Alocasia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

Alocasia baginda, commonly known as the Dragon Scale, is a small shrub native to South Asia growing between two to five feet tall. It is an ornamental plant known for its lush foliage which is heart shaped and has notable veins in its lower side. Many varieties exist with slight differences from the main species.

Alocasia baginda require regular watering and can be grown in semi-shade and places receiving moderate sunlight. It requires very little maintenance and can thrive in slightly acidic soil with good drainage. As perennial plants, they can survive for many years in the same pot.

In colder regions, it''s important to follow certain tips for growing the Alocasia baginda in a pot. Choose a pot with good drainage and a soil mix with a good ratio of organic material such as peat moss, manure, and compost. If the soil is too dense, it can be supplemented with sand and perlite. The potting mix should be able to retain moisture and retain nutrients.

It is also ideal to keep the pot in a sheltered area which receives some light, although not too much. As the Alocasia baginda likes moisture, watering the plant once daily is suggested. During colder months, it is best to water the plant less frequently, ideally when the top soil is dry. Adding a layer of mulch on top of the soil can also help retain moisture and control weeds. Fertilizing the plant once every three months is recommended for optimal growth.

Alocasia cuprea (Mirror Plant) is a striking tropical aroid native to Borneo, admired for its unusual metallic foliage. Growing up to 2 ft tall, it forms a compact clump of large, oval to shield‑shaped leaves with a shimmering surface. The upper leaf surface ranges from deep bronze to copper‑green with silvery overtones, while the undersides are rich reddish‑purple. The bold veining and glossy, almost reflective texture give the plant a sculptural quality, making it a true statement piece in any indoor collection.

This heat‑loving species thrives in bright, filtered light and a warm, humid environment. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged, using a well‑draining mix rich in organic matter. Protect from cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F. It performs best in containers indoors or in a greenhouse in cooler climates, but can be grown outdoors in frost‑free areas of USDA Zones 10 11. Regular misting or the use of a humidity tray will help maintain leaf quality.

Purple Sword features dark purple sword shaped leaves and purple stems.

The Alocasia Lauterbachiana requires bright indirect sunlight which improves the leaf color of your plant.

Water using room temperature water, in smaller regular amounts to achieve moist, but not soggy soil.

Alocasia 'Maharani' (Alocasia hybrid)

Also called 'Grey Dragon', Alocasia 'Maharani' is a rare indoor plant for a bright, indirect light location in your home. The distinctive leaves, in attractive shades of gray-green, are stiff to the touch and appear almost makes you thought it is plastic. This compact, easy-to-grow houseplant has a durable nature and tolerance to the home environment where it makes a decorative statement.

Alocasia triangularis, commonly known as Triangular Alocasia, is a small shrub with a height of two to five feet. It is a great choice as an ornamental foliage for its eye-catching diamond shaped leaves with tightly ruffled edges. This tropical plant is typically grown in USDA Zone 9-11, and can tolerate mild winter temperatures of 45F and above, or can go dormant if temperatures drop lower.

The Triangular Alocasia prefers to be grown in semi-shade for maximum growth and beauty, although it can survive different light intensities. Its soil should be kept evenly moist and not allowed to dry out as this could decrease its vitality. This can be achieved by watering the plant regularly using well-draining soil, however it's important to avoid over-watering it to maintain its beautiful foliage.

In colder regions, cultivating the Triangular Alocasia in a pot is a great way to maintain ideal temperatures and moisture. When grown in a pot, make sure the container has ample drainage holes. Insulate the container in the winter with extra insulation and wrap the pot in plastic to keep the soil warmer during the cold months. Grow a cloche or dome over the pot to provide added warmth and protection in colder zones. If indoor, make sure provide bright, indirect sunlight and temperature of between 55-85 F.

For best results, fertilize the plant once a week during the summer months in order to keep it healthy and growing. Apply a dilute solution of balanced liquid fertilizer for best outcomes.

Overall, Triangular Alocasia is a great choice for adding a tropical, lush look to the garden or indoors. Its leaves and ruffled edges truly make it stand out from all the other plants, even during the winter months when many plants are dormant.

These plants (commonly known as African Masks and Elephant's Ears) are mainly valued for their gorgeous leaves, which are very large, heart- or spade-shaped and beautifully colored and variegated in gleaming shades of green, purple, bluish-green, red and bronze. They also produce small, calla-like flower spathes. It needs a large pot with good drainage (to about one third the depth) and should be planted ideally in equal parts of lumpy loam and fibrous peat, with some sand and a few lumps of charcoal. The rhizome should be planted at soil level. Feed the plants weekly while growing and protect from strong sunlight. Rest the rhizome in winter. Propagate by offsets in spring.

Alocasias require continual warmth and humidity. The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering (daily in hot weather), especially as if grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it.

Bright light is preferred, but it will do well in anything up to 80 percent shade. Leaves tend to grow larger in shadier positions. Full sun is usually not preferred and may discolor the leaves, although it will usually cope with a bit of full sun provided it can get enough water.

A beautiful dwarf variety which contains a significant amount of black coloration on the leaf surface. Leaves are ovate, elliptic and almost totally peltate. The upper leaf surface is a dramatic green-black color, and the lower leaf surface is a rich purple. This very unique and exotic plant would make a great addition to the collection of any seasoned plant collector. Place them in filtered sunlight sitting in a moist pebble tray. Allow the soils surface to dry down before watering. Feed only when the plant is actively growing with a liquid balanced plant food. "Black Velvet" is hard to find. These beautiful plants are usually grown in 4" and 6" inch containers.

Alocasia macrorrhizos is similar to other large-leafed arums such as the Xanthosoma sagittifolium, Peltrandra spp., and Colocasia esculenta, often called Taro. Alocasia macrorrhiza differs from the others in having an upright stem and holding its leaves upright, and in several technical characteristics that mean a lot to the botanists. Numerous hybrids have been produced from among the various Elephant Ear species, and it's not always possible to identify particular specimens.

It produced insignificant but fragrant white flowers on a sradix enclosed in a leaf-like, yellow-green spathe.

Giant taro is cultivated throughout the tropics for its edible rhizomes and shoots.

Alocasias require continual warmth and humidity. The soil should be rich but well drained, and the plant appreciates frequent watering (daily in hot weather), especially as if grows larger. Note however, that when the plant is young and small, too much water (particularly if the weather is cold) will rot the tuber, so be careful not to overdo it.

Bright light is preferred, but it will do well in anything up to 80 percent shade. Leaves tend to grow larger in shadier positions. Full sun is usually not preferred and may discolor the leaves, although it will usually cope with a bit of full sun provided it can get enough water.

It grows in light shade to partial sun, in a well-drained, fuzzy soil. Where cold winter temperatures occur, it is best to plant these in a container that can be moved indoors; they are only cold-hardy to Zone 7-11, so Zone 8 and below should take extra caution, as this plant cannot tolerate frost.

A tall, woody perennial, Alocasia odora typically grows up to 5-10 feet tall in its native Tropical Asia. With its large, striking leaves and small, off-white/white fragrant flowers, it has become a popular ornamental choice for gardens. The foliage has an intense shine, and striking color contrast with the veining and patterning.

Alocasia odora prefers partial shade and regular water. It will tolerate bog or aquatic garden conditions and flood-like conditions. It requires a soupy soil or a soil that allows for good drainage.

In order to ensure a healthy, robust growth, it is important to evenly water the plant regularly, ideally using a moisture meter to determine the proper moisture level. It is also recommended to place the plant in spots where it will receive plenty of indirect sunlight and to fertilize it bi-weekly.

However, in cold regions, it is essential to be aware of the fact that Alocasia odora is only cold-hardy to temperatures at least as low as 30°F for a short time. To prevent any cold damage, it is best to move the plant indoors and it might be good to keep it in a pot rather than planting it in the ground.

Overall, Alocasia odora adds a unique texture and delicate beauty to any garden or home. With its large, architectural leaves and fragrant blooms, it is no wonder that this plant has become a much sought-after ornamental for any garden.

Alocasia 'Tiny Dancer' is unlike any other.This hybrid (scientific name: Alocasia brisbanensisxlocasia odora), created in 2013 is known for its long green petioles with small cupped leaves in a unique teardrop shape. While the plant grows upright, its petioles tend to fan out, curving in different directions like they are dancing.

Alocasia 'Imperial Red' is a hybrid between Alocasia odora and a pink petioled (stem) clone of Alocasia Macrorrhiza.