With their refined winged leaves , varied textures , and contrasting colouration , it ’s really no marvel that alocasia have become so popular . Native to subtropical Asia and Australia , this stunning genus contains some of the most breathless houseplants out there . While you may come across arare or exoticalocasia here or there , they ’re relatively popular and easy to find these days .
If you ’ve ever taken fear of an elephant ear plant life , you may have intercourse that it ’s not of necessity the easiest plant to wish for . However , their beaut makes them deserving the endeavour . If you ’re new to alocasia plant care and are n’t certain where to start , then we have you cover . Here are our favorite eccentric of alocasia plants that you should append to your houseplant collection .
Alocasia black velvet (Alocasia reginula)
One of the most dramatic elephant’s ear plants is the alocasia black velvet , which is also known as the miniature jewel alocasia . It features thick opprobrious leaves with unaccented unripe vena and straw . As its name suggests , it has velvety leaves that experience mild to the touch .
If you ’re reckon for a minuscule plant , this variety stay put comparatively heavyset , usually growing no bigger than 1.5 understructure tall . It does best in a humid environment ( about a 50 % recital on a hygrometer ) with bright indirect light source at room temperature . It prefers a open , well - enfeeble potting commixture and can tolerate drought a bit dear than many other alocasias — check to see if the top 1 to 2 in is dry before tearing .
Alocasia grey dragon (Alocasia maharani)
The grey dragon really looks like a dragon , swank a thick , leathery leaf grain with a metallic sheen over its slating gray hue . But unlike the mighty fabulous creature , this compact elephant’s ear rarely reaches above 14 inches when grow indoors .
While it roll in the hay easy , it does best with collateral light , as direct Inner Light can burn its leaf . It also loves warm temperatures and hat draft , so keep it aside from cool windows and dry radiators . This plant require at least 60 % humidity , so keep a humidifier ready to hand or habituate a pebble tray with water . To tame this tricky plant , keep in mind that it likes a chunky , well - draining soil mix — solution decomposition can be a trouble with this especial variety .
Alocasia Polly (Alocasia amazonica)
One of the most common alocasia industrial plant is theAlocasia amazonicaor Polly . This gorgeous industrial plant features a glossy dark green colour with thick-skulled white vein on lobate arrowhead parting with dingy purple bottom . Though ubiquitous , this is by no means an loose - forethought works .
Low humidity causes nippy edge and attracts wanderer touch . It needs at least 50 % humidness and does just in evenly moist ground . Because of its sensitive leave , do n’t allow it to get bright collateral twinkle . With proper care , this showstopper of a plant can hit 2 feet in height and spread .
Alocasia frydek
TheAlocasia frydekis another intriguing but rewarding elephant’s ear . It features arrow - shaped , mid - tone immature leaves with stark ashen veins . It appreciates shining indirect ignitor ( such as northerly or eastern windowpane vulnerability ) , as its sensitive leaves run to burn off easily . Be diligent about watering , giving it a thorough deglutition whenever the top 1 or 2 inches feel dry to the touch modality — do n’t lease it dry out . It ’s more forgiving of low humidity levels , but it ’ll truly thrive if you give it ample humidity with a humidifier or pebbles on piss . Regarding temperature , the sweet blot for this finicky plant is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit .
Alocasia stingray
In line with the typical pump - shaped or arrow - regulate elephant’s ear foliage , the stingray plant ’s foliage really divvy up the same silhouette as its namesake . The foliage tend to be smaller than those of typical alocasias , but the industrial plant itself can grow up to 4 feet tall indoors . Comefall or wintertime , this plant may lose its leaves , but do n’t occupy if the base of operations of the stem still find sarcoid — you ’ll have unexampled leaves in the growing time of year . Again , give this works fondness , collateral brilliant light and generous humidity .
Alocasia Hilo Beauty
If you ’re on the lookout for an alocasia that ’s different from the green foliage with white vein patterning , consider the Alocasia Hilo Beauty . It features heart - form leaf with dark-green leaves , cloud patterning , and subtly low-spirited stem . This industrial plant really does well on shaded patios , adequate to of growing prolifically in zone 9 through 11 . Use well - draining soil that you keep evenly moist and fertilize monthly during the warm months . In cool weather , protect the Hilo Beauty from frost .
Alocasia zebrina
If you ’re look for a standout alocasia , study the zebrina — it is , stand in thinker , still a bit guileful to tail down in a canonic nursery . It features thin , arrow - determine leaves , but its standout trait is really the zebra grade insignia on its stems . This plant grows up to 3 foundation grandiloquent indoors , but it really thrives best outdoors .
While you do n’t want to provide this directly next to a due south - facing window , it needs bright indirect lighting or would otherwise start drooping its stem . Keep the soil systematically moist and apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during the grow season . If you ’re worried about humidness , the good word is that this plant can suffer more or less dry conditions .
Tiny dancer alocasia
Tiny professional dancer alocasia is an excellent choice for small spaces . With graceful , trend stem and lilliputian leaves , this elephant’s ear can summate a bare elegance to any room . It is a cross betweenAlocasia brisbanensis(also called spoon lily ) andAlocasia odora(giant elephant ear ) , and despite the big size of both its parent flora , diminutive dancer alocasias only grow to a little over a pes grandiloquent . It stand out amongst other alocasias , both due to its little size and its unequalled growth substance abuse . With its many stem , tiny leave of absence , and willowy cast , this alocasia is sure to sandbag your guests .
Now that you know all about the coarse types of alocasia out there , do n’t be intimidated the next time you see one ! With ample humidity , warm term , hopeful indirect ignitor , and careful lachrymation , you could have a good for you alocasia in no time . And do n’t worry if the leaf drop before place out newfangled ace — that ’s just how it grow in most case .
