Alocasia Bambino Aurea Variegated

Choose bright indirect light to support healthy growth.

A position near a window with protection from strong midday and afternoon sun is a good starting point. Introduce any increase in light gradually, especially for a plant that has been growing under gentler conditions.

The yellow areas have less green pigment to support growth, so a dim corner is unlikely to suit it well.

Good light helps the plant grow. It cannot promise what colour the next leaf will be, which is part of the interest.

Allow the upper layer of compost to begin drying before watering again. Check below the surface so you know whether the roots still have plenty of moisture.

When it is ready, water evenly and let the excess drain away. Empty the saucer or decorative pot afterwards.

Aim to avoid repeated swings between completely dry and saturated compost. A smaller pot may dry quickly during active growth, then take much longer in winter.

Getting to know the weight of the pot helps. Before long, those regular Jungle checks become much easier.

Bambino Aurea sits around the middle of our Tap Water Diva scale.

Ordinary tap water can be suitable, depending on your local supply. If you notice mineral buildup or persistent leaf tip damage, rainwater or another low mineral water source may be worth trying.

Water quality is only one part of the picture. Moisture levels, roots, humidity and feeding can also affect the leaves.

If your plant is growing happily with its current water, there is no need to change its drinks order.

Bambino Aurea appreciates moderately high humidity. Around 50 to 70% is a useful aim, alongside gentle airflow.

A small humidity meter can help you see what the plant is actually experiencing. If the air is persistently dry, a humidifier can offer more reliable help than misting.

A cabinet can work well too, provided the air circulates and the compost does not stay wet for too long.

This one is happy sharing the more humid side of the Jungle.

Around 18 to 27°C suits Bambino Aurea well. Try to keep conditions reasonably steady and avoid temperatures below 15°C.

Cold windowsills and draughty doors can slow growth, while radiator heat can dry the foliage and compost unevenly.

A warm plant shelf is a good home. Directly above the radiator is less comfortable.

Bambino Aurea grows well in an airy mix that holds some moisture while letting excess water drain.

Houseplant compost with added fine bark and perlite or pumice is a useful starting point. Keep the mix suitable for its smaller roots rather than filling the pot with very large chunks.

A pot with drainage holes makes watering easier to manage. If you have a decorative pot you love, keep the plant in its nursery pot inside it and empty any water left after watering.

A comfortable root system makes a big difference to the leaves above.

Feed while the plant is actively producing leaves and roots.

Use a balanced houseplant fertiliser at the recommended strength and frequency. Avoid feeding a completely dry root ball, and account for any fertiliser already included in fresh compost.

Reduce or pause feeding when growth slows.

If your plant keeps growing under lights through winter, it may still benefit from light feeding. Follow what it is doing rather than feeding just because another month has arrived.

Repot when the roots have filled the container or the compost is no longer draining and holding moisture evenly.

Choose a pot just a little larger than the root ball. A small plant usually settles more easily into a suitably sized pot than a large amount of spare compost.

Handle the roots gently and keep the base at its existing depth. There is no need to strip away every bit of old mix if the roots are healthy.

Return it to a warm spot with indirect light and give it time to settle. One change at a time is plenty.

Bambino Aurea does not need regular shaping. Most pruning is simply removing foliage that has finished.

Use clean scissors to cut a fully yellow or dead leaf stalk near the base, keeping clear of fresh growth. Gloves help protect your skin from sap.

A small brown patch does not mean the whole leaf needs removing. Keep leaves with plenty of useful green tissue.

There is no prize for a plant with fewer leaves and perfectly tidy edges.

A soft, slightly damp cloth or our Microfibre Houseplant Dusting Gloves work well for removing dust.

Support each leaf underneath and wipe gently. Let new leaves finish opening and firm up before cleaning them.

Have a look beneath the foliage while you are there. It is a handy chance to catch any unwanted visitors early.

Skip the leaf shine. The green and gold already have things covered.

Established plants may produce offsets or corms, the small storage structures that develop around the roots.

Repotting is a useful time to look for them. Leave very small, firmly attached corms to develop rather than disturbing the plant repeatedly.

Rooted offsets can be potted separately once they have enough roots and foliage to support themselves. Mature corms can be started in a lightly moist propagation medium, kept warm with humidity and some ventilation.

Variegation can vary in the resulting plants.

A little patience, a few regular checks and potentially another member of the Jungle.

Spring

Longer days usually encourage fresh leaves and more active roots. Check whether the compost is drying more quickly and begin feeding once growth gets going. Spring is a useful time to repot if the roots need more room.

Summer

Warmth and good light can bring regular new leaves. Keep moisture reasonably steady and protect the foliage from strong sunshine, especially the yellow areas. Give fresh leaves time to open and firm up before handling them.

Autumn

Growth often slows as daylight reduces. Ease back on feeding and allow for longer gaps between drinks. When the heating comes on, check that your plant is clear of radiators and hot, dry airflow.

Winter

Keep it warm and give it the best indirect light available. Water according to how quickly the compost dries, rather than continuing its summer routine. Some plants lose older leaves or pause growth, while others keep going with sufficient warmth and light.

One older leaf turning yellow

This can be part of normal leaf replacement. Check that the rest of the plant looks healthy and that new growth is developing well. Keep useful green foliage until it has mostly finished.

Several leaves yellowing together

Check the compost, roots, light and temperature. Roots staying wet in a cool spot are a common cause of decline, although prolonged dryness can also damage them.

Drooping leaves

Feel the compost before watering. A dry root ball may need a drink, while wet compost can indicate struggling roots. Recent moves and temperature changes can also cause temporary drooping.

Brown patches on yellow areas

The paler tissue can be more vulnerable to damage. Check for strong sun, irregular moisture and dry air. Existing brown patches will remain, so watch the next leaves when judging any changes.

Small or weak new leaves

The plant may need better light, healthier roots or feeding during active growth. Check its conditions before increasing fertiliser.

A soft base or unpleasant smell from the pot

This can indicate rot. Inspect the roots and base, removing rotten material with clean tools. Seek advice promptly if the main growing point is affected.

Little growth through winter

A slower pace is normal in reduced daylight. Keep conditions warm and water according to the compost. Extra feed will not replace missing light.

Spider mites are worth watching for, particularly beneath the leaves and around the leaf stalks. Fine webbing or pale speckling can be early clues.

Thrips and mealybugs can also visit. Look for silvery marks, tiny dark specks, distorted growth or white fluffy patches.

A quick look underneath the leaves during watering is a useful habit. It is much easier to spot a small problem before it spreads around the Jungle.

Move an affected plant away from its neighbours while you identify the pest. Use a suitable treatment according to its instructions, testing a small area first.

Bambino Aurea is harmful if eaten and toxic to cats and dogs. Keep it away from curious pets and young children who might chew its leaves.

Its sap can irritate skin and eyes, so gloves are useful when pruning or dividing the plant. Wash your hands afterwards.

Choose a spot where you can enjoy the new leaves without them becoming somebody else’s snack.