Alocasia Jacklyn

Description

Alocasia sp. ‘Jacklyn’ is among the most architecturally dramatic Alocasias in cultivation. Its large, deeply lobed leaves are held upright on tall, pale stems, with each lobe tapering to a fine point in a way that sets it apart from any other elephant ear. The leaf margins are scalloped and the surface has a subtle sheen. As the plant matures, it becomes increasingly impressive, developing into a bold, structural specimen unlike anything else in a collection. This is not an Alocasia for beginners, but for those who can give it the right conditions, it is one of the most rewarding.

Origins
Alocasia sp. ‘Jacklyn’, also known as Alocasia tandurusa, is native to the tropical forests of northern Sulawesi, Indonesia, where it grows in humid understorey environments at elevations between 500 and 1,000 metres. It was first documented and introduced to cultivation relatively recently, named after the collector Enjie Jacklin who first identified it.

Soil and Substrate
Alocasia sp. ‘Jacklyn’ requires a substrate that retains some moisture while still draining freely between waterings. Alocasias are not as tolerant of drought as some aroids, but they are equally intolerant of waterlogged roots. Our Alocasia Potting Mix provides the right balance: structured enough for good drainage and aeration, with enough organic matter to retain the gentle moisture this species appreciates.