Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family, which includes other aroids like philodendrons and anthuriums. The genus, named from the Greek “a” (without) and “Colocasia” (a related genus), comprises around 97 species of tropical perennials. Commonly known as elephant ears, African mask plants, or kris plants, these names reflect their large, heart-shaped leaves or striking, mask-like foliage patterns, making them prized houseplants for their dramatic appearance.
Alocasia plants were first documented by European botanists in the 18th century during explorations of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, though indigenous peoples in these regions likely used them for food, medicine, or ornamental purposes for centuries. Their popularity as houseplants grew in the 19th century, with increased cultivation in the 20th century due to their exotic foliage and adaptability to indoor conditions, boosted by the houseplant craze of the 1970s and social media-driven plant trends today.
Native to subtropical and tropical regions of Asia, from India to Southeast Asia, and eastern Australia, Alocasia plants thrive in humid, shaded rainforest understories, often near streams or in swampy areas. They grow as terrestrial or epiphytic perennials in warm, moist climates, which informs their need for high humidity and indirect light in cultivation. Some species are also found in Pacific islands, showcasing their adaptability to diverse tropical environments.
Alocasia plants are characterized by their large, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves, often glossy or velvety, with prominent veins that create striking patterns. Leaves can grow up to several feet long in some species, supported by thick, upright petioles. They typically form a rosette or clumping growth habit, with some species reaching 1–8 feet tall indoors. While they can produce calla-like flowers (spadix and spathe) in the wild, blooming is rare indoors, with foliage being the primary appeal.
Alocasia plants are primarily grown as ornamental houseplants, valued for their bold, tropical foliage that adds drama to homes, offices, or conservatories. They are popular in terrariums, large pots, or as statement pieces due to their architectural leaves, and some contribute to air purification by increasing humidity. In their native regions, certain species have edible corms (after careful preparation) or are used in traditional medicine, while globally, they’re favored in interior design for their exotic, sculptural aesthetic.
Types of Alocasia Plants
Polly Alocasia
The Polly Alocasia, a hybrid of Alocasia amazonica, features compact, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with creamy white veins and wavy edges, growing 18–24 inches tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, needing regular misting to avoid leaf browning. Its striking, ruffled foliage makes it a popular choice for indoor tropical displays.
Black Velvet
AlocasiaThe Black Velvet Alocasia (Alocasia reginula) has velvety, heart-shaped, near-black leaves with silvery white veins, growing to 12–18 inches tall. Native to Borneo, it prefers low to medium indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with careful watering to avoid root rot. Its compact size and moody, elegant foliage suit terrariums or small spaces.
Dragon Scale
AlocasiaThe Dragon Scale Alocasia (Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’) boasts heart-shaped, pale green leaves with dark, dragon scale-like veining, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture. Its textured, silvery foliage adds a unique, exotic flair to plant collections.
Pink Dragon
AlocasiaThe Pink Dragon Alocasia (Alocasia lowii ‘Morocco’) features metallic green, heart-shaped leaves with dark veins and vibrant pink petioles, growing to 4 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, 60–70% humidity, and well-draining soil with regular fertilizing during spring and summer. Its rosy stems and glossy foliage make it a bold, tropical statement piece.
Silver Dragon
AlocasiaThe Silver Dragon Alocasia (Alocasia baginda ‘Silver Dragon’) has silvery-green, shield-shaped leaves with dark green veins, resembling dragon scales, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, being more forgiving of occasional overwatering. Its compact, striking foliage is ideal for collectors seeking rare varieties.
Zebrina Alocasia
The Zebrina Alocasia (Alocasia zebrina) features large, arrow-shaped green leaves on zebra-striped petioles, growing up to 3 feet tall. Native to the Philippines, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with moderate watering to prevent root rot. Its bold, patterned stems add architectural charm to indoor settings.
Frydek Alocasia
The Frydek Alocasia (Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’) has velvety, dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with creamy white veins, growing 2–3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, sensitive to direct sun. Its lighter green foliage and striking contrast make it a favorite for tropical collections.
Cuprea Alocasia
The Cuprea Alocasia (Alocasia cuprea) features coppery-green, glossy leaves with a metallic sheen and dark veins, growing about 1 foot tall. Native to Borneo, it prefers high humidity, bright, indirect light, and well-draining soil, ideal for terrariums. Its shimmering, reddish undersides add a luxurious touch to plant displays.
Red Secret Alocasia
The Red Secret Alocasia (Alocasia cuprea ‘Red Secret’) has metallic, bronze-red leaves with a glossy finish, growing up to 3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture. Its mirror-like foliage and rich color make it a standout, exotic houseplant.
Black Magic Alocasia
The Black Magic Alocasia (Alocasia infernalis) features dark purple to near-black, glossy leaves with thick green veins, growing to 15 inches tall. It prefers lower light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, thriving in warm, tropical conditions. Its moody, shimmering foliage adds a glamorous, mysterious vibe to collections.
Imperialis Alocasia
The Imperialis Alocasia (Alocasia nebula ‘Imperialis’) is a rare Jewel Alocasia with thick, leathery, bluish-gray leaves and wine-red undersides, growing 2–3 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, requiring careful watering. Its luxurious, textured foliage makes it a coveted collector’s plant.
Stingray Alocasia
The Stingray Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos ‘Stingray’) has large, green, wing-like leaves with a pointed, stingray-shaped tip, growing up to 4–6 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing regular watering. Its playful, unique leaf shape adds a whimsical touch to indoor or outdoor gardens.
Regal Shields Alocasia
The Regal Shields Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’) features large, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with lighter veins and purple undersides, growing 4–6 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating partial shade. Its bold, upright foliage creates a dramatic, jungle-like ambiance.
Jacklyn Alocasia
The Jacklyn Alocasia (Alocasia tandurusa) has vivid green, deeply lobed leaves with intricate, quilted patterns, growing 5–8 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining, moist soil, benefiting from regular fertilizing. Its textured, tropical foliage makes it a striking addition to large spaces.
Giant Taro Alocasia
The Giant Taro Alocasia (Alocasia macrorrhizos) boasts massive, glossy green, arrow-shaped leaves, growing up to 6 feet tall indoors or taller outdoors. Native to Southeast Asia, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Its imposing stature makes it a showpiece for spacious rooms or gardens.
Okinawa Silver
AlocasiaThe Okinawa Silver Alocasia (Alocasia odora ‘Okinawa Silver’) is a variegated cultivar with jade-green leaves and creamy white splotches, growing up to 3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing careful watering to avoid root rot. Its variegated, compact foliage is a rare, elegant addition.
Moroccan Sunset Alocasia
The Moroccan Sunset Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Moroccan Sunset’) features dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with vibrant pink veins and petioles, growing 2–3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing consistent moisture and regular misting. Its bold, tropical coloration adds a striking, sunset-like glow to indoor spaces.
Ebony Alocasia
The Ebony Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Ebony’) has deep green, almost black, heart-shaped leaves with prominent silver veins, reaching 1–2 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with careful watering to avoid root rot. Its compact, moody foliage makes it a dramatic addition to small spaces or terrariums.
Bamboo Alocasia
The Bamboo Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Bambino’) is a dwarf cultivar with narrow, arrow-shaped, dark green leaves and silver-white veins, growing 12–18 inches tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for terrariums or small pots. Its petite, elegant foliage is perfect for collectors with limited space.
Ivory Coast Alocasia
The Ivory Coast Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Ivory Coast’) features large, glossy green leaves with creamy white veins and pinkish petioles, growing 2–4 feet tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil, benefiting from regular fertilizing. Its vibrant, contrasting foliage adds a tropical flair to indoor settings.
Maharani Alocasia
The Maharani Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Maharani’) is a Jewel Alocasia with thick, leathery, gray-green leaves and subtle silver veining, growing 1–2 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating slight overwatering. Its compact, luxurious texture makes it a regal choice for small displays.
Portodora Alocasia
The Portodora Alocasia (Alocasia portei x Alocasia odora) has large, upright, ruffled green leaves with wavy edges, growing 4–6 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing regular watering. Its bold, architectural foliage creates a stunning, jungle-like presence in large spaces.
Wentii Alocasia
The Wentii Alocasia (Alocasia x ‘Wentii’) features broad, heart-shaped green leaves with purple undersides, growing 3–5 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with consistent moisture. Its two-toned foliage and robust growth make it a versatile, tropical houseplant.
Purple Sword Alocasia
The Purple Sword Alocasia (Alocasia lauterbachiana) has long, narrow, wavy green leaves with purple undersides and petioles, growing 3–4 feet tall. Native to Papua New Guinea, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist soil. Its sword-like leaves add a sleek, dramatic touch to indoor gardens.
Sarian Alocasia
The Sarian Alocasia (Alocasia zebrina x Alocasia micholitziana) combines zebra-striped petioles with dark green, veined leaves, growing 4–6 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, sensitive to overwatering. Its bold, hybrid foliage makes it a standout for tropical displays.
Yucatan Princess Alocasia
The Yucatan Princess Alocasia (Alocasia sarawakensis ‘Yucatan Princess’) has glossy, dark green, heart-shaped leaves with a metallic sheen, growing 4–6 feet tall. It prefers bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing regular watering. Its regal, shimmering foliage suits large, elegant indoor spaces.
Green Shield Alocasia
The Green Shield Alocasia (Alocasia clypeolata) features shield-shaped, olive-green leaves with prominent dark veins, growing 2–3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, requiring consistent moisture. Its unique, textured foliage adds a bold, tropical vibe to collections.
Hilo Beauty Alocasia
The Hilo Beauty Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Hilo Beauty’) has heart-shaped, green leaves with creamy white, camouflage-like variegation, growing 2–3 feet tall. It prefers medium to bright indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, with careful watering. Its mottled, jungle-like foliage is ideal for unique indoor displays.
New Guinea Gold Alocasia
The New Guinea Gold Alocasia (Alocasia ‘New Guinea Gold’) features glossy green leaves with golden-yellow variegation, growing 2–4 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, needing regular fertilizing to maintain color. Its vibrant, variegated foliage adds a sunny, tropical accent.
Odora Alocasia
The Odora Alocasia (Alocasia odora) has large, glossy, paddle-shaped green leaves, growing 4–8 feet tall, often used in outdoor tropical gardens. Native to Southeast Asia, it needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and moist, well-draining soil. Its massive, upright leaves create a bold, architectural statement.
Calidora Alocasia
The Calidora Alocasia (Alocasia ‘Calidora’) features huge, heart-shaped green leaves with subtle veins, growing 5–7 feet tall. It thrives in bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, tolerating partial shade. Its towering, lush foliage makes it a dramatic choice for spacious rooms or patios.
Dwarf Amazonica Alocasia
The Dwarf Amazonica Alocasia (Alocasia amazonica ‘Dwarf’) is a compact hybrid with dark green, arrow-shaped leaves and white veins, growing 12–18 inches tall. It needs bright, indirect light, high humidity, and well-draining soil, ideal for terrariums. Its petite, striking foliage suits small, tropical displays.