9 Easiest to Care for Alocasia Varieties

Alocasias, also called ‘elephant ears,’ are some of the easiest and most beautiful foliage houseplants. They thrive in bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions. If ever there was a perfect plant for a sunny bathroom window, this is the one. 

One of the characteristics that makes alocasia among the easiest houseplants to grow is its ability to adapt to container life. They prefer moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil. All factors that are simple to control in a houseplant. Outdoors, they can grow exceptionally large. I have one in my Florida garden that is more than 10 feet tall!

In containers, alocasias tend to stay smaller, but can still grow to impressive and dramatic sizes. They multiply over time and are easy to propagate, giving you even more gorgeous leaves in the house. They are a rewarding choice for anyone seeking a high-impact, low-maintenance plant. Here are some of the easiest alocasia varieties to add to your collection. 

‘Polly’

	botanical name Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 1’-2’
	hardiness zones 10-12

One of the easiest alocasia varieties to care for is ‘Polly.’ Also commonly called African mask plant, it’s popular and surprisingly easy to manage. It’s compact, which makes it excellent for growing in a container. This hybrid is perfectly happy in situations with indirect light or shaded patios. 

This striking alocasia has dramatic, arrowhead-shaped leaves. They are less rounded than many cultivars. The foliage is deep, dark green, which makes the light colored veining stand out as crisp and clean. ‘Polly’ may go dormant in cooler weather, so don’t panic when this happens; it drops a leaf or two. 

‘Silver Dragon’

	botanical name Alocasia baginda ‘Silver Dragon’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 1’-2’
	hardiness zones 9-11

‘Silver Dragon’ is part of the dragon scale group and among the easiest alocasia varieties to grow. These varieties are compact and known for their dragon-scale-like foliage. This one has silvery, metallic leaves with deep green veins. The veins are deep not only in color but also physically. They create a raised, embossed texture. 

Another appealing feature of ‘Silver Dragon’ is the underside of those gorgeous leaves. The top is cool, but underneath, they have a hint of purple. The size of this variety makes it great for growing indoors and in containers. Alocasias, in general, need high humidity and don’t like direct sunlight. 

‘Black Velvet’

	botanical name Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 12”-18”
	hardiness zones 10-11

‘Black Velvet’ is one of my favorites, and also one of the easiest alocasia varieties to care for. This is a true jewel of a plant with thick, velvety leaves that are nearly black. In contrast, the pale veining further exaggerates the darkness of the leaves. They also have a slight metallic sheen. 

I find this variety to be tolerant of some direct sun, but not a lot. It’s important to give your alocasias shelter from afternoon exposure, which is hotter and more intense. It is sensitive to overwatering, so only water when the top inch of soil is dry. 

‘Quilted Dream’

	botanical name Alocasia sinuata ‘Quilted Dreams’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 12”-18”
	hardiness zones 10-12

‘Quilted Dream’ is a breathtaking variety, and it is grouped with the easiest varieties of alocasia to care for. It’s a great cultivar for collectors and plant lovers, as it has a look all its own. The leaves are thick, leathery, and heavily textured. They’re a brighter green than some other cultivars, and have deeply colored and textured veins. 

This is a compact variety that is ideal for growing indoors and in containers. It loves a warm spot with high humidity and filtered sun. Direct sun can cause sun scorch on the surface of the leaves. ‘Quilted Dream’ is rare and collectible, and a living piece of art. 

‘Regal Shields’

	botanical name Alocasia odora x A. reginula ‘Regal Shield’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 4’-6’
	hardiness zones 9-11

‘Regal Shields’ is a newer cultivar and one of the easiest alocasia varieties to care for. It has the gorgeous coloring of its ‘Black Velvet’ father combined with the increased cold tolerance of its A. odora mother. It’s both durable and dramatic. The leaves are large and velvety, deep green with a slight shimmer, and have purple undersides. 

This is a larger cultivar that grows up to six feet tall and wide. It needs a large container and a substantial space in the home. It’s a striking plant, and will be a focal point in your collection. 

‘Batik’

	botanical name Alocasia odora ‘Batik’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 3’-5’
	hardiness zones 7-11

Alocasia odora varieties are among the easiest to care for, and they have a lot of wonderful qualities. They are sturdy and tolerant plants that hold up to a bit of neglect. They’re also far more cold-tolerant than most species. ‘Batik’ is a rare and stunning variety with vivid and intricately patterned leaves. 

‘Batik’ is a taller, larger cultivar with irregularly variegated leaves. They have lighter veining, which is where they get their name. It comes from the Indian process of resist dying by the same name. The process employs patterns of wax that resist dye to produce beautiful patterns.  

‘Portora’

	botanical name Alocasia ‘Portora’
	sun requirements Bright, indirect light
	height 6’-8’
	hardiness zones 7-11

‘Portora’ is a hybrid that also has A. odora as a parent. It’s a large cultivar, and one of the easiest if you’re looking for dramatic varieties. You’ll need a large container and a large space to accommodate this alocasia, but it’s completely worth it. Odora varieties get their name from their flowers, which are quite fragrant. 

This hybrid has a fast-growing habit, and outdoors it will grow larger. It is a statement plant in every sense of the word. The massive leaves are arrowhead-shaped and wavy with pleated edges. It can tolerate more light than other varieties, but afternoon sun is undesirable. 

‘Mayan Mask’

	botanical name Alocasia ‘Mayan Mask’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 5’-8’
	hardiness zones 9-11

‘Mayan Mask’ is another large hybrid that ranks among the easiest alocasia varieties to grow both indoors and outdoors. It’s a bit more cold-tolerant than smaller types, so its roots will survive winters outdoors in zone 9. It’s popular for its size and ease of care, which lends a lot of tropical drama with little effort.

The large leaves are glossy and large with deep veining. The top is bright green, and the underside is deep purple. It’s a robust plant with thick, sturdy stems. ‘Mayan Mask’ is perfect for spaces that can accommodate a large, attention-grabbing plant. 

‘Pink Dragon’

	botanical name Alocasia baginda ‘Pink Dragon’
	sun requirements Bright indirect light
	height 2’-3’
	hardiness zones 10-12

‘Pink Dragon’ is among the most beautiful and easiest varieties of alocasia you can keep as a houseplant. Its compact size makes it easy to find a space for it. Beloved for its lush, metallic green leaves and soft pink stems, and for being among the easiest, it’s definitely one of the most popular cultivars.