Besides orchid flowers, Alocasia, known as the elephant ear plant is one of the most popular houseplants. Alocasia plants have arrowhead-shaped leaves and are beautiful tropical plants. This beautiful houseplant is native to subtropical Asia and eastern Australia, with roughly 80 species. Although this plant produces flowers, the blossoms are tiny and insignificant compared to the stunning plant leaves. An alocasia plant grows on the forest floor in its natural habitat, which explains why it prefers bright light, yet direct sunlight burns the lovely leaves. This condition makes Alocasia perfect for decorating your kitchen or bathroom corner, where they can get enough light and humidity.

Alocasia Types and Their Specific Care Instructions

There are many types and varieties of alocasia plants. Each has its characteristics and traits. Mostly they have solid green leaves and bold patterns.

Alocasia Azlanii

This alocasia can not tolerate too much sunlight, nor too less. They will need water when the soil is 25-50% dry. To avoid root rot, empty the water in the saucer under the pot and don’t overwater them. Azlanii needs temperatures around 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The characteristics of Alocasia Azlanii are their brown and green accent in large and leathery burgundy leaves.

Alocasia Black Velvet

Black Velvet, known as Alocasia reginula, has a unique and elegant look. Because it has a dark and velvety leaf with silver highlights. This type of alocasia doesn’t like soggy soil, so you don’t need to water it too much. Better to plant them with a coarse and well-draining soil mixture. Black velvet alocasia is tolerant of lower light but still prefers bright and indirect light.

Alocasia Golden Lutea

This Alocasia is a healthy tropical plant with a well-established root system that is easy to grow. The leaves of the Giant Golden Lutea can grow to be 8-10 feet long and 3-4 feet wide. The stems and veins’ vivid yellow color only gets better with age. They grow best under shaded sunlight and damp organic soils. If you want to plant them indoors, they need 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit temperature.

Alocasia Pink Dragon

The Alocasia Pink Dragon is unforgettable because of its glossy dark green leaves and strong veins that resemble the scales of a dragon. The stems are a lovely pink color, and the undersides of the leaves are burgundy. This Alocasia prefers bright, filtered light because if the leaves are exposed to the sun they will become sunburned and drab in appearance. Pink Dragon loves moisture and dust-free environments. Mist the leaves regularly to achieve this kind of environment.

Alocasia Polly

The thick stems of Alocasia Polly are used to conserve moisture. Alocasias nourish themselves by using the moisture held in their stems rather than relying on soil moisture. This implies that you should only water your Alocasia Polly when the soil is completely dry.

The roots of the Alocasia Polly are fairly thick, but also quite delicate. This type of root will have a harder time surviving. Allowing the soil to dry out is the best method to avoid difficulties and ensure that your plant does not die to root rot.

Alocasia Purple Sword

Also known as Alocasia Lauterbachiana, purple swords have long leaves shaped like a spear and come in dark greenish-purple color. They also have a reddish accent on the edges. This unique alocasia type may grow up to two feet in length. They also like bright indirect sunlight, the light will bring the leaves color out. If you plant them indoors, placing them in an east-facing window is a fantastic choice. Outdoors, try to stay in the shade for the majority of the day, especially if you live in a hot climate or it’s summer. Cleaning their leaves with a moist towel can be done to boost their light absorption. Also, if you live somewhere where dust collects quickly, bath the plant under the sink now and then. It will be alright as long as you give it some light and air movement afterward to allow the leaves to dry fast. Also, rotating the plant to keep its growth balanced is a good idea.

Routine Maintenance to Care of Alocasia Plant

Always check your plant’s watering requirements as soon as you get it. Before you give your plant a drink, check the soil moisture to make sure it isn’t too wet below the surface. Consider aerating your plant’s soil before watering it for the first time. Place a pebble tray or a humidifier beneath the Alocasia to maximize its comfort. Allow the top 2-3″ of soil to dry before the next watering. Alocasias are prone to root rot and fungal diseases if their soil is soggy and lacks drainage. So better put them in a planter that allows maximum air exchange to the roots.