Revealing my Top Alocasia Varieties!
Not sure which Alocasias are beginner-friendly? In this post, we’ll delve into my entire collection of 19 Alocasia varieties— and my thoughts on all of them!
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If there’s one thing my plant friends know about me— it’s that I LOVE Alocasias. But among the broader houseplant community, Alocasias (sometimes colloquially known as ‘Elephant Ear Plants’) have gotten a bad rap for being difficult houseplants. As someone who has cared for over a dozen different varieties of Alocasias, I can say that while some are more difficult than others, there are many wonderful varieties of Alocasias that would be suitable for new plant parents.
Alocasia Black Velvet Pink Variegated
Alocasia Black Velvet Pink Variegated is the Alocasia that really started my addiction! If you had to splurge on just one “bougee” Alocasia in this list, I’d definitely recommend her. A steady grower who isn’t too fussy, and OH SO beautiful. Fun fact: the “pink” variegation in Alocasias is actually caused by a lack of green chlorophyll mixing with the purple veining on the back of its leaves!
Alocasia Bisma aka Alocasia ‘Platinum’
If you need an easy-going Alocasia that will tolerate underwatering, look no further than the Alocasia Platinum! This was THE first Alocasia I ever owned, and she still has a special place in my heart. With her blue-ish green color and waxy texture, there are simply no other Alocasias quite like her. She quickly grew from 2 to 10+ leaves, and I don’t think she’s lost more than one in the entire time that I’ve owned her! Plus she’s INCREDIBLY resistant to spider mites, making her a 10/10 in my book.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Albo Variegated
Alocasia Dragon Scale is another of my favorites, but can be quite temperamental. I find that she is very sensitive to sudden changes in light or humidity, and I’ve struggled to keep her happy at times. While the non-variegated version is a little easier, I would not recommend this one for beginners. She sure is beautiful, though!
Alocasia Sinuata
aka Alocasia ‘Quilted Dreams’
Similar to Dragon Scale, Alocasia Sinuata is also very particular about her growing conditions. Mine has never held onto more than 3 leaves at a time. In contrast, her cousin, Alocasia Lukiwan (discussed later), is a much more robust grower.
Alocasia Watsoniana Pink Variegated
One of the newest Alocasias in my collection, Alocasia Watsoniana Pink Variegated does not disappoint! Perhaps the best thing about her is that each leaf has unfurled significantly larger than the last. And her striking venation makes her difficult to resist. So far, she’s a pretty stead grower, and I can’t complain!
Alocasia Lukiwan (Alba + Sinuata Hybrid)
In contrast to her cousin Sinuata, Alocasia Lukiwan seems a lot more forgiving. She’s consistently put out big, glossy leaves and is even thriving in the ambient winter humidity of my home in Madison, Wisconsin. I don’t see her for sale very often, so if you encounter one, definitely snag it!
Alocasia Micholitziana aka Alocasia ‘Frydek’
“It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” This is perhaps the only way to describe the ups & downs of owning an Alocasia Frydek! The PROS: Alocasia Frydek can take as much light and fertilizer that you throw at it. She’ll even reward you with many big, beautiful velvety leaves. The CONS: she will contract spider mites every other week. If you under-water her, she will droop. If you over-water her, she will droop. But, she will ALWAYS forgive you! If you can handle the drama, then she’s the perfect Alocasia for you!
Alocasia ‘Frydek’ Variegated
Perhaps the reigning “It Plant” of 2024, I’m still in awe that this plant exists. Just when you thought the Frydek couldn’t get any more beautiful, the variegated version unfurls a unique watercolor painting with each new leaf. Be forewarned that the variegation comes with just a tad more drama than the all-green version… but SO worth it!
Alocasia Plumbea Pink Variegated
Alocasia Plumbea is definitely not for the faint of heart. She reminds me of an Alocasia Serendipity (who is sadly is no longer with us) with its papery-thin leaves and dramatic nature. While this one hasn’t croaked yet, I’m still keeping a watchful eye on her, making sure she doesn’t go too long in between waterings. Only time will tell if she has what it takes to thrive in my indoor jungle! But if you can handle the drama, she might be the perfect addition for you.
Alocasia Melo
Alocasia Melo is such an underrated houseplant! I seriously love this plant. Her reptilian texture and muted coloring is so unique that I could just stare at her for hours... and I do! Thicker leaves means she’s less susceptible to spider mites and more tolerant of less than ideal growing conditions. Even better— you can usually find her at very reasonable prices.
Alocasia Maharani Albo Variegated
As a hybrid of the Melo, its no surprise that Alocasia Maharani has inherited its easy-going nature. The most noticeable difference is that the Maharani grows slightly less compact, which may be an important consideration when deciding between the two. Mine happens to be albo variegated, but occasionally throws purple hues thanks to the purple veining on the back of its leaves.
Alocasia Amazonica Pink Variegated
Alocasia Amazonica (in its true form) is an incredibly fast-growing and resilient houseplant. It will grow HUGE (we’re talking leaves spanning 3 ft+) and can make a stunning addition to any indoor jungle. One word of caution; many Alocasia Polly’s (the smaller cousin) are mis-sold as Amazonicas and lead to disappointment when they don’t size up as expected. Make sure to inquire prior to purchasing if you don’t see any mention of “true form.” I can personally vouge for the lineage of Amazonicas purchased from Rare Plant Fairy. Both Alocasia Amazonica and Alocasia Polly are sold in pink variegated varieties.
Alocasia Silver Dragon
Alocasia Silver Dragon is another one of those Alocasias whose foliage will stop you in your tracks. Mine has never fussed or given me a hard time, and I’m grateful to have such a stunning plant in my collection. Definitely beginner-friendly.
Alocasia Regal Shield
I’m convinced that the Regal Shield is the cockroach of Alocasias—not because she’s vile or ugly— rather because of her ability to withstand ANYTHING, quite possibly even nuclear war. All jokes aside, if someone was new to Alocasias, I would 110% recommend adding a Regal Shield to their collection. She will withstand underwatering and neglect, although she will quickly become a rather large and in-charge presence in your household. Alocasia Regal Shields can grow over 6 feet tall! Rest assured, if she gets too big, she is also a prolific “cormer” and can easily be re-propagated to start again.
Alocasia Regal Shield Albo Variegated
My positive experience with the regular Regal Shield quickly prompted me to acquire the Regal Shield albo. Despite her chlorophyll-deficient leaves, she’s still growing like crazy just like the green version. I simply can’t wait for her to size up— granted I find space for her to do so!
Alocasia Bambino Pink Variegated
One of the more “affordable” pink-variegated Alocasias on this list, Alocasia Bambino Pink Variegated is definitely worth the splurge. She’s never given me trouble and has even produced a handful of corms since the time I’ve acquired her. Although I now own some pink Alocasias that I like a bit better, this plant still has a special place in my heart, and I’d recommend her to any new Alocasia collector.
Alocasia Azlanii Pink Variegated
Although mine is just a baby, I’m really excited to see how Alocasia Azlanii Pink Variegated continues to mature. I previously failed with the non-variegated version of this plant once before, but I suspect that had to do with an unfortunate pest infestation of root mealybugs… ANYWAYS, this time around everything has been good so far, but I will keep you updated!
Alocasia Heterophylla
aka Alocasia Dragon’s Breath
Another victim of the dreaded root mealybugs, my Alocasia Dragon’s Breath was previously my pride and joy. The dramatic leaf shape is definitely a stand-out feature on this plant, and if anything can be said about her, it’s that she is incredibly resilient! As of the time of writing, she is working on not one, not two, but THREE new growth points. I’m convinced that she will be making a dramatic and much-deserved comeback very soon!
Alocasia Pink Dragon Variegated
While not on my 2024 bingo card, the Alocasia Pink Dragon was a welcome surprise to my rare houseplant collection. Each new leaf is always a surprise, ranging from full pink to a gorgeous display of marbling. Whether you decide to purchase the all-green or variegated version, she won’t disappoint you!
