Alocasia Species The Beauty Of Nature

Alocasia

The Alocasia is a tropical plant belonging to the Aroid family. The main wealth is luxurious large leaves with an unusual pattern of veins.

There are about 80 species of them all over the world. All of them differ from each other in size, leaf shape, and flowering, in addition, many of these varieties are suitable for indoor cultivation.

But let's take a closer look at the most common types of this wonderful plant, and these are the 24 most grown varieties in our latitudes:

1. Watsoniana
2. Frydek Variegata
3. Sanderiana ‘Nobilis’
4. Reversa
5. Cuprea
6. Lauterbachiana
7. Stingray
8. Baginda ‘Silver Dragon’
9. Odora ‘Variegata’
10. Bambino
11. Tiny Dancer
12. Polly
13. Portei
14. Baginda ‘Dragon Scale'
15. Sarian
16. Zebrina
17. Maharani
18. Pink Dragon
19. A. micholitziana ‘Frydek’
20. Reginula ‘Black Velvet’
21. Odora
22. Azlanii
23. Tigrina
24. Regal Shields

Alocasia Watsoniana

The Alocasia Watsoniana used to be a hard-to-find plant but recently has become available for everyone.

The leaves are rounded with silver veins. Compared to the Alocasia Longiloba 'Veitchii' the foliage is roundish and get up to 2 feet long and about the same width.

The top of the leaf plate is dark green, with silvery-white edges of the lobes and visible middle and primary veins. Underneath the leaves are purple.

An Alocasia prefers shady areas to produce beautiful large leaves and requires constant warmth and sufficient moisture. The Alocasia Watsoniana is well worth the effort to get the plant to survive the sheer size it can handle.

Alocasia Micholitziana ‘Frydek’ / Frydek Variegated

Alocasia 'Variegated Frydek' is unrivaled and unlike other tropical aroids, you can immediately identify this species by its special leaves. Frydek leaves are arrow-shaped, large, and shiny, and they also have creamy variegation, which makes them especially beautiful. The pattern on the leaves always turns out to be different, but still the same gorgeous. The only velvet representative of Alocasia, which is also called Alocasia Green Velvet, is Alocasia Micholitziana 'Frydek' and is a bit more difficult to find compared to the Alocasia Polly. The velvety species has thick white veins on the dark green velvet surface.

Caring for such a houseplant is not difficult, just provide bright light, moisture, and well-drained soil. And in winter, the plant is in a dormant period, so it is better to reduce watering in order to protect the root system.

Alocasia Sanderiana ‘Nobilis’

The Alocasia Sanderiana ‘Nobilis’ has prominent lobes, thin shapes, and sharp edges. Alocasia is a genus that belongs to the Araceae family, and its varieties are native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Eastern Australia.

This is a terrestrial plant that gets huge with large leaves. For example, it is a well-known fact that Alocasia is prone to spider mites, so it is necessary to regularly examine the upper and lower sides of the leaves for prevention.

The surface of the leaf is shiny, of beautiful green color, and the main veins are almost silvery, and those that are smaller are carved. The underside of the leaf has a burgundy hue and can turn dark purple, even almost blood purple.

Alocasia Reversa

The Alocasia Alocasia Reversa is called this way because compared to other Alocasias, the veins on the leaves are noticeably darker than the foliage when for other varieties it's vise versa. The plush leaves grow up to 8 inches long, while the plant itself grows to about 16 inches in height.

Carying is pretty much the same as for other, bright indirect light and no excessive watering.

Alocasia Cuprea

“Mirror Factory”, “Gem of Alocasia” are all nicknames for the same plant the Alocasia Cuprea. This is a very beautiful tropical plant and at the same time, it is absolutely not difficult to care for.

And the fact is that the leaves can be green or red, and in terms of density they are tough and have a plastic appearance. The arrow-shaped leaves of Cuprea distinguish this plant from the rest of the Alocasia species. A species such as Alocasia Cuprea can grow up to one foot in height, and its coppery tough leaves can reach three to eight feet.

Alocasia Lauterbachiana

Another name for this plant by which you can recognize it is "Purple Sword". Its flowers are purple, the veins of the leaves are purple in the center and its lover part.

The leaves are erect, hard as if covered with wax. The color of the foliage is dull, dark green, the edges are wavy, purple underside. the Lauterbachiana also has many underground rhizomes and stems that resemble a tree trunk. The purple sword hardly grows indoors. The growth rate of this plant depends on the temperature, the incoming light, and, of course, humidity and watering. And if the plant is grown outdoors and with all the necessary conditions, it can grow up to 4 feet.

Alocasia Stingray

Have you seen anything more unusual and attractive than the exotic plant Alocasia Stingray? One look at this marvelous plant, and it becomes clear why it is called Stingray Elephant Ear.

Although the leaves of Stingray are not as large as the more common elephant ear plant, they can still grow to a decent size with the right conditions. The characteristic "tail" on the leaves can be very reminiscent of a stingray. This is the whole beauty of this plant, namely in its attractive structure and foliage.

Alocasia Stingray has a slightly unique growth pattern. Since new leaves are formed, and only then do they separate, growing from the previous leaf. In spring and summer, when the growing season begins, plants grow faster and, depending on pot size and conditions can grow up to 15 feet high and 8 feet wide.

Alocasia Stingray is relatively easy to care for.

Alocasia Baginda ‘Silver Dragon’

Alocasia Baginda "Silver Dragon" is a hybrid plant that is very similar to the original Baginda, but brighter and silvery. After all, the texture of the leaves of "Silver Dragon" resembles the scales of a dragon.

In a certain amount of light, shiny silver covers the leaves, and the veins then take on a dark green color. The leaf blades are about 6 inches long and about 5 to 8 cm wide. The shape of the leaves looks like shovels or pointed hearts. And even the shape of the leaves is often compared to the muzzles of dragons. The whorls of the new leaves are also very attractive because they are bronze in color.

Alocasia Baginda Silver Dragon is slightly smaller than the original Baginda due to its hybrid nature. Therefore, she is about 1.6 feet tall.

Alocasia Odora ‘Variegata’

Alocasia Odora Variegata is also known as the Elephant's Ear and belongs to the Araceae family. They are deciduous perennial that loves bright indirect light, which definitely makes them ideal indoor plants.

The growth of Alocasia Odora Variegata generally does not exceed 1.6 m in height. And it has large, wide, lamellar leaves. The leaves of this variety are characterized by marbled spots of green and white. Each leaf is different from the other due to such different color combinations, and some leaves may have solid white markings.

Alocasia Bambino

Another popular plant among the Alocasia is Alocasia Bambino. It is also one of the best decorative species you can come across. Bambino is ideal for a beginner because it doesn’t require much grooming.

Alocasia Bambino is a collection of tuberous or rhizome evergreens that bloom naturally. Its magnificent leaves are narrow, shiny, beautiful, and rich green with arrows and bright veins, they are purple on the underside. The leaves grow on long petioles and are usually 6 to 7 inches long and about 2 inches wide.

With proper care, the Alocasia Bambino plant grows rapidly and grows to a maximum height of 12-14 inches, making Alocasia Bambino slightly smaller than its counterparts and ideal as an ornamental plant for countertops and shelves.

Alocasia Bambino can irritate the skin and eyes, so it is best to keep it away from children and animals.

Alocasia Tiny Dancer

Its dancing petioles will make this plant stand out from all others in your garden. Because this Alocasia cultivar differs from other cultivars by its upward-facing cupped leaves.

As you already understood, Tiny Dancer is a hybrid of Alocasia Brisbanensis and Alocasia Odora. You will not be able to take your eyes off his appearance, as he is the owner of playful, wavy but delicate petioles of lemon green color, and each petiole has a folded green leaf at the end. The unusual leaves of Alocasia Tiny Dancer are tear-shaped and the leaf surface is glossy.

It is a fast-growing dwarf plant and over time the Tiny Dancer will have a bushy appearance, as its petioles grow at different times from different places. When the plant reaches maturity, it produces more leaves than any of the parent plants.

This stemless variety has an upright growth pattern and is perfect for container and landscape gardening. And because of its unique foliage, Alocasia Tiny Dancer is rapidly gaining popularity.

Alocasia Polly

There is a variety that looks like Alocasia Bambino, this is Alocasia Polly. Only this species is quite problematic and you will need to work hard in caring for it. But the beautiful foliage of Alocasia Polly is reason enough to bring such a plant into your home.

Polly leaves are arrow-shaped, glossy, emerald green. Also on the leaf plate, there are bright streaks that stand out noticeably against the background of the green leaf. Young leaves are bright light green in color, and as they mature, the leaf darkens.

Alocasia Polly is capable of growing up to nearly 20 inches in height and width. As for the growth rate, this plant has moderate growth, but it should also be noted that everything depends on the conditions you create, so do not forget about this.

Alocasia Portei

Alocasia Portei is a beautiful aroid that has a wealth of elegant arrow-shaped dark green leaves with lobed edges. The leaves are wavy and are located on variegated stems.

Portei is very fond of wet and fertile planting mix and if you equip it with this kind of soil, the plant will delight you with its growth, which can be up to 4 feet. This type of Alocasia is a tuberous perennial where the petioles enter the leaves and cause the arrow-shaped leaves to point upward.

Alocasia Baginda ‘Dragon Scale'

Do you want to get yourself a house dragon? Then you should get acquainted with Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale because it is exclusively an ornamental plant. This plant really will not disappoint you.

The dimensions of the Alocasia Dragon Scale are compact and would even be a great idea for terrariums. There are also many varieties of Baginda and they are all very attractive.

Baginda Dragon Scale has lovely leaves that truly resemble the large scales of dragon skin with their ribbed texture, which is created with pronounced veins, and the color contrast between the silvery-green base that darkens towards the center is something special. The underside is pale cream in color and with bright burgundy veins. And you will notice that the color of the young leaves will gradually become more intense.

Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale is a beautiful plant and it has some requirements, but do not be afraid because, in fact, it is simpler than many Alocasia.

Alocasia Sarian

Now we go back to the large Alocasia, and with us she is Alocasia Sarian, a plant hybrid of two alocasia, Alocasia Zebrina and Alocasia Micholitziana. This is a large houseplant and of course, it will perfectly fit into any room.

Sarian is a beautiful plant that has an airy stem and leaf structure. Its stems are striped, and the arrow-shaped leaves are dark green in color and they are formed from the stem, as part of it. Alocasia Sarian can grow up to 12 feet in height, but in colder climates can grow from 5 to 6 feet in height.

Alocasia Zebrina

Have you come across anything more unusual than Alocasia Zebrina which has exotic stripes on its stems, similar to those of a zebra. Zebrina is a plant that cannot please you with ease of care, but with proper care, Alocasia Zebrina grows well indoors.

Apart from the lance-shaped foliage, Alocasia Zebrina is mainly prized for its stems. This Alocasia has erect growth and beautiful green leaves with a dense mesh texture.

This evergreen can be considered a fast-growing plant and grows to about 3 feet in height and width, with leaves developing every two weeks under ideal conditions.

Alocasia Maharani

Do you know what a "gray dragon" looks like in the world of plants? This is Alocasia Maharani - a rare and delightful species of dwarf Alocasia native to Southeast Asia.

Alocasia Maharani is a hybrid plant with thick gray-green leaves that are dense and even rough to the touch and rather leathery. On average, the plant grows to about 12 inches in height. This tropical flower produces flowers on an inflorescence called the cob, which produces small flowers on a single stem.

Alocasia Maharani is in demand by flower growers for its unique foliage, and in indoor conditions, you should not rely on flowering. And if suddenly you are lucky and the plant blooms, it usually happens in early spring.

Alocasia Pink Dragon

The dragon theme is not over yet, so the next representative is Alocasia Pink Dragon. And although this plant is very unique in appearance, it is not very whimsical in its care and reproduction. This plant is very fond of for its tropical look and its wide foliage.

The leaves are incredibly beautiful, wide, and have deep light streaks that resemble dragon scales. The underside of the leaves is burgundy, and the stems on which the leaves are located are of a beautiful pink hue. You may also notice that the leaves are slightly curved, shiny, and dark. Pink Dragon leaves can grow up to 50 cm in size.

In good conditions, Alocasia Pink Dragon grows to about 1.2 meters in height and 80 cm in width. It should also be noted that this variety of Alokazia is fast-growing, but it all depends on the quality of the conditions created.

Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet’

The Little Queen of Houseplants is the unforgettable Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet. She is very exotic and elegant. This plant is not so much demanding as it is special.

Black Velvet features dark leaves and noticeable pale green, white, or silver veins. The leaves are heart-shaped, velvety, and thick, somewhat reminiscent of succulents. They grow to about 6 inches long and about 2.5 inches wide.

Black Velvet has such strikingly dark leaves due to the collection of light in the dark under the forest canopy. The leaf plates absorb all visible light waves, and the pale veins reflect them.

Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet is a perennial that remains compact, rarely reaching even 18 inches in height and width. This tropical plant, despite its miniature size, will definitely not get lost even in the sea of ​​greenery.

Alocasia Odora

Arrange a green therapy for yourself and Alocasia Odora will help you with this, it will not only revive your home but also lift your spirits.

This type of tropical Alocasia will show you its huge lush leaves that are sure to add charisma to your home with minimal effort. Odora also has a sweet scent, so it also adds an extra layer of richness and chic to your space.

Odora is a fast-growing Alocasia and will grow very quickly if you follow the proper growing conditions. And if suddenly you notice that the plant grows very slowly, then perhaps it suffers from the stem or root rot. Watch this carefully.

When it comes to size, Alocasia Odora can grow up to 8 feet in height and can reach 2 to 3 feet wide. And its leaves are especially large, reaching up to 2 feet in length and up to 1 foot in width.

Alocasia Azlanii

A newcomer among the Alocasia species is Alocasia Azlanii. It is the rare species with the most spectacular leaves. This is a real gem of the rainforest of Brunei, which will add wildness and unmixed colors to your indoor jungle.

The coloration of Alocasia Azlanii is unlike any other plant. Its waxy leaves are burgundy chocolate in color with iridescent purple veins. The new leaves are green with purple veins, but they change color as they mature.

Another beautiful feature of this Alocasia is that it has stunning red undersides of the leaf plates, which make Azlanii attractive from all angles.

Alocasia Tigrina

Alocasia Tigrina is a significant member of the Alocasia family. Also, this plant can be considered quite picky. But it must be assumed that this plant, due to its unusually luxurious appearance, is worth it.

The petioles have bright colors and elongated erect leaves, all of which make Tigrina very desirable for aroid lovers. Arrow-shaped leaves reach a length of 40 to 60 cm, and the total height of the plant itself can be from 100 to 120 cm.

The main tips for successfully growing such a tropical species are to keep the soil dry and to keep a close eye on tick infestations.

Alocasia Regal Shields

If you get lost in the choice between Alocasia Black Velvet and Alocasia Odora then take a look at the stunning view of Alocasia Regal Shield. This variety is something in between the already mentioned Black Velvet and Odora species. The Regal Shield borrows its velvety blackness from one and its size from the other.

Alocasia Regal Shield has giant, velvety black heart-shaped leaves with slightly ruffled edges and a reddish underside of the leaf blade.

This type of Alocasia will show you its rapid growth when properly cared for. So after about 2 years, the plant grows quite large, somewhere around 4-5 feet, and grows out to the sides, and its leaves are held in place by long, erect petioles when it comes to growing in a pot.

Alocasia Regal Shield is great for patios and is very beautiful from above and below. It is also a good idea to plant the plant in a tall pot so you can enjoy the underside of the plant.

Now that we have reviewed and familiarized ourselves with 24 beautiful species of Alocasia, then perhaps now the choice before you has become even more difficult because all these views are beautiful and very interesting. So let's hope you find your favorite.

And in order to make it easier for you to do this, let's briefly discuss the differences between these wonderful tropical Alocasia:

• leaves. their size, color, shape, and venation
• plant size
• stems
• type of growth
• growth rate
• bloom
• some are hybrids
• there are varieties suitable for terrariums