Gardening Houseplants Types of Houseplants

25 Alocasia Varieties That Will Bring the Tropics to Your Home

By
Alexandra Jones
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Alexandra Jones
Alexandra Jones is an avid urban grower and Master Gardener writing about houseplants, gardening, and sustainability from her home in Philadelphia. She has 10 years of gardening experience and five years of professional writing expertise.
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Updated on 03/08/24
Fact checked by
Haley Mades
HM
Fact checked by Haley Mades
Haley Mades is a publishing professional with 5 years of experience in digital and print media.
Learn more about The Spruce's Editorial Process
alocasia sanderiana, an alocasia variety, in pot on black and white rug surrounded by plant pots, crates, and shelves

Carol Yepes / Getty Images

Alocasias are some of the most elegant, attractive tropical plants available. Known for their heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves, gently arcing stems, and upright growth habit, alocasia varieties range from compact, colorful jewel alocasias to large-leaved elephant ear plants that can grow more than ten feet tall when planted outdoors. There are about 100 species of alocasia in the world, many with multiple cultivars, so there's a large variety of leaf shapes, colors, sizes, and variegation types to choose from.

Overall, alocasias are fast-growing and relatively easy to care for when grown indoors. They should thrive with bright, indirect light, consistent watering, chunky yet rich potting mix, regular fertilizer during the growing season, and warm, humid conditions.

Here are 25 different varieties of alocasia to add to your garden or houseplant collection.

Warning

All alocasia varieties are toxic to people and pets. Take care when siting houseplants and keep alocasias where dogs, cats, and small children can't access them.

  • 01 of 25

    Kris Plant

    Alocasia Sanderiana.
    Elizabeth Fernandez / Getty Images

    This popular alocasia is known for contrasting white veins on dark, glossy leaves with lobed edges and a teardrop point. It's native to the Philippines and grows best with consistently moist soil and warm, humid conditions.

    • Name: Kris plant (Alocasia sanderiana)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 02 of 25

    Alocasia Jacklyn

    Closeup of a hand holding an alocasia Jacklyn plant

    Nora Carol Photography / Getty Images

    Alocasia Jacklyn is a newer variety of this species that's become popular thanks to 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.

    • Name: Alocasia Jacklyn (Alocasia sulawesi sp.)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 5-8 ft. tall, 4 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 03 of 25

    Alocasia Black Velvet

    black velvet alocasia plant in white pot in nursery

    Vladimir1965/Getty

    If you're looking to add the charm of alocasia to a smaller space, consider this one, which is sought after for its fuzzy, gray-green leaves with contrasting white veins. It grows more slowly and stays smaller than many other varieties.

    • Name: Alocasia black velvet (Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet')
    • Light: Bright, indirect or dappled light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: Up to 1.5 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 04 of 25

    Alocasia Maharani

    Picture of an Alocasia maharani plant in a white pot with a terracotta pot next to it and a white watering can.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Like alocasia black velvet, alocasia maharani is a jewel alocasia known for its smaller size and textured foliage. Also called gray dragon alocasia, alocasia maharani prefers similar conditions and care to other plants in this genus: warmth, lots of humidity, and consistent watering.

    • Name: Gray dragon alocasia (Alocasia maharani)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 14 in. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
    Continue to 5 of 25 below
  • 05 of 25

    Alocasia Pink Dragon

    Closeup of alocasia pink dragon leaves

    The Spruce / Adrienne Legault

    With its rosy stems and shiny green foliage, alocasia pink dragon is one of our favorite pink houseplants to grow. Give this plant 60 to 70 percent humidity, filtered light, and regular feedings with balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.

    • Name: Alocasia pink dragon (Alocasia lowii ‘Morocco’)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4 ft. tall, 2-3 ft. wide
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 06 of 25

    Alocasia Dragon Scale

    An Alocasia dragon scale in a terracotta pot next to an amber glass.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Once quite rare, this striking jewel alocasia is now widely available at specialty plant shops and online. Alocasia dragon scale is known for its heart-shaped, pale green leaves with dark, dramatic veining. Plant it in chunky, well-drained potting mix and give it lots of humidity to help it thrive.

    • Name: Alocasia dragon scale (Alocasia baginda)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 07 of 25

    Alocasia Stingray

    A close up image of a small Alocasia stingray leaf in a taupe pot against a white wall.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    This unique alocasia is known for its speckled stems and highly distinctive foliage. Instead of the classic heart shape, its truncated leaves are tipped with long points. Keep a humidifier nearby to keep the air around this plant moist.

    • Name: Alocasia stingray (Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Stingray’)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 3-4 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 08 of 25

    Alocasia Polly

    Closeup of veining on an alocasia polly

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

    A scaled-down cultivar of Amazonian elephant's ear, alocasia polly is popular for its glossy, dark-green leaves with cream-colored veining and attractively ruffled edges. It can be finicky to make happy, but this plant will thrive easily in the proper conditions.

    • Name: Alocasia polly (Alocasia x amazonica 'Polly')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Needy
    Continue to 9 of 25 below
  • 09 of 25

    Alocasia Frydek

    Alocasia frydek with 4 leaves in a white pot sitting on a wood table with a gold mirror on the wall in the background.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Alocasia frydek's distinctive white veins almost appear painted onto its velvety, bright green leaves. It's not as low-maintenance as some alocasia varieties, but a spot in an east-facing or north-facing window, lots of humidity, and regular fertilizer during the growing season will help.

    • Name: Alocasia frydek (Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Needy
  • 10 of 25

    Alocasia Silver Dragon

    front view of alocasia silver dragon

    The Spruce / Danielle Moore

    With its stunningly textured gray-green leaves, alocasia silver dragon creates a lot of visual interest while being a relatively compact houseplant. This once-rare houseplant is an intermediate-level alocasia, so it's a good idea to start with a lower-maintenance variety before investing in one.

    • Name: Alocasia silver dragon (Alocasia baginda 'Silver Dragon')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: Up to 3 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Needy
  • 11 of 25

    Alocasia Tiny Dancer

    Closeup of Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer'

    @sohoflowerandgarden / Instagram

    Love alocasias but short on space? Reach for alocasia tiny dancer, a hybrid that offers a compact, upright growth habit and uniquely small, cup-shaped leaves. This plant is relatively easy to care for when compared with other unusual alocasia varieties.

    • Name: Alocasia tiny dancer (Alocasia brisbanensis x Alocasia odora)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 14-20 in. tall, 11-18 in. wide 
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 12 of 25

    Alocasia Odora

    How to grow alocasia odora

    The Spruce / Michelle Becker

    This alocasia's outsized growth and large, heart-shaped leaves have earned it the nickname giant elephant ear. Houseplants will grow smaller than outdoor plants, which thrive in shady conditions in the garden. Indoors, give it bright, indirect light, rick, chunky soil, and regular fertilizer in spring and summer.

    • Name: Giant elephant ear (Alocasia odora)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4-8 ft. tall, 4-6 ft. wide 
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
    Continue to 13 of 25 below
  • 13 of 25

    Alocasia Zebrina

    Close up image of an Alocasia zebrina plant in a white pot and a rattan stand.

    The Spruce / Cori Sears

    Named for its attractive striped stems, alocasia zebrina offers variety in color and texture. It's not the most beginner-friendly alocasia to grow, but plenty of humidity, evenly moist soil, and dappled bright light can help it thrive in your home.

    • Name: Zebra plant (Alocasia zebrina)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4-8 ft. tall, 4-6 ft. wide 
    • Difficulty: Needy
  • 14 of 25

    Alocasia Regal Shield (Elephant Ear)

    "Regal shield" elephant ear plant with large velvety leaves near window

    The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak

    This hybrid elephant ear plant is one of the tricker alocasia varieties to grow, but lush, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 20 inches in length will reward thoughtful care. Give this plant lots of warmth, humidity, and consistent watering, and keep an eye out for the telltale webs of spider mites.

    • Name: Alocasia regal shield (Alocasia odora × Alocasia reginula 'Regal Shield')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4-5 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Needy
  • 15 of 25

    Amazonian Elephant's Ear

    potted Amazonian elephant ear near windows


    Akchamczuk | Getty Images

    Commonly known as Amazonian elephant's ear, this striking alocasia variety is known for its glossy leaves with slightly ruffled edges and pale green veining. Thanks to its compact size, it's ideal for adding welcome texture and tropical vibes to a small space.

    • Name: Amazonian elephant's ear (Alocasia x amazonica)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 1-2 ft. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 16 of 25

    Malaysian Monster Elephant Ear

    closeup of alocasia portei leaf

    Andi Nugroho/Getty

    With its large, deeply lobed leaves, bright green color, and variegated stems, this alocasia earns its nickname. That's especially true for outdoor plants, which can reach up to 9 feet tall. Give this easy-growing variety lots of light, humidity, and space to keep it happy.

    • Name: Malaysian monster elephant ear (Alocasia portei)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4 ft. tall (indoors)
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
    Continue to 17 of 25 below
  • 17 of 25

    Alocasia Red Secret

    alocasia cuprea 'red secret' in orange plant pot on table with gray background

    AnSyvanych/Getty

    Compact and colorful, this jewel alocasia offers glossy leaves with deep, dark veining on top and a rich maroon color underneath. The foliage takes on a copper hue as it matures. Lots of bright, indirect light will keep this plant's coloring vibrant.

    • Name: Alocasia red secret (Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 12-18 in. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 18 of 25

    Variegated Black Stem Elephant Ear

    small alocasia microrrhiza black stem elephant ear plant in pot on gravel surface

    rukawajung/Getty

    This rare, variegated alocasia variety sports arrow-shaped green leaves splashed with creamy white that contrasts beautifully against very dark red stems that appear almost black. Specimens can be quite pricey and hard to find, so be sure you're confident in your gardening skills before choosing this plant.

    • Name: Variegated black stem elephant ear (Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegated Black Stem')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4-5 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 19 of 25

    Alocasia melo

    closeup of young alocasia melo plant in pink pot

    Olena Troshchak/Getty

    Native to the jungles of Borneo, alocasia melo, sometimes called alocasia rugosa, is a rare jewel alocasia known for its thick, rounded, deeply textured leaves. Watch out for curling leaves, which can indicate that the plant needs brighter indirect light.

    • Name: Alocasia melo
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 15-20 in. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 20 of 25

    Alocasia Reginae

    alocasia reginae plant in pot on white background

    Awangga Kusumah/Getty

    This elegant alocasia offers thick, gray-green leaves that can grow up to 12 inches long and sport a reddish shade on their underside. Keep an eye out for sought-after cultivars like 'Silver Velvet' and 'Elaine', which have a silvery hue.

    • Name: Alocasia reginae
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 12 in. tall and wide
    • Difficulty: Needy
    Continue to 21 of 25 below
  • 21 of 25

    Variegated Elephant Ear

    Alocasia Macrorrhiza Variegata Elephant Ear Plant

    Sutthiwat Srikhrueadam/Getty

    Variegated plants are some of the most stunning tropicals out there, and this cream-splashed, large-leaved alocasia is no exception. Give yours high humidity, plenty of bright light, and consistent watering. These plants can be susceptible to spider mites, so keep an eye out for the telltale webbing.

    • Name: Variegated elephant ear (Alocasia macrorrhiza 'Variegata')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 4-6 ft. tall and wide (indoors)
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 22 of 25

    Went's Hardy Elephant Ear

    Alocasia plants

    Nataliia Tymofieieva / Getty Images

    Add welcome color to your houseplant collection with this alocasia variety, known for its shiny, heart-shaped leaves that take on a rich bronze hue. This fast-growing tropical is winter hardy up to USDA zone 7b, so those in temperate climates and warmer have the option to grow it outdoors year-round as well as indoors.

    • Name: Went's hardy elephant ear (Alocasia wentii)
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 23 of 25

    Alocasia Sarian

    closeup of alocasia sarian houseplant

    DuKai photographer/Getty

    This hybrid alocasia sports V-shaped, deep green foliage with white veins and slightly scalloped edging that can resemble a bat's wing. A cross between alocasia zebrina and alocasia micholitziana, this variety can grow quite large outdoors but remains more compact when kept as a houseplant. Wipe leaves down regularly with a soft cloth to keep them dust-free.

    • Name: Alocasia sarian (Alocasia 'Sarian')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 5-6 ft. tall and wide (indoors)
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
  • 24 of 25

    Alocasia Okinawa Silver

    small alocasia okinawa silver plant in pot on gravel

    rukawajung/Getty

    If you love the look of variegated alocasias but are tight on space, consider alocasia Okinawa silver, which tops out at just three feet tall—much smaller than other variegated elephant ears. This plant can be hard to find and on the pricey side, but luckily, it's pretty easy to keep happy.

    • Name: Alocasia Okinawa silver (Alocasia odora 'Okinawa Silver')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 3 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Low maintenance
    Continue to 25 of 25 below
  • 25 of 25

    Imperialis Elephant Ear

    large green alocasia nebula imperialis leaf in houseplant pot being held by hand

    Nora Carol Photography/Getty

    This smooth-edged, jade-green tropical is one of the sought-after jewel types, though it grows larger at maturity than some other jewel alocasias. Warm temperatures, high humidity, and a moist yet well-drained potting mix will help it thrive.

    • Name: Imperialis elephant ear (Alocasia nebula 'Imperialis')
    • Light: Bright, indirect light
    • Water: When the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry
    • Mature Size: 2-3 ft. tall
    • Difficulty: Needy
The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. 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

  2. Alocasia. ASPCA.

  3. Are Plants in the Alocasia Genus Poisonous? National Capital Poison Center.