Types of Alocasia
Alocasia (Elephant Ear) is a genus of about 90 species in Araceae, native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. They are prized for their dramatic, often arrow-shaped leaves with prominent veining and metallic or velvety textures. All Alocasia go dormant below 60°F and may drop all foliage in cold rooms.
How to tell Alocasia varieties apart
Varieties differ in leaf shape (arrow, shield, scalloped, stingray-like), surface texture (velvet, glossy, ridged), vein color (white, silver, pink, green), and overall size (from dwarf 12-inch Black Velvet to 6-foot Calidora). Petiole color (often deep purple-black) is another key ID feature.
Which Alocasia should you buy?
For beginners: Alocasia Polly or Alocasia Frydek (compact, common, more forgiving). For statement floor plants: Alocasia Regal Shield or Calidora. For dwarf shelf plants: Alocasia Black Velvet (under 18 inches). For rare collectors: Alocasia Dragon Scale or Alocasia Jacklyn. All Alocasia need 60%+ humidity and warmth.
Every Alocasia variety in this guide
- Alocasia JacklynAlocasia sulawesi (commonly sold as A. Jacklyn) · cultivar
Striking arrow-shaped leaves with deep, dramatic lobed margins giving a serrated appearance, on a dark green leaf with prominent yellow-green veining.
- Alocasia Frydek (Green Velvet Alocasia)Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek' · cultivar
Arrow-shaped, deep emerald-green leaves with prominent bright-white veins.
- Alocasia Black VelvetAlocasia reginula · species
Compact, dwarf Alocasia with rounded heart-shaped leaves so dark green they appear nearly black.
Botanical reference: Kew Plants of the World Online — Alocasia
For care that applies to all Alocasia varieties — watering, light, repotting, pests — see the Alocasia care guide.