Alocasia 'Simpo' is a hybrid from the Malaysian collector trade, bred by Wawan Santoso, the grower behind 'Lukiwan' and 'Albatuwan'. It takes its name from Bukit Simpo, the Simpo Hills in Malaysia, where one of the nurseries he worked at is located. Its suspected parentage is Alocasia sinuata × Alocasia 'Lukiwan', itself a Santoso cross of Alocasia alba × Alocasia sinuata. Santoso does not remember the exact cross, so the parentage is best read as likely rather than recorded.
The albo variegated form adds chimeric white variegation to a leaf that is already distinctive for its texture. This guide covers the hybrid's background, what the albo variegation does on this leaf, and complete UK care.
The 'Simpo' Hybrid
Breeder and Name
Wawan Santoso produced a small group of hybrids while working in Malaysian nurseries, and 'Simpo', 'Lukiwan' and 'Albatuwan' are among the best known. Because they were raised in Malaysia, they have been most widely grown there, reaching Thailand, Indonesia and collections further afield more gradually through export. 'Simpo' is a cultivar name taken from a place, the Simpo Hills, rather than a trade name describing the plant.
Parentage
The suspected cross, A. sinuata × 'Lukiwan', would make Alocasia sinuata the dominant influence, since it appears on both sides: once as a direct parent and once as a parent of 'Lukiwan'. Alocasia sinuata is a Philippine species known for thick, wavy, deeply quilted leaves, and that character shows clearly in 'Simpo'. Our guides to Alocasia sinuata Variegated, sinuata Albo and sinuata Mint cover the species in more detail.
'Simpo' is sometimes grouped with Alocasia sanderiana in the trade because of its lobed outline and pale venation. The recorded background does not support that: there is no sanderiana in its suspected parentage.
Leaf Character
'Simpo' keeps the highly bullate, glabrous leaf of its parents: the surface is raised and quilted between the veins, and smooth rather than hairy. On mature leaves the basal sinus is open, so the two lobes at the base of the blade stand apart rather than meeting or overlapping. The spathe is greenish white. White (albo) and yellow (aurea) variegated forms are both in cultivation; our Simpo Aurea guide covers the yellow form.
The Albo Variegation
The albo form carries chimeric white variegation: sectors, patches and splashes of tissue without chlorophyll, set by how the variegated cell layer is distributed in the growing point. On a bullate leaf the effect is particularly strong, because the raised quilting catches light differently on the white and green areas, giving the variegation depth as well as contrast.
As with every chimeric albo, the pattern changes from leaf to leaf. A plant may produce a boldly sectored leaf, a half-moon leaf or a largely green one, and heavily white leaves are weaker and shorter-lived than balanced ones. Our albo variegation guide and complete variegation types overview explain the mechanism.
Growing Alocasia Simpo Albo in the UK
Light
Bright, filtered, indirect light. The albo form needs more light than a green plant because the white sectors do not photosynthesise, but white tissue also scorches easily, so keep it out of direct midday sun. Consistent bright indirect light from an east or bright south-facing window, or supplemented with LED grow lights, is the right provision. Through the UK winter, supplementary lighting prevents growth stalling and helps the plant keep producing well-balanced leaves.
Substrate and Watering
Fluval Stratum gives the drainage and aeration this plant needs, and established plants do well in our own pon mix, blended from the Soil Ninja range. Allow the top 2 to 3 cm to dry between waterings. Keep the pot modest rather than generous: excess substrate holds moisture around a small root system.
Temperature and Humidity
Aim for 18 to 27°C and 60 to 75 percent humidity. The thick, quilted leaves are reasonably tolerant of normal household conditions once established, but new leaves open more cleanly in steady humidity. Cold draughts are the main risk, and winter humidity from central heating needs managing. Our winter care guide covers the colder months.
Pests and Propagation
Spider mite is the main pest concern. The deep quilting creates hollows on the leaf underside where mites can shelter, so inspect closely and regularly. The plant produces corms that carry the chimeric albo genetics; corm offspring may or may not express strong variegation, as is inherent to all chimeric propagation.
Collector Context
Simpo Albo sits most naturally alongside the sinuata forms in a collection, and next to 'Simpo' Aurea. For every other guide, see our rare Alocasia A to Z, and our Alocasia care guide covers the fundamentals. You can view our Alocasia Simpo Albo listing, or join the drop list to hear when it is next offered.
Questions about Alocasia Simpo Albo, its parentage, or care for albo-variegated Alocasia? Contact our team for guidance from specialists at our UK-based private nursery.
