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 prized for its stunning foliage. With over 80 species, there is great diversity in the appearance, size, and growing requirements of these tropical plants.
In this detailed guide, we explore the many different types of alocasia you can grow, along with tips on identification and care.
Overview of Alocasia
Alocasia are tropical perennials that grow in the dense rainforests of Southeast Asia and Eastern Australia. Most species have large, heart-shaped or arrowhead leaves on long, upright stems The foliage comes in a range of colors like silver, green, black, red, and purple
These plants thrive in warm, humid environments and make excellent houseplants. When cared for properly, alocasia grow quickly and some varieties can reach heights of 5-6 feet.
Let’s take a look at some of the most popular alocasia varieties you can add to your indoor or outdoor garden.
Most Common Types of Alocasia
1. Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia amazonica, also called Alocasia ‘Polly’, has dark green leaves with pronounced white veins. It has a compact growth habit and typically reaches 1-3 feet tall.
This variety was created by crossing two alocasia species – Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity The soil should be kept moist but not soggy.
2. Alocasia Micholitziana
Alocasia micholitziana, commonly called the ‘African mask’ plant, has velvety, deep green leaves. It can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide.
This species needs bright, indirect light to maintain the dark green and glossy foliage. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. The African mask plant thrives in warm and very humid conditions.
3. Alocasia Stingray
The Alocasia stingray is named for its unique, narrow leaves that point downwards and resemble the shape of a stingray. The leaves have an almost translucent appearance and grow to around 3 feet long.
This plant enjoys bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings but don’t let it get completely dry. Mist the leaves frequently to increase humidity. Alocasia stingray can grow up to 3-4 feet tall and wide.
4. Alocasia Zebrina
Alocasia zebrina, or elephant ear ‘zebra plant’, has large arrow-shaped leaves marked with dark green veining against a light green background, resembling zebra stripes. It can reach heights of 3-7 feet.
Grow zebrina alocasia in a spot with bright indirect sunlight. Water when the soil feels dry 2-3 inches below the surface. The zebra plant flourishes in very humid conditions.
5. Alocasia Reginaldi
Alocasia reginaldi, also called the ‘elephant ear regal shield’, produces lush, shiny green leaves up to 20 inches long. The foliage is almost black at the center and transitions to dark green at the edges.
This plant grows up to 4-5 feet indoors and needs high humidity. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Regal shield thrives in partially shaded spots.
6. Alocasia Odora
Alocasia odora, known as ‘night scented lily’ or ‘giant taro’, has huge leaves that can measure over 3 feet long. The foliage is light green with pale yellow venation and a slightly ruffled edge.
Giant taro can grow up to 8 feet tall outdoors. Indoors, give it bright indirect light and humidity. Allow the potting mix to dry out between waterings. This variety is fast growing but rarely flowers as a houseplant.
7. Alocasia Cucullata
With its big, green, elephant ear-shaped leaves, Alocasia cucullata makes a stunning houseplant. It typically grows about 3 feet tall indoors but can reach 10 feet in height outdoors.
Provide bright, indirect sunlight for your alocasia cucullata. Allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. The plant thrives in very humid conditions. Varieties like ‘Buddha’s hand’ and ‘Hooded dwarf’ have unique leaf shapes.
8. Alocasia Wentii
Alocasia wentii, also called ‘hardy alocasia’ and ‘tiger alocasia’, has leathery, glossy green leaves with pale yellow venation. The edges are slightly ruffled. It remains more compact at around 2-3 feet in height.
This cold hardy variety can withstand lower temperatures and makes a great outdoor plant in USDA zones 8-11. Indoors, give it indirect sunlight and evenly moist soil. The leaves may get a reddish tinge in cold weather.
9. Alocasia Baginda
Alocasia baginda is known for its textured green leaves marked with grayish-silver veining. It has an upright growth habit and typically remains under 2 feet tall.
This plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight. Allow the potting mix to dry out some between waterings. Maintain high humidity around the foliage. Varieties like ‘Dragon Scale’ and ‘Silver Dragon’ have very ornamental leaves.
10. Alocasia Macrorrhiza
Alocasia macrorrhiza is a species of elephant ear that can grow very large, with leaves extending up to 6 feet long on thick stems. However, indoor plants are smaller.
Provide bright, indirect light for alocasia macrorrhiza. Keep the soil evenly moist but not saturated. Mist frequently to increase humidity around the substantial leaves. This rapid grower needs to be repotted often.
Uncommon Types of Alocasia
Beyond the most popular varieties, there are many uncommon and rare types of alocasia you can try growing if you’re an experienced houseplant owner. Here are 10 unique options to consider.
1. Alocasia Nebula
Alocasia nebula has intricately textured, silvery-green leaves marked with dark green veining. This eye-catching plant remains under 2 feet tall. Provide high humidity and well-draining soil.
2. Alocasia Cuprea
Alocasia cuprea has striking foliage in shades of red, maroon, copper, and green with dark veining. Its compact size makes it suitable for containers. Give it bright indirect light and high humidity.
3. Alocasia Lowii
Alocasia lowii, also called Alocasia pink dragon, has dark green leaves with conspicuous pink stems and leaf veins. It can reach heights of 5 feet but remains smaller indoors.
4. Alocasia Azlanii
Alocasia azlanii is a rare miniature variety from Borneo with small, purple-tinged leaves under 3 inches long. It has an underground stem and stays under 1 foot tall.
5. Alocasia Silver Dragon
Alocasia silver dragon has contrasting dark green venation against silvery gray leaves. Its mature size is around 2-3 feet. Provide humidity and well-draining soil.
6. Alocasia Infernalis
Alocasia infernalis has nearly black leaves as a young plant that mature to a dark purple-green. It has an upright habit and typically grows 1-2 feet tall.
7. Alocasia Longiloba
Alocasia longiloba, also called ‘dwarf elephant ear’, has big arrowhead-shaped leaves but a petite, compact growth habit under 18 inches tall. It needs bright indirect sunlight.
8. Alocasia Maharani
Alocasia maharani, or ‘gray dragon’, has textured, grayish-green leaves marked with dark venation. This is a compact variety under 1 foot tall suitable for terrariums or small containers.
9. Alocasia Reginula
Alocasia reginula, known as ‘black velvet alocasia’, has dark green, velvety leaves that feel fuzzy or velvety to the touch. It remains below 1 foot in height.
10. Alocasia Tiny Dancer
Alocasia tiny dancer is a mini variety with small, cupped leaves and a mature size under 1 foot tall and wide. The foliage is light green with dark venation. It needs high humidity.
Growing Tips for Alocasia
Follow these tips to successfully grow different types of alocasia:
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Provide brightly filtered light – Few alocasia varieties tolerate direct sun. East or west facing windows are ideal.
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Maintain high humidity – Use humidifiers, pebble trays, and frequent misting to keep humidity 60% or higher.
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Use well-draining soil – Alocasia are prone to root rot. Use a potting mix made for aroids.
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Allow soil to dry out between waterings – Water thoroughly but don’t keep the soil constantly wet.
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Fertilize regularly in spring and summer – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks.
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Repot when rootbound – These fast growers need repotting every 1-2 years in spring.
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Keep temperatures above 60°F – Alocasia are tropical plants and don’t tolerate cold temperatures well.
With their stunning, exotic foliage, alocasia are addictive plants that will quickly become favorites in your houseplant collection!
What is the most beautiful Alocasia?
Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’ is arguably one of the most stunning Jewel Alocasia varieties. It’s prized for the distinctive venation and coloration on its leaves, which create a texture and appearance that resemble large scales.
What is the rarest Alocasia?
Alocasia azlanii, also known as Red Mambo, is a relatively new and rare species of Alocasia that originated in Brunei. Difficult cultivation, short supply, and rising demand have contributed to prices that often top $200, making Alocasia azlanii one of the most expensive and hard-to-find Alocasias as well.
60 types of Alocasia plants | Name of Elephant Ear Plants | Information about Alocasia |Lipsha world
FAQ
How do I identify my Alocasia?
Alocasia plants are characterized by their large, beautiful leaves that can vary dramatically in color, texture, and size, depending on the species. The leaves are typically arrow or heart-shaped, displaying prominent veins that often contrast with the leaf color, making them a focal point in any setting.
What is the most stunning Alocasia?
The most beautiful Alocasia zebrina varieties: ‘Tiger Arrowleaf‘: this variety has a striking striped stem in white and dark green from which wavy leaves grow. That is where the name comes from because these stripes are reminiscent of a tiger skin. It achieves a growth height of about 1m.
What is the easiest Alocasia to care for indoors?
Alocasia Polly is often considered one of the easiest Alocasia varieties to maintain due to its relatively low maintenance requirements and adaptability to indoor environments.