Variegated Alocasia Dawn 

Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

Have you ever heard of the Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant, commonly known as the elephant ear plant? It is a beautiful indoor plant with attractive elephant leaves, and everybody wants it.

The plant is mainly known because of its common name, and many people wonder if it was given this name. However, this article provides you with the best information about the plant. To find out, keep on reading.

What is a Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant?

The beautiful Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia. It is a member of the Araceae family and is closely related to the Alocasia plant. It’s best known for its color green, yellow, and white variations.  

The Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is a herbaceous perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall. It is an easy-to-grow plant that does well in most soil types. It can be used as an indoor or outdoor plant.

The Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is used in traditional medicine in Southeast Asia and is believed to have healing properties. The Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is often used to treat issues such as digestive problems, inflammation, and fever. 

It is also perfect for people who have allergies to some plants because it doesn’t contain any major allergens. Also, it is efficient for people who want a low-maintenance plant. However, it doesn’t require a lot of water and doesn’t need to be repotted very often.

This plant doesn’t take up a lot of space in the house and can be suitable for people with small habitats. The Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant can be found online and in some botanical gardens. It is also possible to grow the Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant at home using various growing methods.

Origin and Classification

The variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is a member of the family Araceae. It is a herbaceous, evergreen perennial native to southeastern Asia, India, and Malaysia. This plant is typically a shrub but can grow as a small tree. It naturally grows in moist and shady areas of the tropics.

Features of variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant

The features of this plant are unique from other indoor plants. Because of these features, the plant is worldly known and the most commonly used indoor plant. The following are some of them:

1. Height 

The height of the variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant can vary depending on the specific variety. However, they typically grow to be around 2-3 feet tall. Some types can grow taller or shorter, but generally, they are around this average height. 

However, they can also be grown as shrubs or trees, so there is a lot of variation among individual plants.

2. Leaves 

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The leaves of a variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant are typically large, glossy, and dark green, with distinctive white or yellow variegation. The variegation may be pretty uniform across the leaf, or it may be patchy. The leaves are typically arranged in a rosette around the stem but may also be scattered throughout the plant.

3. Flowers

The flowers of the plant are white and have a yellow center. They are about 1-2 inches in diameter and grow in clusters. The blooming period is from spring to summer.

4. Foliage and Stem 

The stem of the elephant ear plant is covered in tiny bumps called tubercles covered in a thin film of wax. It is variegated with alternating bands of green and white.

5. Toxicity

Variegated alocasia plants are not considered to be toxic to humans or animals. However, the sap from these plants can cause skin irritation in some people. 

If you come into contact with the sap, wash it off with water immediately. Additionally, variegated alocasia plants may cause photosensitivity if sunlight is directly exposed. 

Basic Care of the Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant

A lot of care is required while growing and maintaining this plant. Every climatic condition should be at an optimum to avoid damage to the plant. These are some of the requirements for the plant.

1. Size & Growth

The plant will need at least partial sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 6 feet. It is best to plant in the spring or summer. The plant is not frost-tolerant. The plant is hardy in zones 10-12. It’s recommended to be placed in a container if you do not have a lot of space.

2. Light Requirements

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The variegated Alocasia dawn plant requires six to eight hours of light daily. This light must be indirect and filtered to avoid too much heat on the leaves. 

3. Water Requirements

The plant requires moist soil and prefers to be watered about once a week. It is best to water the plant in the morning so the leaves have time to dry before the sun becomes too hot. Avoid overwatering as this can cause wilting and root rot.

4. Soil Requirements

The variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant requires well-drained, rich soil high in organic matter. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers a slightly acidic pH. The plant is also drought resistant.

5. Sunlight Requirements

The variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions. If the leaves start to turn yellow, this is a sign that the plant is not getting enough light. Move the plant to a brighter spot or increase the amount of light it receives. When the leaves are green and new, they get plenty of sunlight.

6. Temperature

The temperature requirement of variegated Alocasia Dawn Plants is warm to hot temperatures. It prefers full sun to partial shade and needs well-drained soil. It is not frost-tolerant. 

7. Toxicity

The variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant can be toxic when ingested by pets. It releases crystals that cause mouth irritation, tissue penetration, and GI tract problems. It’s highly recommended to place this away from pet’s reach.

8. Drought & Disease resistance

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The variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is a very drought and disease-resistant plant. It is able to withstand long periods of drought and does not require a lot of water to survive. 

This plant is also resistant to most diseases and pests, making it a very low-maintenance plant. The variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is a great choice for those who want a low-maintenance, drought-resistant plant.

9. Fertilizing

The best way to fertilize a variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant is to use a slow-release fertilizer high in nitrogen. Apply the fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer. Alternatively, you can use a liquid fertilizer specifically designed for plants. Apply the fertilizer every two to three weeks during the growing season.

10. Pruning Requirements

Spring or early summer is the best time to prune your alocasia plant. You will want to remove any dead or dying leaves and any leaves that are damaged or have spots. You should also remove any spindles or branches that are too long or have broken off. Finally, you can cut off any flowers that are in bloom. Pruning your Alocasia will help to keep it healthy and looking its best. 

11. Potting & Repotting

The plant requires repotting after some time. To re-pot:

⦁ remove the old potting soil and replace it with fresh, well-draining soil.

⦁ Water, the plant well until the soil, is moist but not soggy.

⦁ Spread a layer of organic fertilizer over the surface of the soil.

⦁ Place the repotted Alocasia in its new pot and fill with fresh potting soil to about 1 inch from the top of the pot.

Water well and keep moist until the new potting soil has dried out.

How to Propagate Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plant

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Propagation is the development of new plants from old ones. Stem cutting or division is done to get new elephant ear plants.

Follow these steps to divide the plant:

⦁ Carefully dig up the root ball and divide it into several smaller pieces. 

⦁ Plant them in new pots.

These are the steps to root stem cuttings:

⦁ Take a Cutting Board and make an incision 1 inch below the soil line. 

⦁ Make sure to remove all of the soil from around the cutting and place the cutting in a soil mixture that contains some perlite or vermiculite.

⦁ Water the cutting well and place it in a sunny location. 

Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plants can take up to two months to root but typically propagate through division or stem cuttings within six weeks.

Common Problems Caring for Variegated Alocasia Dawn Plants

There are several problems one will encounter while handling this plant. Some issues result from misunderstanding care guidelines, while others are due to pests and diseases.

1. Leaf Scorching

This is a symptom of too much sun and over-fertilization. The plant should be transferred to a shady area, and avoid fertilizing it until the scorchers disappear.

2. Leaf Wilting and Drooping

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This is caused by inadequate water and low humidity. The plant must be watered regularly and kept in cool places to avoid this problem. However, too much water will cause the plant to root.

3. Leaf Yellowing

This plant is susceptible to yellowing of leaves. It is a condition when the plant is grown under too much light. If this occurs, the plant will need to be moved to a location with less light or may be covered with a cloth for shade provision.

4. Pests

They include aphids, mealybugs, scales, whiteflies, and mites. It damages the leaves and roots of this plant and causes fungal diseases and other secondary injuries.

Also read: Swan Orchid Plant, Grow & Care Guide 2022

Final Words

The Variegated alocasia dawn is a beautiful and unique plant that is perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any home. These plants are known for thriving in low and high light conditions, making them a versatile option for any home. 

Additionally, the Variegated alocasia dawn is known for being relatively easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a low-maintenance plant. This is the option if you are looking for a plant that will add a touch of beauty and sophistication to your home.

Buying Options

The elephant ear plant is found in online markets such as garden goods, amazon, and Etsy. Its price varies to different needs and the shipping location.

Click these links to buy the plant:

Buy on amazon

Buy on Etsy

Buy on gardengoods.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Are variegated Alocasia stable?

Some variegated Alocasia plants may be stable, while others may not. Ultimately, monitoring your plants closely and consulting with a professional if you have any concerns is crucial. Generally speaking, most variegated Alocasia plants will be stably provided they are well-watered and receive regular fertilization.

What causes variegation in Alocasia?

There are many possible causes of variegation in Alocasia plants, including genetic mutations, viral infections, and fungal infections. However, the most common cause is probably genetic mutations. 

Alocasia plants can develop various types of variegation, including striped, spotted, and blotchy patterns. Some mutations may cause light or dark areas to become more pronounced.

Do variegated elephant ears revert?

Variegated elephant ears do tend to revert to their all-green form. This is because the variegated form is a result of a natural mutation. The all-green form is the norm and has been seen in nature since the elephant ear’s initial domestication.

How long do Alocasias take to mature?

It can take up to 10 weeks for an Alocasia to mature. However, most Alocasias will reach their full size within 3-5 weeks. Factors affecting the maturation rate include the plant’s size and health, light exposure, temperature, and humidity.

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