When most popular Alocasias today were discovered and artificially made just a few decades ago, we have known about Alocasia Wenntii since 1917. You can say it was a pioneer in the world of Alocasia.
How to care for Alocasia Wentii? You can learn about care, Variegated and Aurea types, as well as propagation, here.
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Like many other members of the Alocasia genus, Wentii has a nickname, “Elephant Ear”. The resemblance is crystal clear.
As for Alocasia Wentii's scientific name, it’s debated what the “Wenti” part means, but most speculate the shrub was simply named after a famous botanist with the surname Went.
This dark green shrub grows in tropical rainforests and is solely grown for its beauty. We should note that technically there are “natural” Wentiis and their hybrids. The hybrids are more widespread today. They also bear the name “Wentii”, but usually stay sterile.
Wentii Alocasia Overview | |
Feature | Details |
Origin | New Guinea (native). A possible hybrid of Alocasia Cuprea and possibly Alocasia Odora |
Type | Tropical foliage plant, part of the Araceae family |
Size | Typically 2–3 ft (60–90 cm) tall |
Life span | Several years with proper care |
Leaf Colors | Dark green with purple undertones |
Flowers | Small cream to pale flowers with a green spathe and spadix |
Propagation | By rhizome division |
Toxicity | Toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals (causes irritation and swelling) |
Special Features | Exotic and a bit more hardy compared to most other Alocasias |
Some call them mutations, some call them types, and others consider them mutations. Sometimes Alocasia develop peculiar colorations on their leaves: sometimes pale, sometimes golden. Usually, Alocasias simultaneously have"normal" and uniquely colored leaves.
Such varieties have many fans and usually cost significantly.
This mutation displays irregular patches or marbling of white, cream, or yellow mixed with the natural dark green of the leaves. In some cases, white patches may look pink, and Alocasia Wentii Pink Variegated is a very popular pick among plant enthusiasts.
The best part about the variegated look is the contrast. The glossy green top with variegation still keeps the purple underside, making it extra striking.
Variegated variety is much rarer than standard Wentii, often seen as collector’s plants.
If you have this variety at home, keep in mind the following! Variegated sections lack chlorophyll, so the plant may grow more slowly and needs brighter, indirect light to thrive.
This variety shows golden-yellow streaks or patches across the leaves. The term “aurea” refers to the golden/yellow coloration.
Aurea is considered even rarer than the standard variegated form and his highly sought after by aroid collectors.
Like the Variegated variety, Aurea is more sensitive to low light. It needs stable warmth and humidity to prevent stress.
Gardeners sometimes call Wentii a “Hardy Elephant Ear plant”. The description is quite accurate, because compared to most picky Alocasia, this one is better at surviving.
Caring for an Alocasia Wentii is manageable, and with the right Alocasia Wentii care, this plant may give you the greatest gift: its flower. The Alocasia Wentii flower is exceptionally rare indoors, and the plant must believe its home, in the tropics, to bloom.
The shrub prefers bright, indirect light. It can handle a bit of morning or late afternoon sun, but avoid harsh midday rays (can scorch leaves).
Too little light leads to smaller leaves, slower growth, and possible leaf yellowing.
How often should you water your plants? About once a week. You should keep soil consistently moist but not soggy, and water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry.
Always ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid root rot.
The plant thrives in 65–85°F (18–29°C), but does not tolerate frost when temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C).
Wentii loves high humidity (50–70%+) and benefits from a room humidifier, pebble tray with water.
Wentii is hardy and can stand lower humidity better than most Alocasia. For example, Alocasia Melo needs a higher humidity (60–80%).
Wentii needs well-draining, airy soil. A good mix includes potting soil + perlite + orchid bark. Such a mix helps to balance moisture and drainage.
You can feed the shrub during active growth (spring–summer) with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks.
Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall/winter when growth slows.
How do most plants propagate? By seeds, from flowers. Unfortunately, most Alocasia are either sterile or simply don’t produce their flowers indoors, and most are reproduced with special underground parts, sometimes called rhizomes or corms.
The best time to repot is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
1. Remove the plant from its pot. Gently shake or rinse off soil to expose rhizomes and roots.
2. Identify Offsets. Look for small plants (pups) attached to the main rhizome with their own roots. The pups resemble light sprouts.
3. Use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to separate the pup from the mother plant. Make sure each division has at least one leaf and a good root system.
4. Place each division into a small pot with fresh, well-draining soil. The light on the spot should be bright, yet indirect. Maintain high humidity to reduce transplant shock.
5. A full grown Alocasia Wentii takes more than a year (usually two) to reach full Alocasia Wentii size.
Most, if not all, Alocasias contain calcium oxalate crystals.
It’s a toxin, and if ingested by people or animals, it can cause:
Intense irritation of the mouth, lips, and throat.
Burning or stinging sensation.
Swelling and difficulty swallowing.
Possible nausea or vomiting.
Skin contact with sap may cause mild irritation or itching; that’s why you should handle this shrub in gloves.
Gardeners and enthusiasts like Alocaisas, and you might wonder, is it all just for the beauty? Amazingly, this plant can bring more than beauty to your household:
Aspect | Benefits |
Appearance | Striking tropical foliage (green top, purple underside) adds exotic beauty indoors and outdoors. One of the most beloved ornamental plants today. |
Air & Atmosphere | Contributes to fresher indoor air and a mild humidifying effect through transpiration |
Psychological | Reduces stress, boosts mood, creates a connection to nature |
Collectibility | Variegated and Aurea forms are rare and prized by plant collectors. A good gardener can make a substantial amount of money by selling the offsets. |
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