Alocasia varieties & species: the most beautiful at a glance
Although they are not the easiest plants to grow, the eye-catching alocasia species will impress in any room with their beautiful leaves and occasionally patterned leaf stems.
With its long petioles and huge leaves, the alocasia (Alocasia), also called African mask or elephant ear, is a real eye-catcher. The approximately 80 different alocasia species belong to the arum family (Araceae). In the following article we give you an overview of the most beautiful alocasia species and varieties.
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Alocasia species as houseplants
Originally from tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia, alocasias are evergreen, herbaceous houseplants that, depending on the species, can develop leaves 150cm long and 80cm wide. They prefer a light to semi-shady site and are quite demanding in terms of care. An east or west window is suitable for these houseplants. At around 20 °C, the alocasia thrives best. Draughts should always be avoided. Because it comes from tropical regions, it always needs moist soil, but it does not tolerate waterlogging. So, let at most the top layer of the soil dry out until you water again with lime-free water. Spraying the leaves is essential to ensure high humidity around the alocasia. Repotting every 2 to 3 years in spring will result in a healthy and vigorous growing plant. During the main growth phase from March onwards, fertilise the alocasia weekly. A liquid fertiliser such as our Plantura Liquid Houseplant Food is ideal for this, as it contains microorganisms that promote soil quality and ensure a vital plant with strong leaves. Stop fertilising from September onwards.
- Perfect for a wide variety of houseplants & foliage plants
- Liquid fertiliser for robust plants & healthy growth
- Quick & easy application - child & pet friendly
Tip: the alocasia plant sap is irritating to the skin and mucous membranes. Caution is advised for overly curious pets, as eating the plant can lead to stomach upsets or even symptoms of poisoning.
The most beautiful alocasia species and varieties
There are about 80 different alocasia species. In the following, we present the most beautiful alocasia species and varieties, one of which is sure to look good in your home.
Alocasia zebrina
The Alocasia zebrina is an unusual foliage ornamental with striking striped foliage and an airy, loose-growing appearance. Depending on the variety, it can reach a growth height of about 1.5m. Its heart-shaped leaves grow to between 10 and 35cm long and grow from a mostly green and white striped leaf stalk.
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.
- ‘Variegata’: the irregular green-white variegated leaves of this cultivar arise from red-patterned petioles, and it grows up to 1.5m tall.
- ‘Reticulata’: almost all the leaves of this variety have a strongly pronounced heart shape. Its discreet leaf stems are adorned with foliage with a striking leaf pattern in light to dark green. It reaches about 90cm.
- ‘Black Stem’: the special thing about this variety is its deep black petioles, which are the result of an overexpression of the normally reddish pigment anthocyanin. Its leaves are light to dark green and reach a size of about 60cm. The plant can reach an impressive 1.8m.
Alocasia baginda
Only since 2011 has Alocasia baginda been considered a separate species. It comes from the island of Borneo, where it unfurls its striking green-ribbed foliage in partial shade on limestone cliffs and slopes in the rainforests. Its hard and thick leaves grow to about 20cm long as well as 30cm wide and are thus quite small compared to other alocasia species. Here are some popular types of Alocasia baginda:
- ‘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.
- ‘Pink Dragon’: the dark green coloured leaves with contrasting light leaf veins are a real eye-catcher. In addition, the petioles of this variety are coloured pink in an unusual way. This plant can also reach about 1m.
- ‘Silver Dragon’: contrasting dark leaf veins adorn the silver coloured leaves of this variety. Their petioles are light green. This small variety has a compact growth height of about 30cm.
Alocasia macrorrhiza
The Alocasia macrorrhiza can reach a height of about 1.8m and a width of 1.2m, making it quite a large and spreading foliage ornamental. Their long stems are usually sprouted with monochrome green leaves, which can be arrow or heart-shaped. The leaf veins are clearly visible. Below are the most beautiful Alocasia macrorrhiza varieties:
- ‘Black stem’: similar to the variety Alocasia zebrina ‘Black stem‘, the dark coloured petioles and leaf veins of this alocasia are also eye-catching. Its leaves are large and light green. It grows over 1m high.
- ‘Lutea golden’: its dark green wavy leaves are interspersed with light yellow leaf veins. The petioles are also yellow.
- ‘Stingray’: this pretty and compact cultivar of Alocasia macrorrhiza has shortened leaves that resemble a stingray because of the shape. Its remarkable petioles are brown variegated.
Alocasia micholitziana
This beautiful foliage ornamental comes from the Philippines, where it is distributed throughout the archipelago. Thia alocasia species can grow up to 2m tall, with leaves 70cm long and 30cm wide.
- ‘Frydek’: the fresh leaves of this variety are light at the beginning and develop a dark, velvety black colour as they age. Their light leaf veins form a striking contrast and thus stand out.
Alocasia clypeolata
This rare beauty produces up to 25cm large leaves with strikingly darkening leaf veins. Overall, the species can measure up to 1.2m in height and width each, and it originates from the Philippines.
- ‘Green Shield’: this variety is characterised by its contrasting foliage and grows to a manageable height of only 30cm. Its leaves show a dark discolouration of the leaf veins even when young.
Alocasia reginula
One of the small-growing species is Alocasia reginula, which can grow up to 60cm tall under optimal conditions – usually it does not grow taller than 20cm as a houseplant. The dark and slightly sticky leaves have ornamental white leaf veins. Alocasia reginula needs a little less water than its relatives, so the surface is allowed to dry to a depth of about 5cm before watering again. For example, the variety ‘Black Velvet’ can be purchased commercially.
Alocasia sanderiana
A very striking leaf structure and colour is displayed by Alocasia sanderiana – dark green glossy with light green to white leaf veins, which can grow up to 40cm long. In its natural habitat in the Philippines, where it is unfortunately threatened with extinction, it grows up to 60cm in height; although as a houseplant it remains more compact.
The variegated Maranta leuconeura is an equally spectacular houseplant with specific requirements. Everything about location and care of the prayer plant can be found in our dedicated article.
