Rare Alocasias are amongst the most stunning and distinctive houseplants you can grow, and their big, glossy leaves will give your house the feel of a lush, tropical jungle.
Stunning foliage makes this tropical superstar a true eye-catcher! We have selected a relative handful of our best indoor-grown rare Alocasia cultivars for this article.
Contents
- List of the Best Alocasias
- 1. Alocasia Heterophylla “Dragon’s Breath”
- 2. Alocasia cucullata ‘Hooded Dwarf’
- 3. Alocasia Puncak Borneoensis
- 4. Alocasia Corazon
- 5. Alocasia Wentii “Vintage Silver”
- 6. Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet’
- 7. Alocasia Infernalis ‘Black Magic’
- 8. Alocasia Maharani ‘Grey Dragon’
- 9. Alocasia Portei
- 10. Alocasia Amazonica’ Ivory Coast’
- 11. Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’
- 12. Alocasia Odora ‘Variegata’
- 13. Alocasia Sanderiana
- 14. Alocasia Amazonica ‘Bambino’
- 15. Alocasia Amazonica Polly
- 16. Alocasia Plumbae’ Flying Squid’
- 17. Alocasia Reversa
- 18. Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Variegata’
- 19. Alocasia longiloba
- 20. Alocasia Melo
- 21. Alocasia Lauterbachiana ‘Purple Sword’
- 22. Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Giant Taro’
- 23. Alocasia Micholitziana’ Frydek’
- 24. Alocasia Baginda ‘Dragon Scales’
- 25. Alocasia Macrorrhizos ‘Stingray’
- 26. Alocasia Chantrieri
- 27. Alocasia Baginda ‘Silver Dragon’
- 28. Alocasia Zebrina
- 29. Alocasia Azlanii
- 30. Alocasia’ Imperialis’
- Conclusion
List of the Best Alocasias
People typically see elephant ears and African masks when considering Alocasia plants. Even more, beauty can be found in this genus than plant lovers might imagine. Let’s review the list of rare alocasia plant varieties ideal for your home.
1. Alocasia Heterophylla “Dragon’s Breath”
Dragon’s Breath has distinctive leaves that resemble an extended arrowhead. Young leaves are brilliant green and fade to a subdued blue-green as they age.
The common name of this plant is Alocasia Dragon’s Breath it grows up to two feet long. The key characteristic it has it that the leaves with an extended arrowhead form.
2. Alocasia cucullata ‘Hooded Dwarf’
A small variant of the well-liked elephant ear plant is the hooded dwarf. The tall, thin stems are topped with heart-shaped leaves that are an attractive shade of green.
This plant is commonly known as Buddha’s Palm or Hooded Dwarf, and it grows somewhere between to to three feet long. The reason why it is loved is because of its tall stems with heart-shaped leaves.
3. Alocasia Puncak Borneoensis
The recently discovered Alocasia Puncak Borneoensis has swiftly gained popularity among collectors. The leaf has a pointy end on one side and a rounded end on the other.
The leaves are extremely lustrous, and as they get older, they change from light green to dark green, in addition, features include shiny, deep-green leaves. It would grow up to two to four feet
4. Alocasia Corazon
In its native Philippines, Alocasia Corazon is fairly widespread, although it can be more difficult to locate in the US. It has glossy, blue-green leaves with an arrowhead form.
This plant grows from one to three feet tall, and it is known from its stunning blue and green foliage.
5. Alocasia Wentii “Vintage Silver”
The variegation pattern on this highly rare Alocasia species is distinctive. In addition, it grows up to one to two feet long, having a unique leaves that are variegated.
Vintage Silver features mild variegation, as opposed to other variegated Alocasias that have substantial regions of light colors. The patterning on the leaves gives them an aged, antique appearance.
6. Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet’
Black Velvet doesn’t cost much, considering how lovely it is. The cost of including this special plant in your collection is reasonable.
This plant has velvety, silky leaves with white veins that are deep green. This plant is admired by enthusiasts as it grows from six up to 18 inches, keeping its silky, deep-green leaves.
7. Alocasia Infernalis ‘Black Magic’
Alocasia infernalis “Black Magic” is even darker than one of the alocasia varieties mentioned above. As the plant gets older, its metallic purplish-black leaves get darker. This is the plant for you if you adore a gloomy, magnificent appearance!
If observed under the right light, a mysterious red glow seems to glimmer from the leaves. It reaches a maximum height and width of 15 inches and 6 inches, respectively, with up to six-inch-long leaves.
8. Alocasia Maharani ‘Grey Dragon’
You’re right if you think “Grey Dragon” and “Melo” resemble each other quite a bit; the two species are a cross between Alocasia rugosa “Melo” and Alocasia reginula. This is one of the rarest Alocasia species!
“Grey Dragon” is a bit of a dwarf compared to other plants in its genus. It rarely reaches a height of 14 inches, and its leaves can extend up to six inches. Having a foliage that is silvery and rich green.
9. Alocasia Portei
Alocasia portei, also called the Malaysian Monster, is undoubtedly a showstopper with some of the most striking leaves of all the Alocasias.
Alocasia portei has gigantic leaves that are three to four feet long and five to eight feet tall when fully mature. The large-growing plant has unusual, deeply lobed leaves that resemble enormous tropical arugula.
10. Alocasia Amazonica’ Ivory Coast’
The arrow-shaped leaves of this magnificent cultivar, a hybrid involving Alocasia x amazonica and Alocasia’ Aurora,’ resemble other Alocasia x amazonica species but lack the wavy, crinkled edges.
It has well-branched, brown-streaked branches that mature quickly. Alocasia amazonica grows swiftly, reaching heights of three to four feet and widths of two to three feet. It has petioles that are glowing pink.
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11. Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’
Red Secret’s leaves almost appear to be artificial. They have iridescence colors and an unrivaled luster.
You can see the many leaf hues by approaching the plant from various angles. Growing one to two feet long, the leaaves remain iridescent red color.
12. Alocasia Odora ‘Variegata’
One of the most expensive and elusive Alocasia species is odora variegata. The plant has large “elephant ear” leaves with variegated spots in varied tones.
The Variegated Elephant Ear grows to two to four feet having broad, spotted leaves.
13. Alocasia Sanderiana
Southeast Asia is home to the Kris Plant (Alocasia sanderiana), a common houseplant. The plant is regarded as being endangered in the wild due to the collection for sale.
Many hybrid Alocasia types have it as a parent plant. Growing somewhere between one to two feet, and it has stunning rippled-edged arrow-shaped leaves.
14. Alocasia Amazonica ‘Bambino’
Alocasia amazonica’s dwarf variation is called bambino. This type was developed by carefully breeding the smallest plants because it does not exist naturally.
Broad white veining covers the glossy green surface of the leaves, which have a shape akin to a slender arrowhead. This plant grows up to six to 12 inches, with small size yet broad veins.
15. Alocasia Amazonica Polly
‘Polly’ is the most well-known and widely accessible Alocasia cultivar (at least in the United States). It is a hybrid of Alocasia watsoniana and Alocasia sanderiana, often known as the African Mask or Kris plants.
It is a pretty small plant. Only heights of 18 to 24 inches and widths of 10 inches, with leaves up to 16 inches long. It stands out because it has slender, dark green leaves with wavy, undulating edges and broad white veins running through them
16. Alocasia Plumbae’ Flying Squid’
The Flying Squid variety of Alocasia may be the most unusual! This Alocasia appears less like an Alocasia and more like an air plant or a branch.
The slender, spindly leaves spread out in all directions. This plant grows to one feet, with thin yet tubular stems and leaves.
17. Alocasia Reversa
The Blue Jewel is a type of Jewel Alocasia known as Alocasia reversa. The stunning blue-gray leaves feature dark green veins and a velvety, smooth appearance. The size is usually one to two feet.
With its characteristic features being how the leaves with an arrowhead shape in blue-gray.
18. Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Variegata’
Large “elephant ear” leaves and a remarkable combination of variegation make up variegated alocasia. Growing up to three to six feet, with its thick patterned leaves.
As the plant develops and the size of the leaves increases, the effect only becomes stronger.
The cost of a Variegated Alocasia will vary according to how much variegation the plant has, as is the case with most other variegated plants.
19. Alocasia longiloba
The leaves of this plant are characterized as having an arrow or tooth shape, which has earned it the name “Dragon’s Tooth.” The leaves have silver veining and a glossy blue-green tint.
- Common Name: Dragon’s Tooth
- Size: One to two feet
- Key characteristics: Silvery veins and arrow-shaped leaves
20. Alocasia Melo
The unusually thick leaves of Alocasia Melo are well known.
The tops of the leaves are covered in stunning and elaborate veins and very thick leaves that grow up to one to two feet.
21. Alocasia Lauterbachiana ‘Purple Sword’
The undersides and bottoms of Purple Sword leaves are tinted purple-green, and the edges are scalloped.
Compared to most Alocasias, this plant has longer, thinner leaves. The sword-shaped leaves with serrated edges grow from one almost to three feet on average.
22. Alocasia Macrorrhiza ‘Giant Taro’
When grown outside, this large Taro can reach heights of up to 15 feet. However, indoors, it will only reach heights of up to eight feet.
Large and erect, Taro leaves are slender. This plant would grow to four to six feet, and leaves that are broad and big.
23. Alocasia Micholitziana’ Frydek’
Alocasia micholitziana’ Frydek’, often known as Green Velvet, bears leaves in the traditional “elephant ear” shape.
The leaves with an arrowhead form and velvety texture, that grow up to one to three feet.
24. Alocasia Baginda ‘Dragon Scales’
‘Silver Dragon’ and ‘Dragon Scales’ are both varieties of Alocasia baginda. The leaves of “Dragon Scales” contain the same deep veins but are glossier and lack the distinctive silver shine.
The leaves with a scaly appearance grow from one to three feet.
25. Alocasia Macrorrhizos ‘Stingray’
The broad, stingray-shaped leaves give the plant its name. When cultivated outdoors, these Alocasias can reach a height of six feet.
Indoor cultivation will keep their heights low. The leaves that look like stingrays would grow from two to four feet.
26. Alocasia Chantrieri
A combination of Alocasia metallica and Alocasia sanderiana is known as Alocasia chantrieri.
Despite being a unique plant, it is less expensive than other Alocasia kinds because it has been widely grown for sale. The deep green and wavy leaves grow one to three feet.
27. Alocasia Baginda ‘Silver Dragon’
Beautiful gray-silver leaves with clear green veins can be found on Silver Dragon.
The surface has a shimmer suggestive of fantasy dragons due to the texture of the leaves, growing one to two feet.
28. Alocasia Zebrina
This Alocasia’s wide, broad leaves contrast attractively with the dark and light striping along the stems.
Smaller than other Alocasias, this kind, which grows one to three feet.
29. Alocasia Azlanii
This rare type of alocasia can only be found in one place in the wild at the moment (Borneo).
Young leaves of this type of Alocasia, often known as Jewel Alocasia, start green with purple veins and eventually turn a stunning deep purple to chocolate hue. The leaves that are waxy, chocolate-purple leaves grow two feet long.
30. Alocasia’ Imperialis’
The best one was reserved for last as it is the most widely referenced Jewel Alocasia in the world; the nebula known as Imperialis!
The extremely thick, leathery leaves have prominent veins running through them and are deep green to bluish-gray on top, with a wine-red underside. The mature leaves of the Alocasia nebula ‘Imperialis’ tree grow to two to three feet, the petioles have merlot flecks and are light green.
Conclusion
Avoid the popular elephant ear and African mask kinds the next time you’re looking for new houseplants and choose an unusual Alocasia instead.
Whatever your preferences, this diversified genus offers a wide range of uncommon and beautiful plant species. Nonetheless, we sincerely hope you’ll try some of them; we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
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