Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ – Profile, Traits & Indoor Care

Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ is a striking tropical showpiece known for its dramatic contrast between bold, zebra-striped petioles and deep green, arrow-shaped leaves. This rare cultivar stands out from the standard zebrina with a more upright posture, broader foliage, and a thicker, more pronounced leaf texture. Its elegant structure and exotic patterns instantly draw attention without relying on overstatement or embellishment. While its look might suggest a diva attitude, this plant is surpris...
What Makes Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ Stand Out Indoors

Striking Petioles: Each leaf is held up by pale green stalks adorned with dark green to chocolate-brown striping—just like a zebra's coat.
Bold Foliage: The leaves are narrow-sagittate, leathery, glossy, and can reach up to 100 cm long and 60 cm wide under optimal conditions.
Architectural Growth: Grows upright with leaves arranged in small clusters, often without cataphylls in mature stages.
Collectible Cultivar: Historically more expensive and rarer than the base species due to its increased size and vigour.

Natural Environment & Growth Behaviour

Native Habitat: Endemic to several Philippine islands including Luzon, Mindanao, and Leyte, where it grows in lowland tropical rainforest with 60–70% humidity year-round.
Climate Profile: Prefers warm, moist environments with day temperatures between 20–31 °C, and never dips below 7 °C.
Rainfall: Receives up to 1,200 mm annual rainfall, with a wetter period between October and May.
Indoor Size: Can grow up to 150–180 cm in height with a similar spread, depending on space, soil volume, and light levels.
Growth Habit: Upright, non-climbing, rhizomatous perennial; moderate growth rate under stable conditions.
Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested—contains calcium oxalate crystals.

How to Care for Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Too much sun can scorch the leaves; too little results in drooping and slow growth.
Watering: Keep the substrate slightly moist, never soggy. Let the top 3–5 cm dry out between waterings.
Humidity: Performs best with humidity between 60–70%. Dry air often leads to brown leaf tips.
Temperature: Ideal range is 20–28 °C. Protect from drafts and temperatures below 15 °C.
Soil: Needs a very well-draining aroid mix – airy, chunky, and rich in organic matter.
Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when roots fill the container. Choose a pot with multiple drainage holes.
Fertilizing: Feed monthly with a balanced, diluted fertilizer during active growth. Avoid overfeeding.
Propagation: Through division of rhizomes—best done during repotting. Note: This cultivar is slow to offset.
Hydroponics: Can adapt to semi-hydro substrates like mineral mixes, provided roots are well-established.
Pruning: Remove old or damaged leaves at the base. Avoid cutting healthy foliage.

Common Alocasia zebrina Issues – And How to Solve Them Quickly

Browning Leaf Tips: Usually caused by low humidity or water quality (e.g., hard tap water). Switch to filtered or rainwater and raise humidity.
Yellowing Leaves: May result from overwatering or poor drainage. Check substrate and allow more drying time between waterings.
Drooping Foliage: Common during stress or transplant shock. Stable conditions and proper hydration help recovery.
Pests: Can be targeted by spider mites, mealybugs, and thrips. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil and isolate affected plants.
Root Rot: Preventable with breathable pots and a well-aerated substrate. Avoid letting the plant sit in water.

Things Most Growers Overlook About ‘Tigrina Superba’

This Alocasia doesn't need a moss pole or support, but may benefit from a stable pot to anchor its height and leaf span. The more you understand where your plant comes from—humid tropical forests with fluctuating light and consistent moisture—the better you can match its preferences at home. The zebra-striped petioles are not just decorative; they’re a result of adaptive camouflage and light filtering in native habitats.

Botanical Background

The name “zebrina” refers to the distinct zebra-like striping on the petioles. Alocasia zebrina was first described during a visit to Veitch and Sons’ Exotic Nursery and showcased at the Royal Horticultural Society’s Exhibition in 1862, where it won the Silver Knightian Medal. The cultivar ‘Tigrina Superba’ was introduced around the same time and retailed at double the price, owing to its more robust growth and dramatic presence. The species was first described in the Journal of Horticulture in 1862, ...
Did You Know?

When it was introduced in 1862, Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ was priced at 63 shillings—double the cost of the regular zebrina. That’s roughly $400 today, making it one of the most exclusive tropical ornamentals of its era.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly does Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ grow?
Under stable, warm conditions with bright indirect light, it produces a new leaf every 4–6 weeks.
Can I grow it outdoors during summer?
Yes, as long as temperatures stay above 18 °C and the plant is protected from direct midday sun and heavy rain.
Does it go dormant?
It may reduce growth in winter or after repotting, but full dormancy is rare indoors unless exposed to prolonged cold or low light.

Order your Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ today and bring bold, botanical architecture into your space.

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Alocasia zebrina ‘Tigrina Superba’ – bold striped stems, large glossy leaves, and tropical elegance. Shop this iconic cultivar now for a standout houseplant.