
Image: PlantoScan
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' Plant Care
Alocasia micholitziana Sander
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Alocasia micholitziana, commonly known as the green velvet taro or green velvet alocasia, is a plant in the family Araceae. It is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to filtered light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Plant Alocasia 'Micholitziana' in bright indirect to filtered light (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Alocasia 'Micholitziana' Native To?
What Is the Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' (Alocasia micholitziana) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is native to the island of Luzon in the Philippines. Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is also known as Micholitz's Alocasia.
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' displays a large, upright foliage growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Alocasia 'Micholitziana' produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Water a young or newly planted Alocasia 'Micholitziana' every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Alocasia 'Micholitziana' Need?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' thrives in bright indirect to filtered light. Avoid placing Alocasia 'Micholitziana' in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alocasia 'Micholitziana' Prefer?
Alocasia micholitziana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Alocasia 'Micholitziana' prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Alocasia 'Micholitziana' to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Feed Alocasia 'Micholitziana' every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Choose a spot with bright indirect to filtered light and well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Prune Alocasia 'Micholitziana' while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Alocasia 'Micholitziana' in Winter?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese taro plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alocasia 'Micholitziana' Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alocasia 'Micholitziana'?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alocasia 'Micholitziana' Need?
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is native to the island of Luzon in the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Alocasia 'Micholitziana' as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alocasia genus — compare its care with other Alocasia species on PlantoScan.
Alocasia is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Alocasia 'Micholitziana' thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Alocasia Species
Other Alocasia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alocasia micholitziana Sander, family Araceae (first published in Gard. Chron. , ser. 3, 51(Suppl.): li (1912)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Alocasia 'Micholitziana' is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: © Daniel Iseli, PlantoScan.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
