Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty' - Camouflage Elephant Ear

Unveil the mesmerizing beauty of the Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty', often called Hilo Beauty Elephant Ear or Caladium Hilo Beauty. While botanically known as Caladium praetermissum, this attractive and highly ornamental perennial plant captivates with its uniquely patterned foliage. It grows to an impressive 2 to 4 feet tall, showcasing striking bluish-black stems that perfectly complement its large, heart-shaped leaves. Each leaf is a masterpiece, beautifully marked with various shades of pale white and lime green, featuring clear-hued speckled blotches that almost camouflage the whole leaf, creating a truly unique and captivating visual effect. The 'Hilo Beauty' brings a bold, tropical statement to any space, making it a standout addition for collectors and those seeking an extraordinary plant.

Important Note

Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty' (like other Alocasia and Caladium species) is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Please keep this plant out of reach of curious children and animals. Please note: This plant is very sensitive to the cold. Protect it from low temperatures and cold drafts.

Key Features

• Unique Camouflage Foliage: Features large, heart-shaped leaves intricately marked with shades of pale white, lime green, and speckled blotches, creating a distinctive camouflage pattern.
• Striking Bluish-Black Stems: Complemented by bluish-black stems that provide a dramatic contrast to the variegated leaves.
• Impressive Size: Grows to a significant height of 2 to 4 feet, making it an excellent focal point in any room.
• Ornamental Perennial: An attractive, long-lasting ornamental plant that adds a vibrant, exotic touch to your indoor garden.
• Air-Purifying Qualities: Contributes to improving indoor air quality, enhancing your home environment.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves and fade its vibrant variegation. Place it near a window with filtered light.
• Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil begins to dry, ensuring good drainage. Avoid letting it dry out completely.
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity. Mimic its tropical native environment by misting regularly, using a pebble tray, or placing it near a humidifier.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, rich potting mix high in organic matter. An aroid mix with bark, perlite, and coco coir is ideal.
• Feeding: Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the spring and summer growing seasons with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter.
• Temperature: This plant is very sensitive to the cold. Maintain warm, consistent temperatures, ideally between 21-30°C (70-85°F). Protect it from drafts, open windows, and temperatures below 18°C (65°F).
• Dormancy: Like many tropical aroids, it may enter a period of dormancy during cooler, darker months. If leaves die back, reduce watering and expect new growth in spring.