Alocasia clypeolata , like many of the Philippine species, varies across geographic areas.

It seems that the number of veins increases as you go north among the Philippine Islands. The name comes from the Latin clypeus which means shield, referring to the leaves being shaped like small shields.

Care.

Alocasia clypeolata thrives in partial shade, avoid direct sunlight which can burn the leaves. It needs high humidity, preferably over 50%, but can cope in drier environments. Keep the temperature above 16 °C, preferably 19–30 °C, and protect from drafts. The soil should be nutritious, moist but well-drained, for example our soil mixture. Water when the top 5–8 cm of the soil has dried out. Add nutrients sparingly, every two months with about 1/4 of the instructions. Keep an eye out for root rot if overwatered, the easiest way is with transparent plastic pots.

Botanical description.

Alocasia clypeolata comes from Mindanao, Surigao Providence around Mount 'Kabatuan' in the Philippines. This species is also called Alocasia 'green shield'.

Appearance.

Alocasia clypeolata grows up to about 30 cm tall, with a short stem of about 5 cm. The leaves are arranged in groups of about six. The leaves are slightly leathery, about 16 cm long and have an egg-like shape. All nerves are level with the leaf surface on both sides. Buy Alocasia clypeolata online!