8 Types of Alocasia Varieties that are Ideal for Growing Indoors
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Alocasia plants varieties are some of the most popular plants for growing in the home. These plants come in many sizes and are not very difficult to grow if the growing conditions are met.
The Alocasias bear very spectacular foliage and are a delight to add to any plant collection for a touch of an exotic feel.
Alocasias vary greatly in size from some tiny ones that are ideal for the small spaces to some large ones that are perfect for bold statement plants for the large spaces.
Generally, Alocasias grow best in bright indirect light (dappled light) as they receive in their natural environments where they grow under the canopies of trees as understory plants.
Warmth, high moisture and well-drained soils are major requirements for Alocasias to thrive. Therefore, ensure you provide these conditions to successfully grow your Alocasia.
Alocasia plants undergo dormancy during the cold season (winter) where the plant drops its leaves. However, even if the foliage may die, the underground rhizome is still alive and can regrow under favorable conditions.
At the home front, dormancy in Alocasias is signalled by too little light, dry soil and too low temperatures. If the plant is exposed to these conditions, it may begin to drop its leaves in readiness to enter dormancy.
Fortunately, these conditions can be prevented so as to keep the foliage alive through out the year regardless of the season.
There are about 90 species in the Alocasia genus which are native to tropical and subtropical Asia to Eastern Australia. Below is a list of 8 Amazing Alocasia Varieties that you may add to your plant collection.
8 Alocasia Plants Varieties for Indoors
The best Alocasia varieties include Alocasia Polly, Alocasia cuprea, Alocasia longiloba, Alocasia micholitziana, Alocasia 'Regal Shield', Alocasia reginula, Alocasia wentii and Alocasia zebrina.
1. Alocasia X amazonica 'Polly'
Alocasia x amazonica commonly called Elephant's Ears Plant, Alocasia 'Polly' or African Mask bears erect stems and enormous, arrow-shaped, dark-green leaves with distinctly white-colored veins.
Elephant's Ears Plant is a strikingly beautiful plant and it is one of the best plants for the office where it will create a great first impression.
Alocasia X amazonica 'Polly' thrives in bright indirect light, average warmth of 16-280C, humidity of 60-70% and consistently moist, fertile, well-drained, aroids soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Learn more on how to grow and care for Alocasia X amazonica 'Polly' (African Mask)
2. Alocasia cuprea
Alocasia cuprea also called Jewel Alocasia is a compact plant which bears enormous, spherical, green leaves with a metallic gloss, pronounced leaf veins and deep-purple undersides.
On account of its compact size, magnificent foliage with a metallic shine and affinity for highly warm and humid conditions, Jewel Alocasia is among the best plants for the bathroom.
Alocasia cuprea prospers in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-260C, humidity of 70-80% and consistently moist, rich, well-drained, aroids soil coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season.
Read more on how to grow and care for Alocasia cuprea (Jewel Alocasia)
3. Alocasia longiloba
Alocasia longiloba is one of the sought-after plant with large, arrow-shaped, bluish-green leaves with silver margins and veining and light-green or purple undersides and are held on mottled brown leaf stalks.
Alocasia longiloba is among the popular tropical foliage plants and is a spectacular addition to any plant collection on account of its magnificent foliage.
Alocasia longiloba flourishes in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-250C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, aroids soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Learn more on how to grow and care for Alocasia longiloba
4. Alocasia micholitziana
Alocasia micholitziana commonly called Green Velvet Alocasia bears arrow-shaped, deep matte green leaves with a velvety texture on the upper surface and white veining, and pale-green undersides.
Green Velvet Alocasia is one of the fast-growing plants which grows to a height of about 2-3 feet and a width of about 2 feet. The leaves are about 1.3 feet long and about 6-8 inches wide
Alocasia micholitziana prospers in bright indirect light, average warmth of 18-250C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, rich, well-drained, aroids potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Read more on how to grow and care for Alocasia micholitziana (Green Velvet Alocasia)
5. Alocasia 'Regal Shield'
Alocasia 'Regal Shield' commonly called Regal Shield Elephant Ear or Regal Shield Alocasia is a popular plant with heart-shaped, dark-green to almost black leaves with light-green venation on light-green stems.
Regal Shield Elephant Ear a large-leafed plant and is highly adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions making it one of bold statement plants for any space.
Alocasia 'Regal Shield' blossoms in bright indirect light away from direct sunlight, average warmth of 15-270C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, aroids potting soils coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.
Learn more on how to grow and care for Alocasia 'Regal Shield'
6. Alocasia reginula
Alocasia reginula commonly called Alocasia 'Black Velvet' or Little Queen, is a compact plant which bears broad, heart-shaped, dark-green leaves with a velvety background, pale green, white or silver veins and reddish undersides.
Alocasia 'Black Velvet' is a compact which grows to a height of 1-2 feet and 1.5 feet wide. On account of its size and affinity for high humidity, Little Queen is one of the best plants for a closed terrarium.
Alocasia reginula floursihes in medium to bright indirect light, average warmth of 16-270C, humidity to 60-80% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, aroids potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Read more on how to grow and care for Alocasia reginula (Alocasia 'Black Velvet')
7. Alocasia wentii
Alocasia wentii commonly called Went's Hardy Alocasia, Hardy Alocasia, Hardy Elephant Ear, New Guinea Shield or Purple Umbrella Plant bears beautiful, heart-shaped, glossy green leaves with prominent veins and purple-hued (metallic maroon) undersides.
Hardy Alocasia like the name suggests is more hardy than other Alocasia plants and will tolerate a wide range of growing conditions making it one of the best plants for the home.
Alocasia wentii prospers in bright indirect light, average warmth of 15-300C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, aroids potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.
Learn more on how to grow and care for Alocasia wentii (Went's Hardy Alocasia)
8. Alocasia zebrina
Alocasia zebrina commonly called Zebra Alocasia Plant or Zebrina Alocasia, is a popular plant which bears upright, arrow-shaped green leaves which are borne on thin zebra-striped stems.
Zebrina Alocasia Plant is an excellent addition to any plant collection and is one of the most popular plants for the home on account of its magnificent foliage and fast growth.
Alocasia zebrina thrives in bright indirect light, average warmth of 15-280C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, aroids soils coupled with fortnightly feeding during the growing season for a lush growth.
Read more on how to grow and care for Alocasia zebrina (Zebra Alocasia Plant)
