Types of Alocasia: 25 Different Alocasia Varieties

Alocasia is a miraculous plant that can come in colors ranging from silver to purple to red, and, of course, spectacular shades of green. They are a very popular houseplant, due to their low maintenance nature, and their beautiful leaves. There are also many different types of Alocasia, which can making picking one a bit tough!

Alocasia can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but it’s become more popular recently as a houseplant. While people still navigate to popular plants like the pothos genus, or philodendron genus, more and more houseplant owners are looking for plants like the Alocasia to diversify their indoor gardens.

Whether you’re already obsessed with this perennial family, or if you want to incorporate one into your plant collection, check out these twenty-five stunning varieties of Alocasia!

Alocasia Rugosa

Scientific Name: Alocasia melo

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 1-2 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial, indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9

Alocasia melo has a striking appearance with its deep dark oval leaves with a distinct point at the end of each one. The stems are thick and stocky, giving the plant an overall thick and sturdy appearance. The leaves are dense and heavily textured, making for an interesting addition to your houseplant collection or garden.

The leaves can sometimes take on a bluish color because they are dark green. Many people will likely think this is a fake plant because of how thick the leaves are – it can sometimes look like plastic or cardboard.

Black Magic

Scientific Name: Alocasia infernalis

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Malaysia
• Size: 20-22 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 12

If you want a unique and eye-catching addition to your plant collection, the Alocasia infernalis is a striking option. Better known as the black magic plant, the leaves are a dark shade of purple, almost black, and have an intense shine. They have thick, green veins running over the oval and pointed leaves.

The plant loves tropical weather, so keep it in a warm spot. However, it is small compared with other Alocasia varieties, so don’t expect it to grow more than two feet in height. The leaves are big and long, creating an enticing appearance with interesting color and design. This variety needs a little less light and can survive in lower light conditions.

Black Velvet

Scientific Name: Alocasia reginula

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin:
• Size: 10-15 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect bright sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9

The black velvet variety of Alocasia is a stunning little plant. This plant is considered a mini alocasia; it only grows to about one foot in height. The plant is appropriately named, as the leaves look and feel like velvet fabric, with tiny little bristles all over it to create a super soft texture.

The color isn’t quite black but usually very dark green. The leaves are heart-shaped with meaty white veins running over them, making for an outstanding contrast between the colors. To add to its appeal, it has a silvery green stem, which brings another unique color to the plant. Like the other varieties on this list, this alocasia is extremely easy to propagate.

Brina

Scientific Name: Alocasia zebrina

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 2.5-3 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect bright sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9+

It’s hard not to be mesmerized by this striking variety of Alocasia. The Alocasia zebrina goes by many names relating to its appearance, including nicknames like the zebra plant, the leopard alocasia, or the alocasia tiger. Once you see its striped and spotted pattern on its stem, you’ll understand why it gets so many animalistic nicknames.

The plant grows relatively tall, with pointy heart-shaped leaves at the top of each branch. But the stem is the enticing part of this Alocasia, as it is a soft shade of beige spotted and striped with dark brown, making it look exotic and beautiful. 

Corazon

Scientific Name: Alocasia heterophylla

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia, Australia
• Size: 2-15 feet
• Sun Exposure: Partial sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9

The Corazon Alocasia, sometimes called the blue metallic plant, is a variety of Alocasia best known for its shiny bluish-green leaves. The plant can usually only maintain two or three leaves at once, but they are large and noticeable in a sea of green plants.

The plant can grow to a massive fifteen feet under the right tropical conditions, but you can expect it to be around three feet in your home garden. Many home gardeners love how low-maintenance these plants are, but they bring diversity to your garden or plant collection.

Dragon Scale

Scientific Name: Alocasia bagindas

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 3-6 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11 outdoors, 4-11 indoors

Dragon Scale Alocasia is a mystical-looking plant, usually with one massive leaf on a stem. The leaf has a thick and almost puffy appearance as if it’s a blow-up plant. The odd shape and texture make it popular among those that love an unusual tropical plant.

These are pretty low maintenance, so you can grow them in most gardens as long as you get enough humidity and sunlight. But it can also make for a beautiful indoor plant. If you are struggling to get the humidity this plant needs, try placing it in the bathroom, or somewhere that gets more humidity.

Green Velvet

Scientific Name: Alocasia micholitziana frydek

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 2-3 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9

Despite its nickname, Alocasia Frydek doesn’t have that fuzzy, velvet appearance. Nevertheless, people refer to it as green velvet because of the astonishing shade of green that colors its leaves. They are an incredibly vibrant green contrasted by pale cream-colored veins on each leaf.

The plant is rare, but gardeners find it to be relatively low maintenance, as long as your zone is right. The plant has large pointy leaves but still has an air of delicacy due to its thin, wispy stems and spacious appearance.

Giant Taro

Scientific Name: Alocasia macrorrhizos

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 12-15 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect bright light
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11

The Alocasia macrorrhizos, not to be confused with the Alocasia macrorrhiza, is an exotic-looking plant that brings an aura of simplicity and sophistication to your garden. Known as the Giant Taro plant, this variety is not taro but has similar stems and leaves to the root vegetable.

The plant typically grows fast and to a large size, so make sure you give it plenty of space to flourish. The stems are long, and the leaves are pointy heart shapes that droop down casually. If you want something with a classic and healthy look, this lovely green plant is an excellent addition to your collection.

Hooded Dwarf

Scientific Name: Alocasia cucullata

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 2-3 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 7-9

Also known as the Buddha hands plant, the Alocasia cucullata is a fast-growing variety of Alocasia that will sprout in your garden in no time. This variety of Alocasia looks pretty standard, with heart-shaped green leaves and long stems. The most noticeable feature of this plant is that the leaves tend to grow to various sizes, making for a unique cascading appearance.

Because of the different-sized leaves, a well-grown hooded dwarf will start to look like a small and flourishing bush. It’s used as a topical medicine in some cultures, and in Laos and Thailand, the plant was often present in Buddhist temples, hence the nickname.

Jewel Alocasia

Scientific Name: Alocasia reversa

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Australia
• PSize: 27-35 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9+

Jewel Alocasia is one of the most popular varieties of Alocasia because it is super easy to take care of and not very difficult to find. Many of the leaves are green, but many will also take on a lustrous silvery-gray color.

Sometimes, the veins can take on a blue or purplish color, adding to the stunning palette of this plant. This variety appreciates high humidity, so make sure you keep the air around moist if you keep it indoors.

Malaysian Monster

Scientific Name: Alocasia portei

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia (mostly in Malaysia)
• Size: 4-8 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial sunlight to full shade
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11

The Malaysian monster is a pretty small and slow-growing plant. The name makes many think it grows rapidly and is quite large, but this isn’t usually the case. The shape of the leaves is a departure from the typical oval or heart-shaped leaves of Alocasia varieties.

These leaves have jagged, long teeth and are narrow and skinny. They look more exotic than other Alocasia varieties, making them a popular plant among gardeners that want something different.

Mask

Scientific Name: Alocasia sanderiana

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin:
• Size: 6 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Full shade
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11

Also known as the Kris plant or the African mask plant, Alocasia sanderiana is a stunning tropical plant people love. It has dramatically large leaves with a dark green sheen. Thin white veins run over the leaves for a lovely contrast.

The leaves have a wavy edge but still maintain the general heart shape characteristic of Alocasia. The stem is like a mini tree trunk, providing a super study base for the large leaves and a tropical-looking plant.

Miri

Scientific Name: Alocasia reginae

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Borneo
• Size: 3-5 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 10-11

This variety of Alocasia is one of the most tropical-looking species. It has large, drooping leaves in the shape of a rounded arrow, making them a dramatic addition to your home or yard. The stems are thin and long, but they support large dark green leaves you would expect to encounter in the jungle.

The leaves are thick and heavy, with red hues on the underside. If you want something that will make a statement, this variety, sometimes called silver velvet, is a gorgeous option.

Night-scented Lily

Scientific Name: Alocasia odora

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia
• Size: 4-8 feet
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 7-10

The best feature of the Alocasia odora is the coloring of the leaves. They are multi-colored, with different shades of green and cream, creating a pattern that makes the leaves look like an abstract oil painting.

The elephant-ear-shaped leaves are typically large and grow upward, making for an energetic and healthy appearance. And it isn’t hard to keep them healthy, as they are a low-maintenance Alocasia, especially when kept indoors. And yes, this Alocasia has a lovely smell that is subtle but will breathe some life into your home or garden.

Nigra

Scientific Name: Alocasia plumbea

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin:
• Size: 3-6 feet
• Sun Exposure: Partial to full shade
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11

The Nigra plant, also referred to as the black metallic taro, is a subtle monochromatic plant with a lovely dark green color. Both the stem and the leaves are the same color, making for a beautiful homogenous look. The plant can grow quite large, especially in height, so it thrives in outdoor gardens with plenty of space. It can also be a great plant to shade smaller plants around it.

But the plant itself loves to be in some shade, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves and dry out the soil. The nigra plant, in particular, loves to be well-hydrated and has moist, rich soil. So, try not to keep this plant in too dry of a climate if you want it to grow well.

Pink Passion

Scientific Name: Alocasia brancifolia

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: New Guinea
• Size: 18-24 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect bright light
• Hardiness Zone: 10

The Alocasia brancifolia species or Pink Passion is rare at the moment, making it a sought-after plant. The leaves resemble elongated maple leaves, with their pointed and scooped edges. The leaves are a vivacious green and have a smooth, silky texture.

Despite its rarity, the plant is extremely low maintenance, making it a favorite of home gardeners. However, the leaves are extremely toxic, so keep your pets away from them. The stems are a deep shade of brown, making the tiny plant look like a mini tree with massive leaves.

Polly Plant

Scientific Name: Alocasia amazonica

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 1-2 feet
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 10-12

The Polly Plant is probably the most common variety of Alocasia. It is also one of the easiest to grow and care for. The plant is resilient and will put up with less than ideal conditions for a while before its health declines. It has a sturdy tree-like stem that holds up its exotic-looking leaves.

The leaves are a drastic dark green silhouetted by bright white veins around the edges and running through the center. If you want something starkly different from the other light green plants in your garden, the Polly Plant is a beautiful addition that’s easy to find.

Purple Umbrella

Scientific Name: Alocasia wentii

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 10-16 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 7-8

The Purple Umbrella plant is not purple but does have a grayish underside that some may think looks purple in the sunlight. Sometimes, the underside also has a reddish tint that makes it especially unique in the Alocasia family.

The pointed, oval leaves flare upward, so they make little bowls that catch the rain and direct it to the soil and roots. The stems are thick and green and grow very tall, holding up the cupped leaves. The plant does particularly well when located near a water source like a small pond, so if you have one in your backyard, this plant will thrive.

Red Secret

Scientific Name: Alocasia cuprea

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 3-4 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11

The Alocasia cuprea has the most intricate and unusual color scheme of all the Alocasia varieties. It can have fiery orange colors and red or purple undertones to the deep green leaves, making for an interesting plant because you never know what it will look like when it grows.

The leaves can be so dark that they’re almost black, featuring orange and red accents along the stem. The leaves can grow to be several inches in length or just a few centimeters, adding some variety to the plant. The black leaves add a dramatic look that will catch the attention of visitors and other plant lovers.

Samar

Scientific Name: Alocasia scalprum

• Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Philippines
• Size: 10-12 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Partial sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 13

The Samar variety of Alocasia has sharp, dagger-shaped leaves with a deep green color and gentle sheen. The embossed leaves grow out rather than up from their thin, tender stems. This simple plant will add some character to your garden, as despite its understated appearance, it is distinct from many other plants.

This variety of Alocasia is very susceptible to pests and plant disease, so it requires some extra care and attention to keep healthy and happy! Because of this, it is typically easier to care for indoors where the elements are controlled.

Silver Dragon

Scientific Name: Alocasia baginda

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Asia, Australia
• Size: 3-4 feet
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11 outdoors, 4-11 indoors

The Silver Dragon baginda is slightly different from the dragon scale variety of Alocasia. These have a more silvery color to the leaves and typically sprout many more leaves than the dragon scale variety. The leaves have a dark green and black shadowing effect, emphasized by the silvery accents on the interior of the embossed leaves.

The veins on the leaves are pronounced and typically a dark shade of green that gives the leaves the appearance of depth and texture. Despite growing considerably tall and large, they don’t require much soil space to flourish as their roots don’t grow very deep.

Silver Plant

Scientific Name: Alocasia nebula

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Australia
• Size: 26-35 inches tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9

As its name suggests, the Alocasia nebula has silvery leaves that look artificial to many. Like other rare varieties of Alocasia, the leaves are thick and sort of puffy, making them look inflated and unrealistic, but they’re all natural. While this plant can be tricky to find, it’s a breeze to take care of as it doesn’t need a ton of light or a ton of water.

Under certain conditions, the leaves can be a grayish-blue color, which is stunning in your garden of green. If you love unique and rare plants, include this silver plant on your must-have list.

Stingray

Scientific Name: Alocasia macrorrhiza

• Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
• Geographic Origin:
• Size: 3-7 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: 9-11
• Hardiness Zone: 9-11

The Stingray is a popular variety of Alocasia because of its dramatic ornamental leaves that offer a dazzling appearance. It got its name from the funny-shaped leaves that are wide and rounded with a skinny tail at the end pointing toward the ground.

The tail is reminiscent of a stingray, which is where the nickname came from. If you want something unique in your home, this plant will wow your plant-loving friends and become a fixture in your home.

Tiger Taro

Scientific Name: Alocasia longiloba

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Yunnan, Guangdong, Malaysia
• Size: 1-5 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 8-9

The Tiger Taro has beautiful leaves that are a dark green color with bright white or cream-colored veins that create a distinct striped pattern. It’s called Tiger Taro because of its bushy leaves and striped pattern but is also one of the most resilient species.

Its leaves are its best feature, and with very little care, the plant will grow in quickly and plentifully, adding volume and depth to your plant collection.

Yucatan Princess

Scientific Name: Alocasia sarawakensis

• Plant Type: Tender Perennial
• Geographic Origin: Southeast Asia
• Size: 2-5 feet tall
• Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight
• Hardiness Zone: 9

Last on the list is a royal-looking type of Alocasia known as the Yucatan Princess. The stems grow very high and hold their large leaves in a horizontal manner that creates a sort of umbrella. The leaves are very glossy and leather-like, like many Alocasia varieties.

If you love types of Alocasia with an exotic look, the Yucatan Princess delivers a tropical feeling that you’ll be obsessed with. The plant is a beautiful decoration and requires moderate care to thrive.