliage.


Frequently Asked Questions about Alocasia nycteris 'Batwing'


Is it toxic to pets? Yes – all parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate and are toxic if ingested.
How big does it get? With proper care, it can grow up to 1.5 m tall with a broad, upright structure.
Can I grow it in semi-hydro? Yes – it performs well in mineral substrates with consistent humidity and nutrient access.

Get your Alocasia nycteris 'Batwing' now – a rare tropical centerpiece that adds bold character and sculptural form to your indoor jungle.