The Top 8 Alocasia Varieties to Grow in California

Alocasias are tropical plants known for their stunning, often colorful leaves that come in a variety of shapes and sizes While they originate in tropical jungles of Asia and Australia, many Alocasia varieties can thrive as houseplants or in outdoor gardens in California’s warm climate.

There are around 79 species of Alocasia, but some types make better houseplants while others prefer to be outdoors. I’ve compiled a list of the top 8 Alocasia varieties that do well indoors and outdoors in California based on my experience growing them.

Best Alocasia Varieties for California

1. Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’

The Alocasia ‘Polly’ is one of the most popular and readily available Alocasia varieties. It’s loved for its lush green leaves with contrasting white veins that give it a tropical look. ‘Polly’ stays fairly compact, reaching 2-3 feet tall and wide making it a great tabletop or floor plant. It thrives in bright indirect light indoors and partial sun outside.

2. Alocasia amazonica ‘Bambino’

‘Bambino’ is a miniature variety of A. amazonica that has the same leaf shape and veining as ‘Polly’ but stays under 1 foot tall. Its compact size makes it an excellent desk plant or terrarium specimen. Grow it in a peat-based potting mix and water when the top inch is dry.

3. Alocasia micholitziana ‘Frydek’

With velvety green leaves and white veins, ‘Frydek’ is known as the green velvet Alocasia. It has broader leaves than other varieties that point upward. ‘Frydek’ does well in medium to bright indirect light indoors, growing 2-3 feet tall. Keep the soil consistently moist.

4. Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’

True to its name, ‘Black Velvet’ has deep blackish-green leaves with a velvety texture. It’s a miniature variety that stays under 1 foot tall, making it ideal for terrariums and small plantings. Its dark foliage adds drama wherever its placed. Keep it evenly moist and give it medium to low indirect light.

5. Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’

This striking Alocasia has elongated green leaves covered in raised gray-green scales, giving it a reptilian look. The leaves arch outward and can reach over 3 feet long but the plant stays compact, under 3 feet tall. It thrives in bright, humid conditions. Mist frequently.

6. Alocasia cuprea ‘Red Secret’

Known for its burgundy-black leaves that emerge glowing red, ‘Red Secret’ makes a bold statement in indoor and outdoor spaces. Mature plants can reach 5 feet tall with 2-foot long leaves, so give it plenty of room to grow. Keep it out of direct sun which can burn the leaves.

7. Alocasia macrorrhiza ‘Giant Taro’

As its name implies, Giant Taro is an exceptionally large variety with gigantic heart-shaped leaves on tall 5-15 feet stems. It’s recommended for outdoor planting unless you have a sunroom or large greenhouse. Provide consistently moist, rich soil and partial to full shade. Protect from frost.

8. Alocasia portei

Alocasia ‘Portei’ stays smaller than many varieties at 1-2 feet tall. Its defining feature is the deeply lobed leaves that give it a prehistoric, dinosaur-like appearance. ‘Portei’ can be grown as a container plant indoors or planted in shady outdoor beds. Allow the soil to partially dry between waterings.

Growing Tips for Alocasia in California

• Plant in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Alocasias are prone to root rot in soggy soil.

• Water thoroughly when the top few inches of soil become dry and fertilize monthly in spring and summer.

• Provide bright, indirect light indoors and dappled shade outdoors. Direct hot sun burns the leaves.

• Increase humidity around the plants by misting the leaves daily or using a pebble tray.

• Keep indoor temperatures between 65-80°F and avoid drafts which can damage the leaves.

• Gradually acclimate outdoor plants before moving them outside in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

• Bring outdoor Alocasias inside before nighttime temps drop below 60°F in fall.

• Propagate by dividing rhizomes or tubers when repotting in spring.