Aracea - Botanical Family

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 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.

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 sanderiana (Kris plant) is low-growing plant, native to the Philippines and will reach a height of about 2ft. A beautiful plant with flat, V-shaped leaves, deeply scalloped along the margins. The color is shiny, jet-black, with bold white veining. An excellent species for interior, landscape or terrarium use. This plant can be grown in either partial or full shade and does best in a bog or aquatic environment. It is also suitable for planting in pots and to be used as an ornamental foliage. This plant should be grown in USDA zone 10-11.

When caring for Alocasia sanderiana, it is important to provide it with warm and humid conditions as well as an abundance of water while it is growing. During the fall months, the water requirements can be reduced and the soil should only be moistened occasionally. Great care should also be taken when planting rhizomes - the top of the rhizome should be planted above the soil line or the leaves may begin to decay. For cold regions, it is best to keep this plant in a pot so that it can be brought inside during cold weather.

A unique alocasia with its long arrow-shaped, dark green foliage that can almost resemble black in color.

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.

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.

The Alocasia Regal Shields is a compact and stunning plant that is suitable for small gardens, balconies, or container plantings. It has a unique color, with the deep purple underside of the leaves having a hint of blue.

This plant can reach an average height of 2-3 feet and can tolerate semi-shade, with a minimum of two to three hours of sunlight per day. A well-draining soil, rich in organic matter, is preferred for the Alocasia Regal Shields. It should be watered regularly, but overwatering should be avoided, as it can damage the roots of the plant and cause it to rot.

Regular feeding with a liquid fertilizer during its growth period is recommended. It can be grown in USDA zones 9-11 and may thrive if grown in a container in a cold region. During the cold winter months, it is recommended to protect the plant by moving it to a warm spot inside or providing a thick mulch layer around the base.

To keep the Alocasia Regal Shields healthy, prune off any dead or damaged leaves, and remove any weeds that may be competing for the same resources as the plant. Overall, the Alocasia Regal Shields is an attractive and easy-to-care-for plant, with its nearly black and burgundy hued leaves and a stunning display of color.