Rare Alocasia with a leaf shape resembling bat wings.

Alocasia nycteris can grow up to 1.5 meters tall and typically has 2 to 4 leaves.

The species was first shown to the public by plant enthusiast Antonio Advincula during a garden exhibition in the Philippines in 2003. It was then named Alocasia advincula, but that name was never formally approved according to botanical rules.

Botanical description.

Alocasia nycteris is endemic to the northwestern part of Panay Island in the Philippines, primarily in the areas from Nabas to Ibajay in the provinces of Aklan and Antique. It grows in lowlands, near sea level (0–20 meters above sea level), and thrives in shaded environments, along roadsides, among rocks, in rice fields, secondary forests, and lowland wooded areas.

The plant was first officially described in 2007 under the name Alocasia nycteris. The name "nycteris" refers to the bat genus, alluding to the bat-like shape of the leaves.

Care.

With proper care, it is not difficult to help this species thrive. Water with the goal of letting the top 2-3 cm of soil dry out between waterings. Place the plant in indirect light, e.g., filtered direct light or sunlight reflected from a wall.

Provide nutrients in the form of a very diluted houseplant fertilizer (e.g., 1/8th of the dose) weekly. Propagate the plant by dividing small tubers that emerge at the base.

Appearance.

The petioles are green with dark green to blackish-green stripes, and can grow up to one meter long.

The leaves are glossy and dark green on the top, lighter underneath, and have a spear to arrow shape. The edges of the leaves are heavily wavy, almost lobed, and the rear part of the leaf has two protruding "wings" that resemble bat wings, hence the nickname batwing alocasia. Buy Batwing Alocasia online!