Of all the ornamental plants you can grow indoors, Alocasias are among my favorite. Maybe it’s because I live in Central Oregon where winter seems to last half the year, but the striking foliage on these head-turning plants never fail to make my home feel like a tropical hideaway.
Alocasia is a genus of broad-leaved perennial flowering plants from the family Araceae (otherwise known as the aroids), containing 97 recognized species that are native to tropical and subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia. Many more varieties of Alocasia exist through hybridization.
They range wildly in size, from species that stay compact at just 1 to 2 feet, to plants that grow over 12 feet tall with leaves spanning 3 feet in length.
For the casual plant lover, however, the majority of Alocasias sold in plant shops and garden centers are on the smaller side—a special subgroup of tropical aroids known as Jewel Alocasias—making them more manageable as houseplants.
And “jewel” is quite a fitting name, as they include the jewels of the modern houseplant boom, such as Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly,’ Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale,’ and Alocasia rugosa ‘Melo.’
The Jewel Alocasias are remarkable rainforest specimens with unique leaf textures, shapes, and variegation. You may have heard of them referred to as elephant ears, a common name given to several species of similar-looking plants with large, heart-shaped leaves belonging to the genera Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma.
Alocasias are the plants you’ll typically find growing indoors. They’re better known as upright elephant ears, since the leaves in each new clump grow vertically—that is, higher than the previous clump, while staying nearly the same width—rather than horizontally like most other tropical species.
Unless you’re lucky enough to live somewhere with an amazing specialty plant shop, the best place to buy Alocasias (especially Alocasia varieties that are less commonly available) is online, and I’ve linked to my favorite sources below.
Disclosure: If you shop from my article or make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive commissions on some of the products I recommend.
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.
In this guide, we’ll explore the many different types of alocasia and what makes them unique. We’ll also include pictures of the most popular varieties so you can see the diversity within this plant genus. Whether you’re new to alocasia or an expert collector, read on to learn more about these magnificent plants!
Overview of Alocasia
Native to the tropical regions of Asia and Australia, alocasia is characterized by its large, arrowhead or heart-shaped leaves. The leaves emerge from a central rhizome and many species can grow quite large, even up to 10 feet tall in ideal 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-shaped silvery green leaves with dark green veining that makes them look reptilian. Growing up to 3 feet tall, this variety does best in bright, indirect light which keeps its foliage vibrant.
5. Alocasia Black Velvet
With leaves that look and feel like black velvet, it’s easy to see how this alocasia got its name. It has dark purple, almost black foliage on short stems, typically staying under 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.
It’s a fairly compact plant, growing no more than 18 to 24 inches in height and 10 inches in width, with leaves reaching 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.
It’s a fairly compact plant that rarely reaches more than 3 feet in height and width, and even fully grown leaves stay small at about 6 inches in length.
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. One look at Alocasia zebrina and you can guess how it got its name: its petioles are adorned with black and yellow markings reminiscent of 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 generally large, often displaying a sagittate or hastate shape, with variations in color, texture, and venation that are essential for distinguishing 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?
Discover must-have varieties like Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Zebrina as well as more unusual cultivars to add intrigue to your indoor jungle. 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. For the casual plant lover, though, most of the Alocasias you’ll find in garden centers and plant shops are on the smaller side.
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.