Place this mixture in a pots, beds or garden and plant your alocasia. philodendron, (genus Philodendron), approximately 450 species of stout-stemmed climbing herbs of the family Araceae, native to tropical America. This lovely houseplant is a bit more rare compared to other more mainstream plants, but it's quite beautiful, and can be a wonderful addition to an indoor garden. As its a tropical plant, the Philodendron loves humid environments and will thrive in a bathroom or kitchen. Feed your Philodendron in the spring and again in mid summer with a liquid house plant fertilizer. Better known as the black magic plant, the leaves are a dark shade of purple, almost black, and have an intense shine. Anything between 65 and 75F (18 and 23C) is perfect. The shape of the leaves is a departure from the typical oval or heart-shaped leaves of Alocasia varieties. The black velvet variety of Alocasia is a stunning little plant. They also bloom anthurium-like flowers of no more than three at a time. Also known by the n ame Pink Princess, it's the most adorable variety of philodendron. The leaf patterns on this Alocasia are eerily similar to that of the Dragon Scale, however, the Silver Dragon has silvery green leaves with green primary veins. Alocasia doesnt have aerial roots, while Giant Philodendron does. Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight. Philodendron Strawberry Shake is an older hybrid with highly variegated foliage with red petioles and green foliage with yellow, pink and orange variegation. They are more difficult to tend to than the hardier and larger Alocasias, but their breathtaking foliage is totally worth the extra TLC. You can hang the vining plants in a basket from the ceiling or place on a high shelf for the beautiful long stems to create an attractive vertical accent. The plant is a beautiful decoration and requires moderate care to thrive. If the plant is growing in temperatures below 60F (15C), you're likely to experience some leaf drop. Although Philodendrons and Anthuriums belong to the same family, Araceae, they're classified as different genera. This Alocasia plant and all others can be fed with half-strength fertilizer every few weeks in the spring. 1. An Alocasias leaves point upwards, while the Colocasias leaves point downwards. The V-shaped, dark-green leaves feature wavy edges and bright, thick veins that almost protrude out of the leaf. The plant grows best in bright, indirect light and tends to suffer when placed in a dark spot or if exposed to strong direct light. Alocasia zebrina generally likes average room temperature. The name makes many think it grows rapidly and is quite large, but this isnt usually the case. There are two types of Philodendrons: vining philodendrons such as the heartleaf Philodendron which will climb up a supporting structure; and non-climbing philodendrons such as the lacy tree Philodendron or birds nest Philodendron which form huge displays of upright plants that grow wider than they are tall. The Dragon Scale Alocasia thrives in high humidity, something that can be a challenge to maintain indoors without a humidifier or misting. Coming from the Alocasia genus, many Alocasia varieties have similar basic traits, but can differ significantly based on size, color, and shape. Alocasia also boasts prominent veins on their leaves, ranging from green, black-green, white, and even shades of pink. The vining plant has thick stems with small heart-shaped leaves that have glossy appearance. One of the easiest ways to tell pothos and philodendrons apart is by their leaves. The philodendron has smaller leaves, which are split rather than fenestrated. Alocasia and Colocasia are often clumped together and are commonly known as elephant ear plants. The following differences are the key to telling Anthuriums and Alocasia apart: Alocasias have arrow-shaped foliage, whereas Anthuriums can have oval, heart-shaped, or spatula-shaped leaves. Dont expose it to drought, direct sunlight, temperature fluctuations or cold drafts. Also, whole leaves can remain rolled and . This Alocasia variety can be recognized for its funky, striped, purple, and green stem. Keep an eye out for a new leaf or shoot that . The plant can grow quite large, especially in height, so it thrives in outdoor gardens with plenty of space. What is the difference between Socks and Proxy? Once you see its striped and spotted pattern on its stem, youll understand why it gets so many animalistic nicknames. If you want to grow this type of Philodendron indoors, youll need to have plenty of space. With almost 100 varieties of Alocasias, choosing your perfect match can be overwhelming. The darker-leafed species of Philodendron are suitable for shaded areas. Meanwhile, alocasia leaf veins offer a striking contrast to the color of the main leaf. They are more arrow-shaped or heart-shaped; while Colocasia has matte green leaves and the leaves are more or less round in shape. Here we'll help you learn everything you'll need to know to keep your plants thriving! Conclusion. Water Quality: Pure water is generally more ideal because most Aroids are epiphytes and will be adapted to rain water (pH of 5.5-6) which naturally has a low mineral content.However, from my own experience, alkaline tap water can work - provided you take action to make it more hospitable and lower the pH. However, the true Pink Princess has natural leaf variegation that will last as long as the plant does. The patterns can vary from very light structures between veins or even over the veins. This plant is relatively easy to care for, but like all varieties, it loves humidity. They look more exotic than other Alocasia varieties, making them a popular plant among gardeners that want something different. To care for Philodendron Birkin, grow the compact houseplant in indirect sun, fertile well-draining potting mix, and relatively high humidity. It can reach a length of around 4-6 feet indoors, and allowed to grow freely. As a native to Thailand and Laos, the plant enjoys warmth and humidity. 9 Unbelievably Fragile and Delicate Houseplants to Care For, 11 Best Unkillable Houseplants to Start Caring For, Is Homemade Bug Sprays Safe For Petunias? The plant is native to east and southeast Asia. Their stems do not need much support to be stable. Here are some of the main care differences between Alocasia and Colocasia plants: Light. Jewel-like shades of green and purple draw attention to this plant. The tail is reminiscent of a stingray, which is where the nickname came from. Their arrowhead-shape and fan-like folded leaves can help identify this Alocasia. The Alocasia sanderiana is similar to the polly species, showing off shiny dark green foliage with emphasized creamy-white veins and a thin outline. It's called "heart leaf" for a reason! Adapting your environment to these conditions can always be done, and ultimately shouldnt deter you from trying to bring either of these fantastic plants into your home. Botanical Name: Philodendron erubescens. Alocasia 'Bambino' has deep green, arrowhead leaves with silvery green veins and purple undersides. Plus chic renter friendly DIYs inspo. While it is a slow grower, your patience will be rewarded with stunning, iridescent and metallic-looking leaves. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can burn the leaves. Plants will occasionally, albeit rarely when grown indoors, produce insignificant purple spathes. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron . The distinguishing feature of this plant from the family Araceae is the exceptionally large leaves. The Philodendron will grow in low-light environments, but the vibrancy of its leaves may fade. The nickname, Elephant Ear, applies to several other genera of plants, such as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. This plant can grow up to 8-feet wide and over 15-feet tall! The leaves are silvery-white with a dark green and almost black-looking outlined vein. By Jason White It has a firm feel to its leaves, and you will see a red midrib, especially in . When you buy an Alocasia, the soil is usually packed down to ensure no movement during transit. Water monthly in spring and summer and every six to eight weeks in winter and autumn. Ensure adequate light exposure without direct sunlight, evenly moist soil, fast-draining potting mix and high levels of humidity. While some of these plants are too large to be kept indoors, there are many that . These cultivars are called cream splash Philodendron and are difficult to find, even online. The Alocasia cuprea has the most intricate and unusual color scheme of all the Alocasia varieties. Unlike the Alocasia Cuprea, this species grows fast but wont reach over 2,5 feet in height. The leaves of the plant may look sturdy, but they can get scorched if exposed to excess sunlight. If you are looking to buy a pink Philodendron, be careful of the variety marketed as Pink Congo. This type of houseplant has artificially-colored pink leaves that will turn back to dark green in about six months. A subreddit dedicated to discussion, care, and progress of Alocasia plants. Their flowers are light yellow-green and bloom regularly throughout the year. Alocasia plants are known for their impressive leaves that dazzle with their patterns, size, shape and colors, adding an instant exotic feel to any environment. 2. The Philodendron Pink Princess is a beautiful indoor plant with green and pink variegated leaves. Anything lower than 60F (15C) can cause drooping of foliage and even death. They are multi-colored, with different shades of green and cream, creating a pattern that makes the leaves look like an abstract oil painting. Keep reading to dive into the different types of alocasias and how to identify each one. This variety of Alocasia is very susceptible to pests and plant disease, so it requires some extra care and attention to keep healthy and happy! Despite its rarity, the plant is extremely low maintenance, making it a favorite of home gardeners. Moreover, the leaves of alocasia have a shiny surface and come with an extended corm. . These plants grow from tubers instead of seeds and are best known for their large heart, arrow or ear-shaped leaves that have been known to grow up to three feet long. The large upright Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron Selloum) is a type of Philodendron with big deeply lobed leaves. Each of them has arrow-shaped (rather large) leaves, boast similar-looking flowers, and they are all critter-resistant. Its not a particularly fussy Alocasia and needs the same care and attention as most other Alocasia varieties need. That being said, there are certainly some differences between the two genera as well. Like nearly all of the most popular houseplants in the UK both of these species are members of the Araceae family of tropical plants. Some Philodendrons rely solely on a specific species of beetle for their pollination. The Purple Umbrella plant is not purple but does have a grayish underside that some may think looks purple in the sunlight. Required fields are marked *, Affiliate Disclosure:PlantIndex.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This plant starts small but will grow to be rather big. But, you can put your plant anywhere you want. Keep reading this article to find out the 51 most beautiful philodendron varieties in the world today. This alocasia is by far one of the flashiest and most unique out of them all. Another name for this Philodendron is sweetheart plant, and it is also botanically known as Philodendron scandens. The clumping plant doesnt grow long trailing vines. The Naugahyde type of Philodendron is also called the pigskin plant due to its thick leathery leaves. Provide it with well-draining soil for aroids, regular watering every 7 days on average when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry and ample humidity of >60%. Philodendron Imperial Green Care: A Complete Guide for Beginners, Philodendron Birkin light Requirements Everything you need to know. There two methods to do this: stem cuttings or tip cuttings. If so, you'll need to follow specific steps to make sure you don't harm your pothos plant in the process. The Alocasia longiloba can be identified by its large and dark grey-green leaves with bold white veining. A philodendron, on the . 2. Elephant Ear Bulb Myth. This rule only works to distinguish these two groups; it won't hold up for other Alocasia types as there are non-macrorrhizos types with no leaf tissue between the "ears". The best place to grow a Prince of Orange Philodendron is in a bright spot, away from direct sunlight. Make sure to keep away from cold draughts. so adding some small bark/coir chips and perlite to houseplant soil will be good. If you want a unique and eye-catching addition to your plant collection, the Alocasia infernalis is a striking option. This fast growing vining Philodendron has variegated heart shaped leaves that have lemon and lime green colors. Copyright 2023 - Plant Index. The leaf has a thick and almost puffy appearance as if its a blow-up plant. The most popular philodendron types: Common Philodendron plants are the heartleaf Philodendron with its long trailing foliage, the velvet-leaf plant, the Brasil Philodendron cultivar, and the stunning Pink Princess. Theme by 17th Avenue. It has dramatically large leaves with a dark green sheen. Heartleaf philodendron is commonly grown in hanging baskets, dish gardens and as groundcover in larger planters. PSize: 27-35 inches tall. Some rare types of Philodendron Brasil have yellow, green, and creamy-white variegation. Maybe you've just brought one home, or perhaps your favorite pothos is growing too big for it's current container. Other Philodendron types grow upright and have large split or deeply-lobed leaves. If not put in a humid room, place on a pebble tray or mist regularly to increase humidity. Besides keeping the soil moist, regular misting and keeping a close eye for spider mites and mealybugs, this plant is suitable for most level gardeners. This Alocasia is said to bring good fortune to its owners, which explains why this plant is commonly referred to as Buddhas hand. Coming from subtropical and tropical regions, Philodendron plants need high levels of humidity. They are usually lush green and can have cream or cerise variegation. According to research, caladium leaves have the highest level of diversity compared to other popular aroids, such as alocasia, philodendron, and even Syngonium. The plant is placed at Buddha temples all over the country. Both the stem and the leaves are the same color, making for a beautiful homogenous look. In this article, we look at the many different alocasia varieties to help you decide which one to add to your plant collection! True split-leaf Philodendron has an entirely different leaf texture than a Monstera. While Alocasia is a tropical and distinct variety of plants that will give your yard or indoor collection an exotic edge, these plants are so simple to take care of. The undersides of the leaves are also interesting, sporting a reddish color that only adds to the appeal of this plant. The leaves have a red underside which is easily seen because Alocasia tips and leaves face upwards. Colocasia vs Alocasia. They are, however, a lot less forgiving of overwatering which makes them susceptible to fungal infections and common pests. They also go dormant in winter and therefore need to be watered less frequently during this season. Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. Add a bit of diluted fertilizer monthly during the growing season to keep your plant growing in top shape. The tree-like Philodendron can grow up to 3 ft. (1 m) and have a spread of around 6 ft. (2 m) outdoors. The sometimes beautiful and sometimes bizarre combination of spathe and spadix known as the inflorescence, and sometimes referred to as a flower, is a distinguishing feature of all aroids. If you have a hard time picking out an Alocasia for your home, youre probably not alone. A few tell-tale differences between pothos and philodendrons are the overall shape and texture of the leaves. Its important to check under the leaves for white dots or webbing. Some varieties of upright Philodendrons include the Xanadu and the Green Congo Philodendron. They have large greenish-blue leaves that grow between 10 and 20 inches long. Water the plant well until the soil is moist, but not soggy and make sure that you have a well-draining pot. Its a plant with vigorous growth, when kept in ideal conditions. Once they come out of dormancy in the spring season, it is the best time to propagate these plants. They will just require extra attention, like regular misting with a spray bottle or placing a wet pebble tray close by. But the plant itself loves to be in some shade, as direct sunlight can burn the leaves and dry out the soil. The plant grows best in shaded areas or partial shade. The odd shape and texture make it popular among those that love an unusual tropical plant. Unlike fast-growing Philodendron climbers, this upright variety grows slowly. The Alocasia cuprea is a native of humid areas, Borneo in particular. Alocasia Dragon Scale is undoubtedly my favorite Alocasia, and one of my most treasured houseplants. They love warmth, humidity and water, but like to dry out between waterings. The long trailing stems with large eye-catching leaves help to add height and greenery to any kind of room. Alocasias like a lot of feeding, and larger plants will require more feed. However, the leaves are extremely toxic, so keep your pets away from them. 2. Alocasia is a miraculous plant that can come in colors ranging from silver to purple to red, and, of course, spectacular shades of green. This variety of Alocasia is one of the most tropical-looking species. Despite growing considerably tall and large, they dont require much soil space to flourish as their roots dont grow very deep. The leaves can be so dark that theyre almost black, featuring orange and red accents along the stem. HYBRID SUMMARY: Originally known as Alocasia x amazonica, this hybrid name was never validly registered and has been confirmed to be of horticultural origin. The Malaysian monster is a pretty small and slow-growing plant. The plant can usually only maintain two or three leaves at once, but they are large and noticeable in a sea of green plants. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity and temperatures between 65F and 80F (18C - 27C). Alocasias, commonly called Elephant Ears, are kept as both a house plant and an outdoor plant, particularly in areas with year-round warm weather. Whilst the leaves are most commonly green they can come in red, pink or variegated colours, and have a bumpy or coarse texture. Overwatering, overfertilization, and insufficient sunlight are all potential . Very slow to propagate but extremely beautiful plant. In this article, gardening and houseplant expert Madison Moulton walks through how to plant, grow, and care for anthurium crystallinum! Moderation is key when it comes to watering this plant or fertilizing it during the growing season. They usually . Because of its growth pattern, regular fertilizing with a weak solution will help the plant put out impressive foliage. I created this blog to give practical indoor plants care advice for first-time parent plants and small apartment dwellers. The Corazon Alocasia, sometimes called the blue metallic plant, is a variety of Alocasia best known for its shiny bluish-green leaves. It forms folds and crests on its sides. Namely, at the widest part of the leaf. The silvery leaves of the plant look like dragon scales with primary and secondary veins in dark green. If the hanging Philodendron plant doesnt get enough light, you may notice that the trailing vines become leggy with sparse foliage growth. The lacy tree Philodendron looks similar to the Xanadu plantand theres a good reason for that. Bunting Numerous Plants Claim the Common Name! The plant enjoys part shade and does best if grown in a soil that is organically rich and moist. HGTV has a good overview of caring for Calycanthus floridus. Its used as a topical medicine in some cultures, and in Laos and Thailand, the plant was often present in Buddhist temples, hence the nickname. This plant reminds you of the Calathea varieties with its dark green foliage and contrasting bright reddish-purple underside. As its name suggests, the leaves have a velvety texture with stunning iridescent foliage. In conclusion, philodendron leaves drip water due to the natural processes of transpiration and guttation. They can be identified by their arrowhead-shaped leaves that sit on tall petioles. This Alocasia variety is native to the Philippines. Heartleaf Philodendron ( Philodendron Hederaceum) The trailing vines of this adorable Philodendron grace windowsills and hanging baskets across the world. How to Care for Kris Plant (Alocasia Sanderiana). The Philodendron Congo Rojo is a large-leafed plant that has elongated oval-shaped leaves in various shades of red, burgundy, and dark green. The stems are thick and stocky, giving the plant an overall thick and sturdy appearance. From all of the varieties of houseplants to choose from, Philodendron plants are some of the easiest to look after. Crocus, gladioli . Whilst the leaves are most commonly green they can come in red, pink or variegated colours . The rare type of variegation changes from leaf to leaf and can even change color. Alocasia Mahani, which also has the same scientific name as its common name, grows small in stature. As mentioned, these huge plants can grow up to 15 feet tall. The Alocasia macrorrhizos, not to be confused with the Alocasia macrorrhiza, is an exotic-looking plant that brings an aura of simplicity and sophistication to your garden. Image: Flickr. While their original form is endangered, the houseplant variety is trendy. Depending on how the light shines on the leaves, the Philodendron plant can look dark green, light green, or bronze. Although not the easiest Alocasia to grow indoors, once you understand its requirements, youll manage to keep this plant happy even indoors. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity and temperatures between 65F and 80F (18C 27C). Create your account and enjoy a new shopping experience. The mission of the International Aroid Society is to provide information, assist in . It can reach up to 3 feet and is easier to grow than other Alocasias. Its not an ideal plant for indoor growing, so if you dont live in an area with a climate suitable for growing this plant outdoors, I recommend checking out the other Alocasia types I discuss in this article. Because of its manageable size the plant rarely ever gets taller than 20 inches its suitable for growing even in terrariums, where the warmth and high humidity will make this plant thrive. Hopefully, some of the Alocasia types I discussed have piqued your interest and youll find them in your local garden center. The leaves are big and long, creating an enticing appearance with interesting color and design. . The leaves can reach a length of 2 feet and a width of 1 foot. As one of the Jewel Alocasia types, the Cuprea features coppery-green and silver shimmering leaves with dark green primary veins. Once the leaves fully unfurl, the cataphylls tend to stay on the leaf, just . The Zebrina is guaranteed to steal the spotlight in any home. Its velvety leaves are sensitive to direct light and will easily scorch if not protected by the strong rays of the sun. The ideal temperature range for growing the Birkin plant is between 60F and 75F (18C 24C). This tropical plant species is especially susceptible to cold chills. However, it does involve removing your . They are a deep green leaves with complementing silver veins. Contrasting to the metallic and shiny leaves of the cuprea, the Alocasia micholitziana has soft velvet foliage. If there is too much sun the leaves will begin to burn and blister or become yellow; if the light is too dim the colour may begin to fade and the leaf will become brown. There are many different types of alocasia, so picking the perfect plant can be a bit of a challenge! This is the swollen base of the stem, enclosed by small dry leaves that protect it. Its care requirements are the same as for the Dragon Scale in that the plant needs moderate watering, high humidity, bright indirect light, and a fast-draining soil to avoid fungal root problems. It can also be a great plant to shade smaller plants around it. It has oval-shaped, split leaves that look similar to those of a . Another of the interesting Philodendron cultivars is the Prince of Orange. This Philodendron plant gets its name from the large coppery-orange leaves that emerge from it. Looking to add some alocasia to your indoor garden, but aren't quite sure where to start? Alocasias grows from a corm, while a Giant Philodendron has a regular root system. anyone think there's a difference between var macorrhiza and var frydek? Alocasias pair really well with Monstera Deliciosa for a tropical feel in your home. Read on to find out how many types of Alocasia plants there are and learn more about some of the most common varieties. And yes, this Alocasia has a lovely smell that is subtle but will breathe some life into your home or garden. 1. Waiting until the soil partly dries also helps to prevent problems with fungus gnats. However, the soil needs to stay moist between watering. The features of this pink plant are red stems and beautiful heart-shaped leaves. They are an incredibly vibrant green contrasted by pale cream-colored veins on each leaf. As the lacy tree Philodendron (Philodendron Selloum) grows and matures, its leaves become huge and start drooping. However, many houseplant varieties have heart-shaped leaves that are much smaller. Even though Alocasias like humid climates, their watering needs are less than you would think. This plant boasts gigantic crimped-looking leaves on very long magenta stems. | Top Tips to save Your Devils Ivy, Causes of Philodendron Birkin Brown Spots? There are botanical differences between the two, but one way to tell them apart is that Colocasia has leaves with the tips pointing down and most Alocasia have leaves pointing up. The difference between the two is that the Xanadu plant is a specific cultivar of this species. This plant will be an impressive statement in your home and bring an exotic feel. The velvety green heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 3 ft. (90 cm) high. The stems are a deep shade of brown, making the tiny plant look like a mini tree with massive leaves.