A Comprehensive Guide to 25 Stunning Alocasia Varieties for Your Home

Are you looking to bring a touch of the tropics into your home? Look no further than alocasias! These elegant tropical plants are known for their heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, gently arcing stems, and upright growth habit. With about 100 species of alocasia in the world, each with multiple cultivars, the choices are virtually endless when it comes to leaf shapes, colors, sizes, and variegation types. Whether you prefer compact, colorful jewel varieties or large-leaved elephant ear plants that can reach impressive heights, there is a perfect alocasia for every indoor garden or houseplant collection.

Alocasias are not just beautiful, they are also fast-growing and relatively easy to care for when grown indoors. To ensure your alocasias thrive, provide them with bright, indirect light, consistent watering, chunky yet rich potting mix, regular fertilizer during the growing season, and warm, humid conditions. However, it is essential to note that all alocasia varieties are toxic to people and pets, so take precautions to keep them out of reach of dogs, cats, and small children.

Here, we present a comprehensive guide to 25 stunning alocasia varieties that will bring the tropics into your home. Each variety has its unique characteristics, care requirements, and growing habits, so read on to discover the perfect alocasia for your space!

1. Kris Plant

Name: Kris Plant
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Consistently moist soil
Mature Size: Dependent on care
Difficulty: Easy

The Kris Plant is a popular alocasia known for its contrasting white veins on dark, glossy leaves with lobed edges and a teardrop point. Native to the Philippines, this plant thrives in consistently moist soil and warm, humid conditions.

2. Alocasia Jacklyn

Name: Alocasia Jacklyn
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Evenly moist soil
Mature Size: Dependent on care
Difficulty: Moderate

Alocasia Jacklyn is a newer variety known for its vivid green color and textured, deeply lobed leaves. Grow it in well-drained soil that’s kept evenly moist, or try it in a self-watering planter for optimal growth.

3. Alocasia Black Velvet

Name: Alocasia Black Velvet
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Moderate watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Easy

For smaller spaces, consider the Alocasia Black Velvet, sought after for its fuzzy, gray-green leaves with contrasting white veins. This variety grows more slowly and stays smaller than many other alocasia types.

4. Alocasia Maharani

Name: Alocasia Maharani
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Consistent watering
Mature Size: Small
Difficulty: Moderate

Alocasia Maharani, also known as Gray Dragon Alocasia, is a jewel alocasia with smaller size and textured foliage. Like other plants in this genus, it thrives in warmth, humidity, and consistent watering.

5. Alocasia Pink Dragon

Name: Alocasia Pink Dragon
Light: Filtered light
Water: Regular feedings
Mature Size: Dependent on care
Difficulty: Moderate

With its rosy stems and shiny green foliage, Alocasia Pink Dragon is a favorite pink houseplant to grow. Provide this plant with 60 to 70 percent humidity, filtered light, and regular feedings during the growing season.

6. Alocasia Dragon Scale

Name: Alocasia Dragon Scale
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Dependent on care
Difficulty: Moderate

Once rare, Alocasia Dragon Scale is now widely available for its heart-shaped, pale green leaves with dark, dramatic veining. Plant it in chunky, well-drained potting mix and provide plenty of humidity for optimal growth.

7. Alocasia Stingray

Name: Alocasia Stingray
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Moderate watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Easy

Known for its speckled stems and distinctive foliage, Alocasia Stingray features truncated leaves tipped with long points. Keep the air around this plant moist by using a humidifier for optimal growth.

8. Alocasia Polly

Name: Alocasia Polly
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Small
Difficulty: Moderate

A scaled-down cultivar of Amazonian elephant’s ear, Alocasia Polly is popular for its glossy, dark-green leaves with cream-colored veining and ruffled edges. While it can be finicky, this plant thrives easily in the right conditions.

9. Alocasia Frydek

Name: Alocasia Frydek
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Moderate watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Moderate

Alocasia Frydek’s distinctive white veins on bright green leaves give it a painted appearance. While not as low-maintenance as some varieties, it thrives with lots of humidity, indirect light, and regular fertilizer during the growing season.

10. Alocasia Silver Dragon

Name: Alocasia Silver Dragon
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Moderate watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Intermediate

For a stunningly textured look, consider Alocasia Silver Dragon with its gray-green leaves. While once rare, this houseplant offers visual interest and is relatively compact. Start with a lower-maintenance variety before taking on this intermediate-level alocasia.

11. Alocasia Tiny Dancer

Name: Alocasia Tiny Dancer
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Easy

Short on space but love alocasias? Alocasia Tiny Dancer is a hybrid with compact, upright growth and uniquely small, cup-shaped leaves. This plant is relatively easy to care for compared to other unusual alocasia varieties.

12. Alocasia Odora

Name: Alocasia Odora
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy

Alocasia Odora is known for its large, heart-shaped leaves that earn it the nickname giant elephant ear. Indoors, provide bright, indirect light, rich soil, and regular fertilizer for optimal growth.

13. Alocasia Zebrina

Name: Alocasia Zebrina
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Dependent on care
Difficulty: Moderate

Named for its striped stems, Alocasia Zebrina offers color and texture variety. While not the most beginner-friendly, this alocasia thrives with humidity, moist soil, and dappled bright light.

14. Alocasia Regal Shield (Elephant Ear)

Name: Alocasia Regal Shield
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Consistent watering
Mature Size: Large
Difficulty: Difficult

A hybrid elephant ear plant, Alocasia Regal Shield, features lush, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 20 inches in length. Thoughtful care with warmth, humidity, and consistent watering is essential for optimal growth.

15. Amazonian Elephant’s Ear

Name: Amazonian Elephant’s Ear
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Easy

Commonly known as Amazonian Elephant’s Ear, this striking variety features glossy leaves with ruffled edges and pale green veining. Ideal for small spaces, this alocasia adds texture and tropical vibes to any home.

16. Malaysian Monster Elephant Ear

Name: Malaysian Monster Elephant Ear
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Large
Difficulty: Easy

With large, deeply lobed leaves and variegated stems, the Malaysian Monster Elephant Earnicknamed for its size. Give this easy-growing variety lots of light, humidity, and space for optimal growth.

17. Alocasia Red Secret

Name: Alocasia Red Secret
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Easy

Compact and colorful, Alocasia Red Secret is a jewel variety with glossy leaves and deep, dark veining on top. Keep this plant in bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant coloring.

18. Variegated Black Stem Elephant Ear

Name: Variegated Black Stem Elephant Ear
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Dependent on care
Difficulty: Difficult

This rare, variegated alocasia features arrow-shaped green leaves splashed with creamy white and dark red stems. While stunning, this variety can be challenging to care for, so ensure you have experience before choosing it.

19. Alocasia Melo

Name: Alocasia Melo
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Medium
Difficulty: Moderate

Native to the jungles of Borneo, Alocasia Melo, also known as Alocasia Rugosa, is a rare jewel alocasia with thick, rounded leaves. Ensure bright, indirect light to prevent curling leaves.

20. Alocasia Reginae

Name: Alocasia Reginae
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Large
Difficulty: Easy

With thick, gray-green leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long, Alocasia Reginae is an elegant variety with sought-after cultivars like ‘Silver Velvet’. Keep leaves dust-free by wiping them regularly.

21. Variegated Elephant Ear

Name: Variegated Elephant Ear
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Large
Difficulty: Moderate

Variegated plants like the Variegated Elephant Ear are stunning tropical additions to any home. Provide high humidity, bright light, and consistent watering for optimal growth, while watching for spider mites.

22. Went’s Hardy Elephant Ear

Name: Went’s Hardy Elephant Ear
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Large
Difficulty: Easy

Known for its rich bronze hue, Went’s Hardy Elephant Ear is a fast-growing tropical plant that can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings. Winter hardy up to USDA zone 7b, it provides beautiful color all year round.

23. Alocasia Sarian

Name: Alocasia Sarian
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Medium
Difficulty: Easy

A hybrid alocasia, Alocasia Sarian sports V-shaped, deep green foliage with white veins and slightly scalloped edging. Keep leaves dust-free by wiping them regularly with a soft cloth.

24. Alocasia Okinawa Silver

Name: Alocasia Okinawa Silver
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Compact
Difficulty: Easy

For a variegated option that’s smaller in size, consider Alocasia Okinawa Silver. This easy-to-care-for plant is smaller than other variegated elephant ear varieties, making it a great choice for limited space.

25. Imperialis Elephant Ear

Name: Imperialis Elephant Ear
Light: Bright, indirect light
Water: Regular watering
Mature Size: Large
Difficulty: Moderate

One of the sought-after jewel types, Imperialis Elephant Ear features smooth-edged, jade-green foliage that grows larger at maturity. Provide warmth, high humidity, and a moist yet well-drained potting mix for optimal growth.

With this comprehensive guide to 25 stunning alocasia varieties, you can transform your home into a tropical oasis full of lush, elegant plants. Remember to consider each variety’s unique care requirements, lighting preferences, and growth habits to ensure your alocasias thrive. Happy planting!

Citations:

Arbain, Dayar, et al. “Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Biological Activities of Alocasia Species: A Systematic Review.” Frontiers in Pharmacology, vol. 13, 2022. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.849704

“Alocasia.” ASPCA. Are Plants in the Alocasia Genus Poisonous? National Capital Poison Center.