Alocasia plants, known for their sculptural and decorative foliage, have become increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts. With their stunning leaves and tropical ambiance, Alocasias can add a touch of exotic beauty to any home.
In this article, we will explore 23 different varieties of Alocasia, each with its own unique characteristics and charm. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of Alocasia types!
Alocasia Baginda ‘Silver Dragon’
One of the rarest and most exotic Alocasia varieties, Alocasia Baginda ‘Silver Dragon,’ is highly coveted for its unique foliage. The leaves of this plant feature dragon scale-like patterns on their silver and green shield-shaped surface. The dark green veins create a striking contrast with the silver tops, making it a true eye-catcher.
To ensure the healthy growth of Alocasia Baginda ‘Silver Dragon,’ it requires bright, indirect light, well-drained soil, and consistently high humidity. This variety may not be beginner-friendly and demands extra attention from the plant parent. With the right care, this Alocasia type can thrive and become a focal point in any indoor space.
Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’
Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’ is an extraordinary variety known for its majestic foliage. It is often referred to as the “Mirror Plant” due to its super glossy leaves, which have a metallic shine and light-reflecting properties. The deep ridges in the leaves add a unique character and texture to the plant.
To help Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’ thrive, it is essential to maintain humidity levels of around 60%. Well-drained, aerated potting mix and warm temperatures are also crucial for its growth. Placing it near an eastern or western facing window indoors can provide the ideal lighting conditions for this stunning Alocasia variety.
Alocasia Baginda ‘Pink Dragon’
Alocasia Baginda ‘Pink Dragon’ adds an element of beauty and drama to any space with its metallic green foliage and characteristic pink petioles. The heart-shaped leaves of this variety have silver veins on the topside and dark pink hues on the undersides. With a maximum height of 4 feet, ‘Pink Dragon’ brings a jungle-like tropical vibe to your home.
To keep Alocasia Baginda ‘Pink Dragon’ thriving, it requires more than average indoor humidity levels. It is best suited for bathrooms and kitchens where humidity levels are consistently maintained. Well-drained soil mix and an eastern or western exposure window indoors can provide the ideal growing conditions for this stunning Alocasia variety.
Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet’
Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet’ adds incredible ornamental value to indoor spaces with its beautiful foliage. The dark, velvety leaves, accentuated with silvery veins, lend a luxurious appearance to this relatively small variety of Alocasia. ‘Black Velvet’ is a perfect choice for any space, including terrariums.
Caring for Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet’ is relatively easy, as it follows the basic growing conditions of most Alocasias. It requires bright, indirect light, well-drained soil, and humidity levels typical of tropical rainforests. With proper care, this Alocasia type can thrive and make a stunning addition to your indoor garden.
Alocasia Baginda ‘Dragon Scale’
Alocasia Baginda ‘Dragon Scale’ gets its name from the reptilian-like appearance of its dark green foliage. The leaves have prominent venation patterns with deep ridges that produce an embossed effect. Mature leaves have a dark green hue with maroon veins on the underside.
Similar to other Alocasia varieties, ‘Dragon Scale’ prefers well-drained soil and dislikes its potting mix drying out completely. A humidity range of 60-80% is ideal for this Alocasia type. It is important to maintain a minimum temperature of 60°F (approximately 15.5°C) or above to prevent stunted growth and dormancy.
Alocasia X Amazonica ‘Bambino’
Alocasia X Amazonica ‘Bambino’ is a dwarf variety of Alocasia that reaches a maximum height of 12 inches. Despite its small size, it exhibits stunning visual appeal with its long leaves featuring beautiful wavy edges. The prominent cream-colored veins on the top, with purple undersides, create a perfect color contrast.
Caring for Alocasia X Amazonica ‘Bambino’ is relatively easy under the right conditions. It thrives in indoor locations with high humidity levels, making kitchens or bathrooms with appropriate lighting ideal. Consistent growing conditions and regular leaf cleaning ensure the mesmerizing beauty of this Alocasia variety for years to come.
Alocasia Reginula ‘Ninja’
Alocasia Reginula ‘Ninja’ is often mistaken for Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ due to its identical dark, velvety foliage. However, ‘Ninja’ can be distinguished by its thick, embossed leaves with double marginal veins. The foliage of ‘Ninja’ is larger and rounder, with purple undersides.
With a maximum height of 12 to 18 inches, ‘Ninja’ is a petite variety of Alocasia that works well as a decorative plant on desks and windowsills. It thrives in high humidity conditions and prefers an eastern or western exposure window to showcase its spectacular gothic beauty.
Alocasia Melo
Alocasia Melo is known for its thick and sturdy leaves, making it look almost fake until you touch it physically. The jade green leaves mature into a slate grey color, maintaining their rugged texture and pronounced venation. This variety prefers moist, well-drained soil with high humidity levels.
Alocasia Nebula
Alocasia Nebula is a jewel variety of Alocasia with heart-shaped leaves that have a silvery shade and point downwards. This variety requires high humidity, consistently moistened soil, and bright, indirect sunlight. Striking a balance and familiarizing yourself with its requirements will help you grow this beautiful plant successfully.
Alocasia Azlanii
Alocasia Azlanii, also known as the ‘Red Mambo,’ is a relatively new and rare variety that originates from the tropical forests of Borneo. It boasts one of the most spectacular foliage in the Alocasia family, with deep pinkish-purple leaves and a glossy, metallic texture resembling stained glass.
To care for Alocasia Azlanii, it is crucial to provide it with the right amount of care and love. It dislikes temperature changes, overwatering, and underwatering. Maintaining moist but not wet soil and a warm environment with high humidity levels will keep this plant happy and thriving.
Alocasia Plumbea ‘Nigra’
Alocasia Plumbea ‘Nigra’ boasts some of the largest leaves in the Alocasia family. The stunning foliage is a deep burgundy color that almost appears black, earning it the nickname ‘Black Metallic Taro.’ This variety can grow 3-5 feet tall, depending on whether it is grown indoors or outdoors.
Caring for Alocasia Plumbea ‘Nigra’ follows typical Alocasia growing conditions. It thrives in bright, indirect light, well-drained soil, and appropriate humidity levels. Whether grown indoors or outdoors, this Alocasia variety is sure to make a statement in your home or garden.
Alocasia ‘Portora’
Alocasia ‘Portora’ truly lives up to its name of Elephant Ear. With long petioles and deeply veined, greenish-purple colored leaves that can spread around 1-1.5 meters in length, this variety is an architectural plant that can make a bold and dramatic statement in your front or backyard.
Alocasia ‘Portora’ is well-suited as a houseplant and requires regular watering, nutrient-rich soil, and full to partial shade. Outdoors, it thrives in dappled sunlight, while indoors, it can tolerate direct sun due to the lower light intensity. With the right care, this Alocasia variety can thrive and add a touch of grandeur to your space.
Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’
Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ is a hybrid variety known for its gigantic leaf size. The long, pointed leaves resemble the ears of an African elephant and are often referred to as the African mask due to their unique foliage with wavy edges. This variety adds a bold and dramatic look to any home or garden.
Caring for Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ involves watering after allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out. It thrives in an eastern or western exposure window, providing bright, indirect light. With the right growing conditions, this Alocasia variety can become the centerpiece of your indoor or outdoor garden.
Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Stingray’
Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Stingray’ is a variety that steals attention with its unique beauty. The leaves have a pointy tail that resembles a stingray, hence the name. The rubbery appearance of the leaves, combined with their emerald green color, makes this Alocasia variety truly mesmerizing.
To help Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Stingray’ thrive, it requires an eastern or western exposure window indoors, with a moist, well-draining potting mix. This variety is humidity-loving and thrives in environments that mimic tropical rainforests. With the right care, ‘Stingray’ can become a stunning addition to your indoor garden.
Alocasia ‘Frydek’
Alocasia ‘Frydek’ has the potential to become the ultimate masterpiece of your indoor garden. This gorgeous houseplant, also known as the “Green Velvet” plant, resembles a plush toy with its super soft and velvety green foliage. Mature plants feature dark green hues with contrasting cream-colored veins.
Caring for Alocasia ‘Frydek’ is relatively easy under the right conditions. It thrives in high humidity levels, making it suitable for bathrooms and kitchens. An eastern or western exposure window, warm temperatures, and evenly moist potting mix are essential for its growth. Regular leaf cleaning ensures the long-lasting beauty of this Alocasia variety.
Alocasia ‘Nairobi Nights’
Alocasia ‘Nairobi Nights’ is a great addition to any indoor garden, as it spells magic with its spectacular foliage. The dark green, almost blackish leaves are contrasted well with prominent white veins and pink petioles. As the plant matures, it forms into a striking specimen that adds a touch of elegance to any space.
Alocasia ‘Nairobi Nights’ thrives in typical Alocasia conditions, such as high humidity, evenly moist soil, and up to half a day of direct sunlight indoors. Placing it near an eastern or western exposure window provides the ideal lighting conditions. With proper care, this Alocasia variety can become the highlight of your indoor garden.
Alocasia ‘Sarian’
Alocasia ‘Sarian’ is one of the most impressive-looking varieties of Alocasia, adding a bold and dramatic look to any home. The long, pointed leaves resemble the ears of an African elephant and are often called the African mask due to their unique foliage with wavy edges.
Caring for Alocasia ‘Sarian’ involves watering after allowing the top inch or two of soil to dry out. An eastern or western exposure window provides the ideal growing location for this plant. With the right care, ‘Sarian’ can become a stunning centerpiece in your indoor or outdoor garden.
Alocasia Cucullata ‘Buddha’s Palm’
Alocasia Cucullata ‘Buddha’s Palm’ is believed to bring good fortune and prosperity to homes. The unique leaf shape resembles a Buddha’s palm, and the slender petioles with large, pointy leaves sway gently with the breeze, as if Buddha is giving his blessings.
To care for Alocasia Cucullata ‘Buddha’s Palm,’ it requires an eastern or western exposure window, moist and well-draining soils, and appropriate humidity levels. Placing the plant under a grow light in winter provides the warmth and light it craves. With the right care, this Alocasia variety can bring luck and beauty to your home.
Alocasia X Amazonica ‘Ivory Coast’
Alocasia X Amazonica ‘Ivory Coast’ is a hybrid variety that is quickly gaining popularity as a houseplant. It features green, arrow-shaped leaves with silvery hued veins. The pinkish-brown petioles create a perfect contrast, reminiscent of the Pink Dragon, another variety of the Alocasia family.
The ‘Ivory Coast’ variety stands out with its tightly packed cluster of leaves, creating a lush and full specimen under proper care. Placing it in an eastern or western exposure window, maintaining a moist potting mix, and providing consistently warm temperatures will help this plant thrive.
Alocasia Wentii
Alocasia Wentii is a classic variety of Alocasia known for its easy-to-grow nature. The glossy foliage has green topsides and purple undersides, creating an eye-catching combination. The large leaves can grow up to 30-40 cm in length, making a statement in a well-grown specimen.
Caring for Alocasia Wentii involves providing evenly moist soil and high humidity levels. This variety thrives in environments that mimic tropical rainforests. With the right care, Alocasia Wentii can become a prized member of your indoor garden.
Alocasia Longiloba
Alocasia Longiloba features long, green leaves with prominent silver veins. Mature leaves can grow up to 2 feet in length, creating a statement in a well-grown specimen. This variety requires an evenly moist potting mix and high humidity levels to thrive.
Alocasia Lauterbachiana
Alocasia Lauterbachiana is a one-of-a-kind variety known for its sword-shaped leaves. The narrow green leaves have purple undersides, earning it the name ‘Purple Sword Plant’ or ‘Sword Leaf Plant.’ This variety grows up to 4 feet tall in optimum conditions, making a striking statement in any home.
Alocasia Zebrina
Alocasia Zebrina stands out with its speckled stems resembling zebra-like patterns, complementing the elephant ear leaves beautifully. This variety is not beginner-friendly and demands attention from growers. Mimicking the natural conditions of the plant, such as a tropical rainforest-like environment, can help it thrive.
In conclusion, Alocasia plants offer a wide range of stunning varieties that can transform any space into a tropical paradise. Each Alocasia type has its own unique foliage and growth requirements, making them a fascinating addition to any indoor garden. By providing the right care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of these 23 Alocasia varieties and create a truly tropical ambiance in your home.