Rare aroid from Borneo with inverted colors. Dark background with light veins

Alocasia reversa is an attractive species from Borneo (Sarawak) with leaves colored in a way that is unusual among aroids. Usually, the background color is dark with lighter veins, but in this species, it is the other way around, hence the name reversa.

The coloring is well-defined and strongly contrasted in young foliage, but has a softness that makes it pleasing to the eye.

The plant was introduced in 1890 from the Philippine Islands by F. W. Burbidge and sent to Kew in London for identification. It appears to be one of the smaller species, growing to about 35 centimeters tall (often less).

Of the known species, it appears to be closest to A. sinuata, also from the Philippine Islands.

Botanical description

Alocasia reversa is a small herb that grows primarily in wet tropical biotope. The plant is known by the synonyms Alocasia 'Hana' (in Singapore) and Alocasia 'Blue Cuprea' (in Australia during the 1980s).

The species is native to Sarawak (specifically the Padawan district) in Borneo where it grows in forest over limestone, often on boulders, up to 300 meters above sea level.

The climate is tropical humid with moderate humidity (60-70%) year-round. Temperatures vary seasonally from 9-31°C during the day, with minimum temperatures never dropping below 7°C. Rainy and humid season October-May, dry season June-October with an annual average rainfall of 1200 mm.

The plant has a short, upright to leaning rhizome about 3 centimeters in diameter. The leaves are thinly leathery, in adult plants entirely peltate or (usually) mixed peltate and non-peltate. Approximately 14 x 6 centimeters to 22 x 10 centimeters. The leaf surface is glossy dark green around the midrib and primary veins on the upper side, the rest grayish-green.

Care

Thrives in semi-shade to shade with high humidity (60-70%). Keep soil evenly moist but well-drained. Ideal temperature 18-28°C, minimum 10°C.

Fertilize monthly during the growing season. Perfect for terrariums or humid indoor environments. Buy Alocasia reversa online!