Rare bullate-leaved Alocasia from Borneo with soft variegation and reddish-purple undersides

Alocasia nebula is a spectacular and rare species from Borneo, described by botanist Alistair Hay in 2000. It is considered one of the most beautiful species in the entire Alocasia genus and belongs to a small group of three extraordinarily beautiful, small, hard-leaved, and closely related Bornean species, along with Alocasia melo and Alocasia reginula ('Black Velvet').

This is a small plant that grows to about 20 to 30 centimeters in height with about 6 leaves in total. They are strongly leathery with a characteristic bullate (bubbly, raised) texture between the veins. The upper side of the leaves is matte grayish-green, darker around the veins, while the underside is dark reddish-purple. The petioles are matte green with small deep purple dots.

The species epithet "nebula" means vapor, mist, or smoke and refers both to the plant's origin, shrouded in uncertainty, and to the soft variegation pattern on the leaves.

Botanical description

Alocasia nebula differs from the closely related Alocasia scabriuscula by its significantly smaller leaves, which are thinner in texture but still strongly leathery, bullate, with a clear marginal nerve and a large number of veins arranged in a distinct clustered pattern in the lower part of the leaf.

Although its exact origin is uncertain, the species is believed to come from limestone at Semenggoh near Kuching in Sarawak. Peter Boyce, Josef Bogner, and Alistair Hay all observed it growing there in the mid-1990s. Alocasia nebula is still unknown in the wild. Like several other rare Bornean Alocasias, it reached the international market and was cultivated through tissue culture before it formally received its scientific name.

Care

Alocasia nebula is a tropical lowland plant that requires similarly warm temperatures. It thrives best with very high humidity and needs shade to prevent the leaves from fading or burning in the sun.

Use an open, airy soil mix with a large proportion of organic matter and coarse sand or perlite. The plant benefits from plenty of space for its roots. As a limestone species, it responds well to the addition of coarsely crushed dolomite. Ideal temperature 20-28 degrees Celsius with high humidity (60-70% or more).

Well-grown plants often produce small tubers (cormels) on slender stolons at or below the soil surface. These often have a prolonged dormancy period but can be used to keep the plants alive, as adult plants are prone to sudden collapse, especially if the roots become too cool or rot. Buy Alocasia nebula online!