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Alocasia Scalprum
Alocasia Scalprum (Alocasia scalprum) is a compact, upright aroid species prized for its narrow, sword‑shaped leaves with deeply embossed venation and a blue‑green metallic sheen. It grows indoors as a small, humidity‑responsive houseplant that produces offsets, suiting collectors or anyone after an architectural mini‑jungle specimen, but it’s toxic if chewed so keep away from pets and children.
- height Height
- 15 cm
- swap_horiz Pot Size
- 6 cm
- volunteer_activism Care
- Medium
- wb_sunny Light Needs
- Bright indirect light
- pets Not Pet Friendly
- water_drop Watering Needs
- Medium
check_circle In Stock
Quick care table
Plant care at a glance
| Care factor | Alocasia Scalprum |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Alocasia scalprum |
| Common name | Alocasia scalprum, Samar lance, (colloquially) sword Alocasia, and elephant ear (general) |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Light | Bright indirect light |
| Water | Medium |
| Humidity | Medium |
| Pet safe | No, toxic if ingested |
| Best for | Indoors, Living room, Bedroom, Bathroom, Kitchen, Hallway, and Office |
Narrow sword‑leaf aroid with metallic sheen
Alocasia Scalprum shows a distinctive architectural silhouette: narrow, lanceolate blades with deep, channelled venation that reads almost quilted across each leaf. Mature foliage often carries a subtle blue‑green or metallic cast and the blades are thick‑leathery and held upright, giving a compact, sword‑like profile rather than the broad, round shape many Alocasias display.
Leaves change visibly with age — juvenile foliage is greener and less lustrous, while mature blades develop the stronger embossing and the reported metallic sheen. This species does not produce fenestrations; instead it stays relatively erect and compact, and it commonly produces offsets (corms/pups) as it develops rather than long climbing or trailing stems.
In practice this is a humidity‑responsive, collector‑minded species: it rewards stable warmth and higher humidity but is more sensitive than common houseplants and can attract spider mites if conditions are dry. It contains calcium oxalate crystals and is toxic if chewed, so placement away from pets and children is sensible. Expect a tidy, upright habit and occasional division as the main propagation route — a real trade‑off is that it asks for attentive conditions rather than casual neglect.
Best suited to small‑space jungle arrangements, shelves and desks, the Baby (P6) size is offered as a compact grow‑on or display option for small shelves and desks. A larger pot gives a fuller display when available, making choice of size a practical decision between immediate presence and room to develop.
Shipping Information
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- All orders are subject to a €25 minimum order value requirement
- All orders are hand-picked and shipped from the Netherlands
- Plastic-free materials when possible
- Orders are usually processed in 1-3 working days and shipped via DPD and their international partner carriers
- At times, orders may take up to 7 days to ship
- Orders to Germany Free shipping over €60. Free shipping all other EU countries* at €100 (Except Malta and Cyprus)
- Shipping costs are calculated at checkout based on delivery country:
See our FAQ and Shipping Guarantee for any further Questions!
Size: Baby - P6 H15
Plant questions, answered
Is Alocasia scalprum suitable for small spaces like desks or shelves?
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Yes. Alocasia scalprum has a compact, upright habit with narrow, sword‑like leaves that suit small shelves, desks and ‘mini‑jungle’ displays. Choose the Baby (P6 H15) as a grow‑on option; avoid very small sealed terrariums for long‑term growth. Provide bright, indirect light and steady humidity for best appearance.
How does Alocasia scalprum differ from Alocasia heterophylla?
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Usually, Alocasia scalprum is narrower and more lanceolate than Alocasia heterophylla, with stronger embossed venation and a blue‑green or metallic sheen at maturity. This gives A. scalprum a more sculpted, sword‑leaf look, so buyers wanting a narrow, architectural aroid should prefer scalprum over the typically broader heterophylla forms.
Will the metallic sheen be visible on new leaves immediately?
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No. Young leaves of Alocasia scalprum are often greener and less lustrous; the blue‑green or metallic sheen and stronger embossing develop as blades mature. Ensure good light (bright, indirect) and stable conditions to encourage mature leaf traits, but sheen intensity can vary with cultivar source and culture.
Does Alocasia scalprum need high humidity and is it prone to pests?
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Usually. Alocasia scalprum prefers higher humidity (commonly 60%+) and bright, indirect light; low humidity increases spider mite risk. Grouping, pebble trays or a humidifier reduce pest pressure. Monitor for spider mites in drier indoor conditions and improve humidity rather than immediately increasing waterlogged substrate.
Is Alocasia scalprum safe around pets and children?
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Yes — but it is toxic if chewed. Alocasia scalprum contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, drooling and swelling if ingested. Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets and avoid assuming it is non‑toxic; seek veterinary advice if ingestion occurs.
What size options are offered and which should I choose?
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Yes — two sizes are listed: Baby (P6, H15) is available and suits small shelves, desks or as a grow‑on option; Medium (P14, H30) is currently out of stock. Pick Baby for limited space or to develop a fuller specimen later, and choose Medium when you want a more immediate visual impact.
Plant care guide
Light
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Water
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Soil and repotting
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Humidity and temperature
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Feeding
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Growth and support
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Common concerns
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Watch for spider mites in low humidity, yellowing and leaf drop from overwatering or poor drainage (root rot), and leaf scorch from direct sun or sudden light changes. Low light can produce smaller or leggier leaves.
Pet safety
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good
Super schöne Pflanze .
Arrived in excellent condition and she is just a stunning princess❤️thank you so much❤️
Super good packaging and the plant looked great! after just a few days after arrival a new leaf appeared, so I am super happy and can´t wait to have the little babies grow!
The Alocasia itself is beautiful and healthy, with a lovely new leaf already developing. However, the packaging method used for shipping was very disappointing. The pots were stacked together in a way that put strong pressure on the stems during transport for several days, which caused permanent bending on some petioles and damage to one leaf.
At first, my concerns were underestimated, but after additional photos and explanations, Plant Circle handled the situation professionally and offered a fair partial refund, which I appreciated.
So overall, the plant is beautiful, but the packaging method for large Alocasias clearly needs improvement.
Reviews in Other Languages
Globalmente in buono stato
Versand war zügig und verlief reibungslos, alles ordentlich verpackt und die Pflanzen kamen in einem sehr guten Zustand an. Gerne wieder!