Plant Description
Alocasia nycteris "Batwing" Aurea Variegated
Looking for Alocasia nycteris "Batwing" Aurea Variegated? This is a golden-variegated form of one of the most dramatically shaped species in the genus, and a real collector's plant.
Alocasia nycteris earns its "Batwing" name honestly. The blade is deeply lobed and angular, hastate to sagittate, with the posterior lobes spreading wide like outstretched wings and the whole leaf carried on a long, blackish-streaked petiole. It is a robust species, growing tall in maturity, and the leaf is thickly leathery with a dark glossy green surface. Even without variegation it is one of the more architectural Alocasia you can grow. A small point of collector interest: nycteris is the Philippine species (from Panay) that the recently described Alocasia tandurusa is most often compared to, the two being close in overall shape but differing in the depth of their lobing.
The aurea form lays golden-yellow variegation over that bold outline. Rather than clean blocks, it tends to come through as marbling and speckling, warm yellow drifting across the dark glossy green. Because the aurea variegation is chimeric, it lands differently on every leaf and every plant, and it cannot be guaranteed true-to-type through tissue culture. That unpredictability is part of the appeal.
In cultivation it rewards bright, indirect light, which supports both vigour and the variegation, since the yellow tissue carries reduced chlorophyll. Keep humidity high and water once the top of the substrate begins to dry.
All plants are grown in Fluval Stratum, our preferred early-stage medium for corms and baby Alocasia, held in our 3D printed Corm Keeper stand. Once fully rooted and at juvenile size we repot into our own pon mix, blended from components in our Soil Ninja range.
- Variegation: golden-yellow aurea, chimeric, marbled and speckled across the blade
- Leaf: deeply lobed, angular, batwing-shaped blade, dark glossy green
- Origin: the true nycteris, a Philippine species from Panay
- Light: bright, indirect light to support healthy variegation
- Humidity: high, thrives at 60% and above
- Growth habit: robust terrestrial herb, growing tall when mature
- Rarity: highly limited availability, a bold aurea for the serious collector
A rare chance to add a golden batwing to your collection. Get in touch with the team at The Alocasia Company if you'd like advice on care or variegation stability.
Plant Genus
Lighting Conditions
Alocasia thrive off good lighting. The use of grow lights can help with darker areas of your home.
Humidity & Water
The only rule! Don't over water, keep your substrate moist, not wet. Less is more in every watering. High humidity is essential; aim for 60% or higher. Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or regular misting
Semi Hydro Growing
Using LECA or pon you can grow your plants without soil. Read our blog for more information
Feed Your Plant
Every watering during the growing season (spring & summer) using a water-soluble nutrients
Pet Safety
Alocasia contain insoluble calcium oxalates and can be toxic if ingested by cats, dogs, or children
