27 Alocasia Varieties To Enhance Your Balcony

Alocasia plants are easily recognizable by their broad leaves with distinct, often colorful veins, and due to their large leaf size, they are spaced out in pots to allow for optimal growth.

Originating from Asia and Eastern Australia, Alocasia includes over 60 diverse varieties, all part of the rhizomatous or tuberous plant family, and should not be confused with the similar-looking Caladium.

Ideal for adding a tropical flair to any space, Alocasia can be a striking decorative choice for balconies, patios, or indoor areas.

Table of Contents

Amazing Alocasia Varieties and Types
Final Thought
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Amazing Alocasia Varieties and Types

Explore the diverse and captivating varieties of Alocasia, each with its own distinctive foliage and form, ranging from jungle-esque leaves to polka-dotted patterns.

These extraordinary plants offer a range of options for those looking to cultivate a lush, tropical atmosphere in their own space.

1. Alocasia Black Velvet

The Black Velvet Alocasia, with its heart-shaped leaves and striking silvery white veins, offers a sleek, artificial look ideal for modern and minimalist interiors. Its velvety texture adds to its allure, making it a perfect accent plant for coffee tables or room corners.

2. Green Velvet Alocasia

The Green Velvet Alocasia, recognizable by its deep green, velvety leaves with bright white veins, is a popular houseplant in Southeast Asia, often potted for balcony decor to enhance the view with lush greenery.

This plant typically reaches a height of 24 to 35 inches, with leaves spanning 20 to 25 inches wide.

3. Alocasia Amazonica

The Alocasia Amazonica, commonly known as the Alocasia elephant ears or Polly, is a well-known variety among plant enthusiasts, especially in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia.

This plant is characterized by its broad, elephant ear-like leaves, providing a lush green presence in any single spot where it’s planted.

4. Dragon Scale Alocasia

The Alocasia Dragon Scale boasts an almost artificial appearance with its light green leaves and contrasting dark green to black veins, while the undersides feature a paler green with reddish-brown veins.

Some growers have noted that the spathe may turn purple when grown indoors, although this varies. The plant’s captivating beauty is evident when its foliage reaches a size of 4 to 6 inches.

5. Baginda Silver Dragon

The Alocasia Silver Dragon stands out with its oval-shaped, silvery-green leaves etched with dark green veins, offering a visually striking texture that can be appreciated up close.

Although it rarely exceeds 3 feet in height or width, this variety generally remains smaller than other Alocasia types, making it a captivating focal point for indoor pots or balcony displays.

6. Alocasia Melo

The Alocasia Melo, also known as Alocasia Rugosa, is notable for its velvety, rug-like leaf texture and prominent vein patterns that blend with its dark, almost black-green foliage, reminiscent of rhinoceros skin in thickness and roughness.

Despite its robust appearance, the plant is quite delicate and requires attentive care, making it a commitment for gardeners who wish to cultivate this unique variety.

7. Alocasia Cuprea Red Secret

The Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’ is a sought-after variety for its striking foliage that showcases a shimmering silver top with reddish undersides and distinct texture and veins.

It presents a beautiful palette of coppery green, deep green, and black leaves, with a wide and slightly oval shape that adds to its visual appeal.

LEARN MORE about: Alocasia Black Velvet Care: Secrets to Grow a Healthy Plant

8. Alocasia Longiloba

The Alocasia Longiloba stands out with its broad, arrow-shaped leaves that exhibit a serene blend of green to bluish hues with a silver sheen, contrasted by dark purple undersides.

This variety shares the signature Alocasia trait of prominent, embossed-looking vein lines that can be both seen and felt, adding to its distinctive aesthetic.

9. Alocasia Lauterbachiana

Resembling banana leaves in shape and size, this Alocasia variety captivates with its solid green color and wavy-edged foliage, offering an easy-to-grow option for enhancing backyards or indoor spaces with its natural beauty and soothing presence.

10. Alocasia Reversa

Native to Borneo, Indonesia, the Alocasia Reversa is a wild plant that has gained popularity as a houseplant due to its stunning silvery green and dark green coloration at the leaf centers.

With its visually appealing and tactilely satisfying thick leaves, the Reversa makes a striking addition to any indoor plant collection.

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11. Alocasia Sanderiana

The kris plant, also known as Alocasia Sanderiana, stands out among its Alocasia counterparts with its unique, sharp, and narrow leaves, while still featuring the typical deep green color and prominent veins.

Its distinctive leaf shape is a key reason why many seek this variety for their houseplant collection.

12. Alocasia Zebrina

The Alocasia Zebrina captures attention with its zebra-patterned stems, setting it apart from other Alocasia varieties at first glance.

Its name, reflecting the distinctive striped pattern reminiscent of a zebra, complements the plant’s shiny green leaves, making it a sought-after houseplant for its unique aesthetic.

13. Alocasia Jacklyn

You can see the beautiful pattern on the leaves that is similar to Batik from Indonesia. This Alocasia Jacklyn has a stunning pattern, amazing shape, and vibrant color of leaves. You may call it a stunning jewel of Alocasia varieties.

Also, this variety is native to Sulawesi, Indonesia, and pretty hard to find outside the country. Since it is hard to find, then the price of this plant is more expensive than the others as well.

14. Alocasia Ivory Coast

Alocasia Morocco, a charming dwarf variety of Alocasia, is an ideal choice for adding a touch of sweetness to your balcony with its manageable size, cute pink stems, and green silvery leaves.

Perfect for placement beside a window where it can enjoy indirect light, it promises to create an adorable and stunning visual highlight to greet you each morning.

15. Alocasia Cucullata

The Alocasia cucullata, often surprising many with its inclusion in the Alocasia species due to its distinct appearance, is known for its heart-shaped leaves that set it apart from other varieties.

Also referred to as the Hooded Dwarf or Chinese Taro, this plant not only captivates plant enthusiasts with its unique look but is also utilized in herbal medicine.

16. Alocasia Wentii

The Alocasia Wentii, also known as the Purple Umbrella, boasts heart-shaped leaves with pointy edges and a captivating color palette, featuring glossy ash green on top and a rich purple underside, despite lacking the prominent vein contrast seen in other Alocasia varieties.

17. Alocasia Odora

The Alocasia odora, enchantingly known as the Night-Scented Lily, captivates with its large, vibrant green leaves that resemble elephant ears and can grow up to 3 feet, supported by sturdy stems.

This variety is perfect for those with ample backyard space, offering a lush, natural aesthetic.

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18. Alocasia Gageana

Ideal for those who favor compact plants, Alocasia Gageana thrives in bright, indirect light and requires space between pots for its leaves to fully develop.

Whether grown indoors or in the backyard, this dwarf elephant ear variety can bring a daily dose of lush, tropical greenery to your living space.

19. Alocasia Macrorrhiza

This Macrorrhiza, with its large green leaves and tall stems reaching 3-6 feet, is best planted against a backyard wall to create a verdant backdrop for your home.

Once fully grown, it not only enhances the beauty of your outdoor space but also serves as a stunning natural background for photography.

20. Alocasia Portodora

The Alocasia Portodora is an attractive option for indoor spaces, with its expansive leaves and rich green color that can elevate the aesthetic of any room, be it an office, living room, or terrace.

Thriving in bright, indirect light, this variety brings a touch of the tropics into your home through its singular presence.

21. Alocasia Triangularis

The Alocasia Triangularis stands out with its medium-sized, triangular leaves featuring ruffled edges, offering a unique and dazzling addition to any garden or plant collection for those seeking a distinctive variety.

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22. Alocasia Mayan Mask

The Alocasia variety with its dark, vivid green leaves and brighter green veins provides a shady, calming effect, ideal for creating a serene, tropical ambiance on your balcony.

Its robust and sturdy stature ensures it can be a substantial and tranquil presence in your space.

23. Hilo Beauty Alocasia Varieties

The Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’ captivates Alocasia enthusiasts with its heart-shaped leaves featuring a camouflage-like pattern and manageable size, embodying its name by adding effortless beauty to any balcony or living room.

This variety is also known for being low-maintenance, making it a hassle-free addition to plant collections.

24. Alocasia Portei

The Alocasia Portei stands out with its unique foliage shape, distinguishing it from other Alocasia species, yet still within the same family.

Notably, in the Philippines, this plant is not just valued as an ornamental houseplant but is also utilized as a food source, showcasing its versatility.

25. Alocasia Heterophylla or Corazon

Heterophylla or Corazon Alocasia Varieties — Source: Pinterest (@etsy.com)

The Alocasia Heterophylla, also known as Alocasia Corazon, is a dwarf elephant ear plant that remains charming despite its smaller size, with deep green leaves and slightly paler primary veins compared to other varieties.

This plant will infuse your home with a fresh and vibrant feel, even within a compact pot.

26. Alocasia Reginae

For those eager to witness quick growth in their plant collection, Alocasia Reginae is an ideal choice due to its faster growth rate compared to other Alocasia varieties.

With leaf patterns reminiscent of the Alocasia Melo yet thinner in texture, this variety is both visually appealing and easy to cultivate, making it a must-have for plant enthusiasts.

27. Alocasia Sarawakensis

The Alocasia Sarawakensis, also known as the Yucatan Princess, features glossy deep green leaves with striking purple stems and veins, adding a lush tropical feel to any space, especially when freshly watered.

This robust and sturdy plant not only enhances the ambiance of your backyard but is also considered a rare find in America, making it a prized addition to any plant collection.

Final Thought

Exploring Alocasia varieties reveals a world where each plant is a unique masterpiece, from the velvety Alocasia Black Velvet to the striking Dragon Scale. With over 60 varieties, these plants transform spaces into vibrant, green sanctuaries.

Care tips and propagation methods highlight the accessibility of cultivating these exotic beauties. Alocasias are not just plants; they are living art, offering an unparalleled aesthetic appeal. Their diversity and beauty stand as a testament to nature’s creativity, inviting us to connect deeply with the natural world.

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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How many types of Alocasia are there?

Alocasia plants can vary in size in different varieties. Many new types of Alocasia hybrid are produced throughout the world as decorative house plants.

How do you prevent common challenges and keep yourAlocasia varieties thriving?

Like any adventure, cultivating Alocasias comes with its share of challenges. However, being armed with knowledge and a touch of plant wisdom will help you conquer these hurdles with ease. Watch out for their signals – drooping leaves may indicate underwatering, while yellowing leaves may suggest overwatering.

Remember, Alocasias prefer a little drying out between waterings to avoid soggy roots. Keep a vigilant eye on pests, such as mealybugs and spider mites, and tackle them promptly with gentle organic solutions.

As you build a bond with your Alocasia, you’ll intuitively understand their needs and desires, forming a harmonious relationship with your leafy companion.

What makes Alocasia varieties and types so unique and special?

Alocasia plants are like living works of art! Their extraordinary diversity in leaf shapes, patterns, and colors is what sets them apart from other houseplants.

From the awe-inspiring Alocasia zebrina with its striking zebra-striped stems to the regal Alocasia reginula with its velvety black leaves adorned with silver veins, each variety tells a tale of its own.

Imagine having a corner in your home transformed into a lush, tropical paradise with these exotic beauties. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or a beginner, the allure of Alocasias is undeniable, and you’ll be drawn into a world of botanical wonder.

Are Alocasia varieties suitable for every indoor space?

While Alocasias cast an enchanting spell, it’s essential to consider their needs when choosing their forever homes. With their preference for bright, indirect light, they are ideal for spaces with filtered sunlight or near east-facing windows.

Due to their tropical heritage, they adore higher humidity levels, making them perfect candidates for bathrooms or kitchens with a bit of extra moisture in the air.

However, with a few humidity-boosting tricks, you can create the ideal oasis for your Alocasia in any room. Their striking foliage and unique personalities make them a wonderful addition to homes, offices, or even plant-filled cafes, bringing a touch of the jungle’s magic into everyday life.

What is the easiest Alocasia Varieties?

Alocasia Amazonica Polly is a very easy cultivar to grow outdoors in the home and one that looks striking. With rich green leaflets with silver veins and purple undersides, Polly makes an impressive addition to any house plant collection.

What is the most beautiful Alocasia Varieties?

The most beautiful of Alocasia is the Alocasia Dragon Scale, a beautiful Jewel Alocasia variety in our opinion. The exquisite detail leaf ranges in height from 4-6 inches. Moreover, the plants can sometimes produce minor spatters if they are grown inside but seldom outside the house.

Those are our selection of Alocasia varieties that can be your beautiful houseplants. Most of them are easy to take care of, as long as there is bright light, moist soil, and indirect sunlight. Also, you can set the width of foliage based on the size of Alocasia varieties inside your balcony or backyard.

How do you care for these stunning Alocasia varieties and types?

Caring for Alocasias may seem like nurturing a mythical creature, but fear not, it’s simpler than you think! These tropical treasures thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their natural habitat in the rainforests.

A well-draining and slightly moist soil mix is key to keeping their roots happy, preventing any waterlogged disasters.

While Alocasias love humidity, they won’t mind a misting session to keep their leaves dewy and radiant. Embrace the role of a devoted plant parent by checking for pests regularly, ensuring your Alocasia stays healthy and vibrant. Don’t forget to shower them with love and admiration; their unique beauty deserves all the praise and admiration!

Can you propagate Alocasia varieties and types to expand your collection?

Absolutely! Embarking on the journey of Alocasia propagation is like becoming a magician. You have several options at your fingertips – from dividing the plant during repotting to propagating through rhizome cuttings.

It’s a rewarding process watching new shoots emerge from the soil, like tiny green gems waiting to grow into magnificent foliage.

Each baby Alocasia represents a new chapter in your plant parenthood, and you’ll be eagerly anticipating their growth and transformation. Remember, patience is key, and with tender care and a sprinkle of magic, your Alocasia family will flourish, filling your space with enchanting greenery.