Alocasia, also known as the elephant ear plant, is a popular houseplant known for its stunning foliage. With over 70 species, alocasia comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and textures.
There are many kinds of alocasia, and this guide will talk about them and what makes each one different. We’ll also show you pictures of the most popular types so you can see how different this plant genus is. Read on to find out more about these beautiful plants, whether you’re new to collecting them or a pro!
Overview of Alocasia
Alocasia is native to the tropical areas of Asia and Australia. Its big, heart- or arrowhead-shaped leaves make it easy to spot. These plants have rhizomes in the middle from which the leaves grow. Some species can get very big, even up to 10 feet tall in the best conditions.
While they thrive in warm, humid environments, they make excellent houseplants if given the right care. Alocasia prefers indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil that drains well. Their large leaves come in a range of colors like green, purple, black, silver, and even variegated patterns.
Now let’s take a look at some of the most popular types of alocasia and what makes them unique.
1. Alocasia Amazonica
One of the most common alocasia varieties, A. amazonica has striking dark green or blue-green leaves with pale veins. It has a lush, tropical look and typically grows 2-4 feet tall. This large-leaved alocasia makes a bold statement in any indoor space.
Alocasia Amazonica
2. Alocasia Zebrina
Also known as the Alocasia tiger plant, A. zebrina has distinctive zebra-like striping on the stems and veins. The leaves are arrowhead shaped and green or purple-tinged. One of the more eye-catching varieties, this alocasia grows 3-5 feet tall.
Alocasia Zebrina
3. Alocasia Stingray
With its striking, stingray-shaped leaves, Alocasia stingray is a very unique variety. The leaves are dark green and pointed, spreading outward from the base of the plant. One of the shorter types, it typically reaches 1-2 feet tall.
4. Alocasia Silver Dragon
A. Silver Dragon has oval, silvery green leaves with dark green veins that make them look like they belong to a reptile. This type can grow up to 3 feet tall and does best in bright, indirect light, which keeps the leaves bright.
5. Alocasia Black Velvet
The name of this plant comes from its leaves, which look and feel like black velvet. It has dark purple, almost black leaves on short stems that stay below 12 inches tall. The tiny leaves have a unique iridescent sheen.
6. Alocasia Micholitziana
Also called the green velvet alocasia, A. micholitziana has large, heart-shaped leaves that look and feel like velvet. The dark green leaves contrast beautifully with the pale green veins. It can grow up to 5 feet tall.
7. Alocasia Regal Shields
A more compact variety, Alocasia regal shields has glossy, upright leaves that resemble shields, hence the name. The leaves are deep green or purple-black depending on light exposure. It typically grows to 2-3 feet tall.
8. Alocasia Polly
One of the most popular houseplant varieties, Alocasia polly stays compact with arrowhead-shaped silver-green leaves. It’s easy to care for and maintain at 1-2 feet tall. The light green veins against dark green leaves are eye-catching.
9. Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale
This distinctive alocasia has triangular leaves covered in raised, dragon scale-like ridges. The leaves emerge chartreuse but darken to blackish-green. It has an upright growth habit and reaches 2-3 feet tall.
10. Alocasia Wentii
Also called the jewel alocasia, A. wentii has velvety green leaves with striking contrasting white or silver veins. The leaves are wavy at the edges and it remains more compact at 1-2 feet tall.
11. Alocasia Cuprea
A. cuprea, also known as the red secret alocasia, has uniquely colored leaves that range from green to nearly black with red or purple undertones. The arrowhead-shaped leaves make this 3 foot tall variety stand out.
12. Alocasia Maharani
This hybrid has some of the most striking coloration with dark green and purple leaves marked by electric blue veins. The contrast makes the leaves appear to glow. It reaches 3-4 feet tall.
13. Alocasia Sarian
Alocasia sarian, also called the red secret alocasia, has deep burgundy leaves that reveal bright red stems as they unfurl. The red stems and leaf undersides create a dramatic pop of color, especially in low light.
14. Alocasia Macrorrhiza
One of the largest alocasia varieties, A. macrorrhiza has huge, glossy green, heart-shaped leaves on tall, upright stems. As a giant taro, it can reach a massive height and spread of 15 feet or more with proper care and space.
15. Alocasia Odora
Also called the night-scented lily, A. odora is known for its sweet lemon fragrance. It has variegated leaves with intricate patterns of dark green, light green, and creamy white. This variety reaches 2-4 feet tall.
Finding the Right Alocasia for You
With so many varieties to choose from, it can be tricky to pick just one alocasia! Think about your space and growing conditions – compact varieties like Alocasia polly work well on desks and tables while larger types like Alocasia macrorrhiza need plenty of room to spread out.
Look for your preferred leaf shape and coloration too. From velvet black leaves to brightly variegated types, there’s an alocasia to fit any style! Proper care will keep these beauties growing happily indoors for years to come.
Whichever you choose, alocasia are sure to add drama and a tropical vibe to your indoor plant collection. Their stunning foliage shapes and colors make them popular collector’s items and statement houseplants. With the right conditions and care, they will thrive and transform any space into an indoor jungle getaway.
Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’
By far, ‘Polly’ is the most popular and readily available Alocasia variety (at least in the United States). Also known as the African Mask plant or Kris plant, it’s a hybrid of Alocasia watsoniana and Alocasia sanderiana that was bred in the 1950s by nursery owner Salvadore Mauro. The Florida grower owned a now-defunct greenhouse called Amazon Nursery and named the plant hybrid after his business. Alocasia ‘Polly’ has slender, dark green leaves with wavy, undulating edges and thick white veins running through them.
The plant doesn’t get much bigger than 18 to 24 inches tall and 10 inches wide. Its leaves can get up to 16 inches long.
Alocasia baginda ‘Silver Dragon’
This cultivar is highly sought after for its unusual and exquisite foliage. Similar to ‘Dragon Scale,’ Alocasia baginda ‘Silver Dragon’ features pale, silvery blue leaves with primary and secondary veins that are sage green to dark green in color.
The plant doesn’t get much bigger than 3 feet tall and wide, and the leaves stay small, measuring only 6 inches long when they’re fully grown.
This unique Alocasia sports the characteristic shield-shaped foliage of the rest of the genus, but without the distinctive white veins that run through the leaves. If you look at Alocasia zebrina, you can guess where its name comes from: the black and yellow spots on its petioles make them look like zebra print.
Alocasia zebrina grows to a maximum height and width of about 3 feet.
30 Stunning Alocasia varieties | Tropical Ornamental plants | Popular Houseplants | Beautiful Aroids
FAQ
How do I identify my Alocasia?
LEAF STRUCTURE: Alocasia leaves are usually big and have a sagittate or hastate shape. The color, texture, and venation of the leaves are what make them different from other species.
What is the most sought after Alocasia?
- Alocasia Polly.
- Alocasia Zebrina.
- Alocasia Dragon Scale.
- Alocasia Cuprea Red Secret.
- Alocasia Black Velvet.
What is the most beautiful Alocasia plant?
‘Dragon Scale’: this variety has particularly beautiful and strongly structured foliage with contrasting, sunken, dark veins. This gives each leaf a spectacular 3D effect, making it certainly one of the most beautiful alocasia varieties. It reaches a height of about 1m.
What are the different types of Alocasia?
Find must-have types like Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Zebrina, as well as less common types that will make your indoor jungle more interesting. While there are 97 recognized Alocasia species, the varieties covered in this article are hybrids developed for the houseplant trade.
What is an Alocasia plant?
The Alocasia is a striking leaf ornamental plant that has long since moved into our homes. It comes along with its long petioles and immediately captivates the viewer. In this blog post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about Alocasia varieties. Alocasias grow naturally in the tropical rainforests of Asia and Australia.
How many species of Alocasia are there?
It has 97 species that are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia. Many more varieties of Alocasia exist through hybridization. The smallest species are only 1 to 2 feet tall, while the tallest plants can grow over 12 feet tall and have leaves that are 3 feet long.
How big do Alocasia plants get?
Many more varieties of Alocasia exist through hybridization. The smallest species are only 1 to 2 feet tall, while the tallest plants can grow over 12 feet tall and have leaves that are 3 feet long. But if you just like plants for fun, most of the Alocasias you’ll find in garden centers and plant shops aren’t very big.
What is the most popular Alocasia plant?
By far, ‘Polly’ is the most popular and readily available Alocasia variety (at least in the United States). Also known as the African Mask plant or Kris plant, it’s a hybrid of Alocasia watsoniana and Alocasia sanderiana that was bred in the 1950s by nursery owner Salvadore Mauro.
What does Alocasia look like?
It is also known by the names Alocasia “African Mask,” Alocasia “Green Velvet,” Alocasia “Green Goddess,” and Alocasia “Silver Vein.” Displaying four to seven cataphyll-free leaves, the lowest quarter to third of the plant is covered in 45 cm (18 in) long petioles that are mottled in brownish, reddish, and/or purplish shades.