Alocasia Simpo rare hybrid cultivation and varietal Europe
🌿✨ Alocasia 'Simpo'
An exceptional hybrid with sculptural leaves, blending botanical heritage with the passion of a plant addict.
🌱 Introduction
There are plants that are reassuring, and others that intrigue. And then there are those that do both at the same time.
The Alocasia 'Simpo' clearly belongs to this latter category. From the very first leaf, you can tell that this is not just any Alocasia. The texture is there, the relief. There's an almost mineral quality to it, as if the leaf had been hand-molded.
When we discovered Alocasia 'Simpo', it was after years of cultivating rare tropical plants . We thought we'd seen a lot. And yet, this plant made us slow down. Observe. Gently touch the leaf with our fingertips. Realize that yes, some hybridizations give birth to true living works of art.
As is often the case, our story with her began under less than ideal circumstances. Now, in a controlled environment , we understand why this hybrid is becoming a benchmark among European collectors.
This article is here to introduce you to the world of Alocasia 'Simpo' , to understand its origin, its morphology, and above all how to successfully grow it in France and Europe , without unnecessary stress.
🧬 Hybrid origin and presumed parentage
Alocasia 'Simpo' is a horticultural hybrid , resulting from a supposed cross between:
• Alocasia sinuata
• Alocasia 'Lukiwan'
The exact parentage has not been formally recorded, as the creator no longer remembers the precise combination with certainty. But morphologically, the heritage is obvious to any trained eye.
This hybrid was created by Wawan Santoso , a renowned hybridizer, who is also behind other highly regarded Alocasias such as Alocasia 'Albatuwan' and Alocasia 'Lukiwan' .
This type of creation is part of what we love most about the world of rare tropical plants . It's no longer just about reproducing an existing species, but about an almost artistic approach, guided by observation, intuition, and experience.
🏞️ Origin of the name and human story behind the plant
The name Alocasia 'Simpo' was not chosen at random. It refers to Bukit Simpo , also known as the Simpo Hills , in Malaysia.
This area is linked to Wawan Santoso's professional career, as one of the nurseries where he worked was located there. This detail may seem anecdotal, but for enthusiasts, it adds another dimension to the plant. It carries a history. A place. A memory.
At Green and White Plants, we are very sensitive to this. Tropical collector plants are not just decorative beings. They often reflect a journey, a know-how, an encounter between humans and plants.
🍃 General morphology and visual signature
What immediately strikes you about Alocasia 'Simpo' is its bubbled, deeply textured, almost sculpted foliage .
Key features:
• Heavily blistered leaves
• Smooth surface to the touch
• Very pronounced relief, inherited from Alocasia sinuata
• Mature open sinus
• Dense and graphic appearance
• Impression of sturdiness despite a reasonable size
The plant retains the aesthetic highly sought after by European collectors, where the leaf is not only large but also expressive. The influence of Alocasia sinuata , known for its pleated and rigid foliage, is clearly evident, combined with the visual stability provided by Alocasia 'Lukiwan' .
This is exactly the kind of plant that attracts attention, even among people who are not initially very interested in tropical plants.
🎨 Variegated shapes and appeal to collectors
Alocasia 'Simpo' exists in variegated forms , which further reinforces its status as a rare tropical plant .
Observed variations:
• Albo variegation
• Golden variegation
On foliage that is already highly textured, variegation adds an extra dimension. Each leaf becomes unique. Certain areas stand out more. The relief is accentuated by the contrast of colors.
It's also a plant that requires a little more attention in its variegated form. Growth can be slower, and the balance of light, substrate, and humidity becomes even more important. But for a plant enthusiast , that's often exactly what they're looking for: a plant that invites observation, adjustment, and learning.
🌡️ Ideal growing conditions in France and Europe
The Alocasia 'Simpo' remains relatively easy to grow if you follow a few basic guidelines. It's not fussy, but it doesn't tolerate imprecision.
Temperature
• Ideally between 20 and 28 degrees
• Avoid any prolonged fall below 15 degrees
Humidity
• Between 60 and 75 percent
• Good ventilation is essential
Light
• Bright indirect light
• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight
Watering
• Substrate kept slightly damp
• Never soggy
• Never completely dry
We've seen some beautiful Simpo plants decline simply because of overwatering in a pot that was too big. It's a classic problem, and we experienced it ourselves when we started out.
🪴 Substrate and importance of root respiration
Like many collectible Alocasias , the Simpo needs a breathable substrate.
Key points:
• Open structure
• Good moisture retention without stagnation
• Stability over time
It is precisely to meet this need that we developed our premium substrates, cleaned three times . They have already saved dozens of plant addicts and satisfied hundreds of enthusiasts looking for a substrate truly suited to rare tropical plants .
We used to make our own mixes, which varied and were sometimes too dense. Now, we can clearly see the difference in root health and consistent growth.
🧠 The plant addict's state of mind regarding Alocasia 'Simpo'
With Alocasia 'Simpo', one often goes through several phases:
• Excitement upon receiving
• The fear of doing it wrong in the first few weeks
• Doubt arises when the plant pauses
• The intense joy at the emergence of a new leaf
It is precisely this emotional cycle that makes rare tropical plants so captivating. They are not consumed. They are experienced.
And that's also why we remain available, to prevent these moments of doubt from becoming discouragement.
📊 Summary table
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Alocasia 'Simpo' |
| Kind | Horticultural hybrid |
| Parentage | Alocasia sinuata x Alocasia 'Lukiwan' supposed |
| Hybridizer | Wawan Santoso |
| Signature | Bubbled, hairless foliage |
| Variegations | White, yellow |
| Level | From motivated beginner to passionate |
🌿 In short
Alocasia 'Simpo' is a hybrid with a strong personality. It combines the best of its parents to offer sculptural, modern, and deeply addictive foliage. It's a rare tropical plant perfect for European collectors looking for something different without being overly complicated.
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