Alocasia is a genus of broad-leaved rhizomatous or tuberous perennial flowering plants from the family Araceae. There are 79 recognized species of Alocasia, native to tropical and subtropical Asia to Eastern Australia.
Alocasias are commonly known as elephant ears due to the shape and size of their leaves. They have large, heart-shaped or arrowhead-shaped leaves on long, erect stems. The leaves can grow quite large, up to 1–2 meters long in some species.
Many Alocasia species and cultivars are popular houseplants or landscape plants due to their striking foliage. Here we discuss 5 major types of Alocasia and some of their popular varieties.
Upright Elephant Ear Alocasias
Upright elephant ear Alocasias have large, erect leaves on tall, upright stems. They have an imposing, vertical presence well-suited for the back of borders or as specimen plants. Popular varieties include:
Alocasia macrorrhizos
- Also called Giant Taro or Upright Elephant Ear
- Has huge, heart-shaped green leaves up to 1.5 meters long.
- Leaves have distinct pale green veins.
- Grows on thick rhizomes, not bulbs. Can form large stands.
Alocasia ‘Borneo Giant’
- A very large cultivar, leaves can reach 2+ meters tall.
- Has metallic dark green leaves with pale green veins.
- Grows from an underground bulb.
Alocasia reginula
- Also called Black Velvet Alocasia
- Has dark blackish-green leaves with an almost velvety appearance.
- Grows about 3-5 feet tall. Needs bright, indirect light.
Low-Growing Elephant Ears
These Alocasias have shorter statures, staying under 3 feet tall. Their smaller sizes make them good foreground or understory plants. Some popular varieties are:
Alocasia scalprum
- Stays under 2 feet tall.
- Has arrowhead-shaped green leaves with dark veining.
- Likes moist soil and medium indirect light.
Alocasia ‘Lauterbachiana’
- Grows to 2 feet tall and wide.
- Has wavy-edged, metallic green leaves.
- An easy, low maintenance variety.
Alocasia ‘Polly’
- A compact hybrid that grows to just 1 foot tall and wide.
- Has glossy green leaves with white veining.
- Does well in containers or as a houseplant.
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Colorful & Variegated Alocasias
Many Alocasias have colorful or variegated leaves, ranging from different shades of green to purple, black and silver tones:
Alocasia ‘Stingray’
- Gets its name from the unique, stingray shape of its leaves.
- Has dark green leaves with distinct, pale blue-green veining.
- Grows to 2-3 feet tall. Makes a bold statement plant.
Alocasia ‘Pink Dragon’
- Has highly colored pink stems and pink-tinged leaves.
- The arrowhead leaves have dark green & silvery variegation.
- Grows up to 3-4 feet tall. Loves humidity.
Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’
- One of the most distinct silver Alocasias.
- Has large, deeply cut leaves marked with dark green & silver variegation.
- Matures at 3-4 feet but can grow taller.
Giant & Hybrid Elephant Ears
These are very large Alocasia hybrids and cultivars typically used as dramatic specimen plants:
Alocasia ‘Sarian’
- A popular giant hybrid that can grow over 6 feet tall.
- Has huge, 2+ foot long dark green arrowhead leaves.
- Develops a large bulb so it needs ample space.
Alocasia gageana
- Also called Black Velvet Alocasia or Hybrid Elephant Ear.
- Has almost black, velvet-looking arrowhead leaves over 3 feet long.
- Can grow 6-10 feet tall under ideal conditions.
Colocasia ‘Mojito’
- While not technically an Alocasia, this Colocasia elephant ear has similar qualities.
- Grows up to 6-8 feet tall with gigantic 2-3 feet wide green leaves.
- Makes a tropical jungle-like statement in the garden.
Climbing Alocasias
A few Alocasia species will climb trees and structures for support if given the chance:
Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’
- Given proper support, mature leaves can reach 6 feet or more in length.
- Has velvet-textured, metallic silver-green leaves with dark green veining. A stunning climber.
- Also does well allowed to trail as a hanging plant.
Alocasia ‘Longiloba’
- Will climb up trees and mossy poles if given the support.
- Uniquely shaped leaves look almost hand-like. Deeply cut with very long, thin lobes.
- Stems and leaf lobes can reach 6 feet long or more when mature.
Where to buy Alocasia? Benefits from importing plants from Thailand
- Shipping: Door to door shipping, fast and safe with Dragon Courier
- Biodiversity: Thailand is known for its rich biodiversity, including a wide variety of aroid species. This diversity allows importers to access a broad range of unique and exotic aroid plants.
- Quality and Health of Plants: The suitable climate helps the plants grown here stay healthy and of high quality.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Due to favorable growing conditions and efficient production methods, Thai aroid plants can often be more cost-effective compared to those from other countries.
- Access to Hybrid Varieties: Thai growers are often involved in the development of new hybrid aroid varieties, offering unique plants that may not be available from other sources.
Alocasia species are the most sought after by aroid plant lovers
Conclusion
With their huge, gorgeously shaped and often colorful leaves, Alocasias have become incredibly popular house and garden plants. As this discussion of 5 Alocasia types illustrates, there is great diversity among the 80+ species and countless new hybrids available. Whether you’re looking for a compact tabletop plant or a giant specimen capable of filling an entire corner of your landscape, there is sure to be an Alocasia to fit your needs if you can provide warm temperatures, high humidity and moist, rich soil. These tropical beauties will reward proper care by growing into focal points impossible to ignore.
See more 5 Key Steps to Supercharge Your Alocasia Growth in Weeks!
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