elephant ear plant alocasia zebrina Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' – Foliage Factory

elephant ear plant alocasia zebrina Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' – Foliage FactoryAlocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' is a larger zebrina form with tall striped petioles and glossy green arrow shaped leaves. It shares the same basic growth habit as Alocasia zebrinaupright growth from a corm with long stems and sagittate leavesbut tends to develop more height as it matures. Compared with standard Alocasia zebrina, mature plants often develop taller petioles and broader leaves under the same growing

Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba'

Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' is a larger zebrina form with tall striped petioles and glossy green arrow-shaped leaves. It shares the same basic growth habit as Alocasia zebrina—upright growth from a corm with long stems and sagittate leaves—but tends to develop more height as it matures. Compared with standard Alocasia zebrina, mature plants often develop taller petioles and broader leaves under the same growing conditions, making them noticeably larger and taller while retaining the characteristic striped-stem look of the species.

The leaves are smooth, green and sagittate, with pointed front lobes and longer rear lobes. The petioles are pale green to yellow-green and marked with darker streaks and irregular striping. New leaves usually add height before the plant gains much width, so young plants can look narrow at first and become fuller as the root system strengthens.

Features of Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba'

• Leaf shape: glossy sagittate leaves, often larger on mature plants.
• Petioles: pale green to yellow-green stems with dark irregular striping.
• Growth habit: upright corm-based growth with long, tall petioles.
• Indoor scale: medium to large in good conditions, especially once roots are established.
• Background: a historic cultivated zebrina form rather than a separate species.

Care for Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba'

• Light: bright indirect light helps support firm petioles and reduces weak stretching. Gentle morning sun can suit acclimated plants; harsh sun can scorch the leaves.
• Water: water deeply, then let the upper part of the substrate dry before watering again. The corm needs moisture followed by air movement through the mix.
• Substrate: use a chunky aroid mix with bark, pumice or perlite, coco fibre and a small moisture-holding fraction. The mix should stay open below the base.
• Humidity: steady humidity helps larger leaves expand cleanly and reduces dry edges.
• Temperature: keep active growth warm, ideally 20–28 °C. Cold roots can slow growth and cause older leaves to decline.
• Feeding: feed lightly but regularly during active growth with diluted complete fertiliser. Larger leaves and taller petioles benefit from steady nutrition, not heavy doses.
• Potting: taller plants may need a heavier outer pot for stability. Move up only one pot size when roots fill the current container.
• Propagation: propagate from firm offsets or corms with active growth points. Young plants establish fastest in warmth, humidity and an airy pot.

Common issues with Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba'

• Leaning or drooping petioles: can follow low light, dry roots, excess moisture in the lower pot or cold exposure.
• Long thin growth: usually points to insufficient light.
• Several yellowing leaves: often indicate cool roots, root stress or a dense tired mix.
• Dry edges on larger leaves: low humidity, heat stress or salt build-up can mark the blades.
• Pests: thrips and spider mites can appear on leaf undersides and inside new spears.

Origin and name

The species behind this plant, Alocasia zebrina, is native to the Philippines. 'Tigrina Superba' has been used in horticulture since the nineteenth century and is treated as a cultivated zebrina form rather than a separate species. The species name zebrina refers to the zebra-like petiole markings, while 'Tigrina Superba' points to a stronger striped-petiole form in cultivation.

Plant safety

Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals in the leaves, petioles and corm. If plant tissue is eaten or gets into the mouth, it can irritate the lips, tongue, mouth and throat, with drooling, swelling, vomiting or swallowing difficulty possible. Keep it away from pets and children, and wash hands after pruning, repotting or division.

Quick facts

• Botanical name: Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba'
• Family: Araceae
• Species background: Alocasia zebrina, native to the Philippines
• Growth type: corm-forming Alocasia
• Best for: growers who want a taller zebrina form with strong striped petioles

Add Alocasia zebrina 'Tigrina Superba' if you want a larger zebrina-type Alocasia with tall striped stems, glossy green leaves and clear care needs.