{"product_id":"alocasia-melo-variegata-7cm-h15cm-fla0000664","title":"Alocasia melo Variegata 7cm H15cm","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMeet Alocasia melo Variegata—one of the most textural little aroids, with thick, bullate leaves that look almost carved, plus rare variegated flashes. It is compact, slow and very collectible, rewarding steady growers more than heavy-handed watering.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Formal Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e Alocasia melo 'Variegata'\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Nickname:\u003c\/strong\u003e Variegated Rhino Skin Alocasia\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRoots:\u003c\/strong\u003e A variegated form of Alocasia melo, a Borneo jewel-type Alocasia known for thick, rugose foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNatural Vibe:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm, bright and airy rather than wet and heavy; the leaves are tough but the roots still need oxygen.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c!--split--\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCare Guide:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSunlight:\u003c\/strong\u003e Bright indirect light keeps the variegation clearer. Avoid hot sun, especially on pale patches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBest Room:\u003c\/strong\u003e A warm grow-light shelf, cabinet or bright bathroom with excellent drainage suits it best.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSnacks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Feed very lightly in active growth; too much feed can stress a slow jewel Alocasia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTropical Feels:\u003c\/strong\u003e Likes humidity, but stale wet air can mark leaves, so airflow is important.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCosy Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep 20–27°C where possible. Avoid cold roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThirst:\u003c\/strong\u003e Let the top few centimetres dry before watering. Thick leaves do not mean it wants to sit wet.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSafety First:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eNot pet-safe\u003c\/em\u003e – aroid foliage contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals, so keep away from pets and children who may chew leaves or stems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eThe Bedding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Chunky mineral\/aroid mix with perlite, pumice or bark to keep the small roots airy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamily Tree:\u003c\/strong\u003e Corms only from a mature, healthy plant; offsets may not repeat the exact variegation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpace Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Naturally compact; avoid crowding so the textured leaves do not get damaged.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSpeed:\u003c\/strong\u003e Slow and steady, especially compared with larger Alocasia.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUninvited Guests:\u003c\/strong\u003e Spider mites, thrips and root issues from overwatering are the key watch-outs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoving Day:\u003c\/strong\u003e Keep slightly snug and repot only when rooted through.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHaircut:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove spent leaves at the base, but keep any leaf with useful green tissue.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFresh Air:\u003c\/strong\u003e Warm airflow helps prevent leaf spotting and root-zone stagnation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlant Lore:\u003c\/strong\u003e The “melo” name is linked to the melon-like, bumpy leaf texture that gives this plant its Rhino Skin feel.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Emm's Plant House","offers":[{"title":"7cm H15cm","offer_id":58712806162696,"sku":"FLA0000664","price":202.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/1339\/9560\/files\/IMG_3817.jpg?v=1789220829","url":"https:\/\/www.emmsplanthouse.co.uk\/products\/alocasia-melo-variegata-7cm-h15cm-fla0000664","provider":"Emm's Plant House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}