difference between alocasia and philodendron

Philodendron Brasil is a variegated type of Philodendron which is a cultivar of the heartleaf Philodendron. Alocasia Yucatan Princess . Any of several climbing plants, of the genus Philodendron, native to America and the West Indies that are often grown as house plants. Ideally, the sunlight should never shine directly on the foliage. Philodendron houseplants have been a mainstay of indoor gardens for over a hundred years and are prized for their low maintenance nature. To add to its appeal, it has a silvery green stem, which brings another unique color to the plant. The leaves resemble elongated maple leaves, with their pointed and scooped edges. The ideal location for Alocasia 'Polly' and Alocasia amazonica is actually a greenhouse where humidity and temperature can be controlled. By Jason White Just make sure its never sitting in water. You will rarely find it in wild. If you love unique and rare plants, include this silver plant on your must-have list. It can reach up to 3 feet and is easier to grow than other Alocasias. If the hanging Philodendron plant doesnt get enough light, you may notice that the trailing vines become leggy with sparse foliage growth. Also known by the n ame Pink Princess, it's the most adorable variety of philodendron. The leaves are 6 - 9 i. This specific species of Philodendron prefers shaded areas or low light conditions. Both species of Philodendron are from the same speciesP. These have a more silvery color to the leaves and typically sprout many more leaves than the dragon scale variety. Green Thumbs Garden. The vining plant has thick stems with small heart-shaped leaves that have glossy appearance. All Alocasia leaves emerge from a corm. Average room temperatures are perfect for growing Philodendrons, so keep even temperatures of between 65F and 80F (18C 27C). However, it is small compared with other Alocasia varieties, so dont expect it to grow more than two feet in height. so adding some small bark/coir chips and perlite to houseplant soil will be good. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton takes you through each step to plant, grow, and care for begonia maculata. There are many varieties of plants to choose from to spruce up your home or patio area. You can grow this Philodendron in containers and prune it regularly to maintain a bushy shape. This type of Alocasia is easier to maintain, a lot harder and more resilient than smaller ones. All Alocasias need high humidity levels of no less than 60%. At Home With Hues 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. Its velvety leaves are sensitive to direct light and will easily scorch if not protected by the strong rays of the sun. It has large glossy leaves in bright green. They are a very popular houseplant, due to their low maintenance nature, and their beautiful leaves. Despite its nickname, this variety of Alocasia doesnt have that fuzzy, velvet appearance. The heart shaped leaves of philodendron Micans have a velvety feel. With too little light, the plant can grow lopsided or even leggy. Normally, the color pattern that Alocasia leaves feature is white or light green veins on a dark or medium dark green backdrop. 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. The lacy tree Philodendron looks similar to the Xanadu plantand theres a good reason for that. That is, if youre up for the challenge of caring for their high humidity needs. The best place to grow a Philodendron moonlight indoors is on a bright windowsill that is shaded from the sun. And yes, this Alocasia has a lovely smell that is subtle but will breathe some life into your home or garden. Here are some of the main care differences between Alocasia and Colocasia plants: Light. A rich burgundy petiole or stem supports the leaves. 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 black leaves add a dramatic look that will catch the attention of visitors and other plant lovers. Free shipping for many products! The plant is rare, but gardeners find it to be relatively low maintenance, as long as your zone is right. The blushing Philodendron is a cultivar from the same species as the Pink Princess plant. The leaves are a vivacious green and have a smooth, silky texture. However, because Anthuriums grow in the moss and leaf litter of tree branches in their native environments, they prefer something more akin to an orchid mix. Coming from subtropical and tropical regions, Philodendron plants need high levels of humidity. 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! These leaves are bright green with lighter veins and shiny surface. The erect spadix is covered in small white flowers, enclosed in a spathe shaped like a boat, similar to lily plants. Namely, at the widest part of the leaf. The black velvet variety of Alocasia is a stunning little plant. They are usually lush green and can have cream or cerise variegation. The green heartleaf Philodendron is a vining type of plant with dark-green leaves in a hearts shape. Theme by 17th Avenue. Alocasia are also known as "elephant ears" due to their size and shape, while philodendron leaves are more elliptical in shape. The large and hardier Alocasia are perfect for beginner to intermediate gardeners, like the taro or the portodora. However, variegated Philodendron plants need bright, filtered light. As its a tropical plant, the Philodendron loves humid environments and will thrive in a bathroom or kitchen. It can reach a length of around 4-6 feet indoors, and allowed to grow freely. The Polly plant reminds some of the traditional African mask patterns because of the adorned leaves with ribs in a light green white. The Morocco Alocasia has a light pink stem that grows straight up, supporting dark green, shiny foliage with bolded white veins. A mature Birkin plant will take a few years to reach its maximum height of around 3 ft. (1 m). You can see the distinctive white veining of the genus, complemented with the arrowhead shape. But it can also make for a beautiful indoor plant. Fungal bodies may appear as black dots in the spots, either in rings or in a central cluster. But if you live in a temperate or dryer climate, you can still keep these beautiful houseplants in your home. The deep green color fits perfectly with the rugged texture of the leaves. Alocasia can be grown both indoors and outdoors, but its become more popular recently as a houseplant. Is an Alocasia a philodendron? Outside of their natural habitat, these plants will do great in greenhouses but also in indoor living spaces if you can maintain an optimal environment. Moonligh cultivar has lime green leaves and is non climbing type of philodendron. This makes them suitable for intermediate to expert plant parents. This post is about the different types of Alocasia plants, how to identify them including photos of the Alocasia varieties and some basic care tips. The Dragon Scale Alocasia thrives in high humidity, something that can be a challenge to maintain indoors without a humidifier or misting. The information will help you tell the differences between the various philodendron types. The Philodendron will grow in low-light environments, but the vibrancy of its leaves may fade. In contrast, colocasia tubers are large, smaller, and encircled by striped bands. Although this large-leafed exotic looking type of Philodendron is a vining plant, regular pruning can give it a bushy appearance. 9 Unbelievably Fragile and Delicate Houseplants to Care For, 11 Best Unkillable Houseplants to Start Caring For, Is Homemade Bug Sprays Safe For Petunias? This species of Philodendron is related to the heartleaf plant and has leaves of a similar shape. 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. Moderation is key when it comes to watering this plant or fertilizing it during the growing season. It can have fiery orange colors and red or purple undertones to the deep green leaves, making for an interesting plant because you never know what it will look like when it grows. The leaves are heart-shaped with meaty white veins running over them, making for an outstanding contrast between the colors. Many of the leaves are green, but many will also take on a lustrous silvery-gray color. Philodendron Florida Ghost Propagation. They are multi-colored, with different shades of green and cream, creating a pattern that makes the leaves look like an abstract oil painting. Ideally, a bright room with a window covered by shutters or thin curtains would be best, but your plant should be fine if kept out of direct light. The plants I have originated from two places. All blog comments are checked prior to publishing, 40 - 50cm Zamioculcas Zamifolia 14cm Pot House Plant, 40 - 50cm Philodendron Jose Buono 15cm Pot, 20 - 30cm Monstera Standleyana Variegated 12cm Pot, 10 - 15cm Monstera Oblique Peru Obliqua 9cm Pot, 20 - 30cm Anthurium Hookeri Variegated Birds Nest Variegata 12cm Pot, 15 - 25cm Treubii Moonlight Pothos Scindapsus 12cm Pot House Plant, 20 - 30cm Aglaonema Cherry Baby Chinese Evergreen 12cm Pot House Plant, 20 - 30cm String of Hearts Ceropegia Woodii in 14cm Hanging Pot, Calathea Roseopicta Green Prayer Plant House Plant 6cm Pot, 15 - 25cm Philodendron Scandens Pothos 12cm Pot House Plant, 25cm Serenity Stout Planter Black/Bown Plant Pot, 25cm Diamond Planter Grey/Silver Plant Pot, 24cm Maine Round Planter Grey/White Plant Pot, 24cm Maine Round Planter Terracotta/White Plant Pot. In this article, we look at the many different alocasia varieties to help you decide which one to add to your plant collection! As the name implies, this flowering bush has a strong, sweet fragrance. The stem of the Macrorrhiza stingray is striped, similar to the Alocasia zebrina, but less brightly colored. Therefore, they dont react well to harsh light and prefer bright, indirect lighting. Philodendron Congo Rojo has purple, burgundy and dark green foliage. Your Philodendron will clasp onto anything it can to climb, so it is best to get to climb where you want it to. Whilst both have similar requirements, an Alocasia will struggle in a draughty or cold house, and many Philodendron varieties will suffer if not able to climb. Cataphylls are sheath-like leaves that protect a new developing leaf. Alocasia varieties need shade to full sunlight depending on the variety. & How to fix them, ZZ Plant Care Guide | Watering, Lighting & Other Tips, Philodendron Giganteum Care Guide For Beginners, Alocasia Black Velvet Care | A Complete Guide. The plant features green, glossy leaves and enjoys bright, indirect light and evenly moist soil. When new leaves grow, the leaves can be a pinkish-purple color. This vining plant is extremely easy to grow and only requires occasional watering when the soil is partly dry. Cut a 5-inch portion of the stem of an existing plant, making sure the cutting contains at least one leaf and a node. Jewel-like shades of green and purple draw attention to this plant. Alocasias in the wild grow under the canopies of tall trees. This plant is medium height. The Alocasia cuprea has the most intricate and unusual color scheme of all the Alocasia varieties. What is the difference between Alocasia amazonica and Alocasia Polly? The most important care requirement is to protect them from direct sunlight. Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. The leaves of the plant may look sturdy, but they can get scorched if exposed to excess sunlight. Its a compact Alocasia, which grows only to about a foot tall. The tips are pointed in the upward direction. Brasil cultivar is a type of variegated heartleaf Philodendron. 2. True to the Aolcasias appearance, their large foliage also has bolded silver veins and is propped on erect petioles. You should aerate the soil to ensure efficient drainage. In lower light conditions the leaves will be more vibrant. Colocasia vs Alocasia. Ideally a position near a sunny window, but out of direct contact with the suns rays is ideal. Alocasias, commonly called Elephant Ears, are kept as both a house plant and an outdoor plant, particularly in areas with year-round warm weather. They look more exotic than other Alocasia varieties, making them a popular plant among gardeners that want something different. PSize: 27-35 inches tall. The Alocasia sanderiana is similar to the polly species, showing off shiny dark green foliage with emphasized creamy-white veins and a thin outline. don't use just straight soiless mix, add at least 40% by volume of other stuff. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity and temperatures between 65F and 80F (18C 27C). If you want something unique in your home, this plant will wow your plant-loving friends and become a fixture in your home. These tropical plants can grow up to 18 inches tall, making them stunning and compact ornamental plants. Alocasias like a lot of feeding, and larger plants will require more feed. Apply a well-balanced liquid feed through the spring and summer frequently or small amounts of granular feed. Sun Exposure: Indirect sunlight. Philodendron is a completely different genus from Pothos (which is the common name for plants in the Epipremnum genus), and really mostly refers to Epipremnum aureum. The Alocasia portodora can grow to be quite large. Alocasia zebrina generally likes average room temperature. The leaves of this variety range between 4 and 6 inches, while the height of the plant ranges from 40 to 80 inches. But the stem is the enticing part of this Alocasia, as it is a soft shade of beige spotted and striped with dark brown, making it look exotic and beautiful. The Amazonica reaches a height and spread of about two feet. This is probably one of the most defining features you can immediately tell if either one is an Alocasia or a Giant Philodendron. Many philodendrons, including the aptly-named and very common heartleaf philodendron, have more heart-shaped leaves that are thinner with a soft texture. Their arrowhead-shape and fan-like folded leaves can help identify this Alocasia. While some of these plants are too large to be kept indoors, there are many that . While this plant can be tricky to find, its a breeze to take care of as it doesnt need a ton of light or a ton of water. With almost 100 varieties of Alocasias, choosing your perfect match can be overwhelming. Whilst the leaves are most commonly green they can come in red, pink or variegated colours, and have a bumpy or coarse texture. It grows up to 14 in (36 cm) in total. This Alocasia variety is native to the Philippines. By accessing this website we assume you accept our. Alocasia and colocasia do not grow from seeds; instead, they grow from a small tuber or bulb. Also known as the Night-Scented Lily, the Alocasia Odora is an upright growing variety that can reach a height of 4-8 feet. Grown outside of its natural habitat, the Alocasia odora performs best in greenhouses, but also in shade gardens, where the climate allows growing this plant outdoors. The plant is resilient and will put up with less than ideal conditions for a while before its health declines. Thinking of propagating a new houseplant from just leaves, but aren't sure which one is the best fit for your indoor garden space? The Zebrina enjoys bright, indirect light and lots of humidity. The nickname, Elephant Ear, applies to several other genera of plants, such as Alocasia, Colocasia, and Xanthosoma. Also known as the Kris plant or the African mask plant, Alocasia sanderiana is a stunning tropical plant people love. You should allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering your Philodendron. Its hard not to be mesmerized by this striking variety of Alocasia. The vine grows up to a length of 3m (10 feet) in open ground. This plant can grow up to 8-feet wide and over 15-feet tall! Due to this familial connection, they share many common features but they are different plants. This plant has uniquely shaped foliage, where the tips narrow to a string size and the base remains round in shape, representing the outline of a stingray. Many people will likely think this is a fake plant because of how thick the leaves are it can sometimes look like plastic or cardboard. The plant typically grows fast and to a large size, so make sure you give it plenty of space to flourish. An Alocasia type with high ornamental value, the Lauterbachiana features long and narrow leaves with wavy edges. It enjoys moderate watering and humidity. Philodendron Florida Beauty Varieties. Many of the leaves are green, but many will also take on a lustrous silvery-gray color. Its important to check under the leaves for white dots or webbing. It has a unique peach-pink variegated foliage, and each leaf is unique in shape. Anne Russel Viburnum. Begonias are an extremely popular indoor and outdoor plant. According to research, caladium leaves have the highest level of diversity compared to other popular aroids, such as alocasia, philodendron, and even Syngonium. philodendron, (genus Philodendron), approximately 450 species of stout-stemmed climbing herbs of the family Araceae, native to tropical America. 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 leaves have a red underside which is easily seen because Alocasia tips and leaves face upwards. The rugosa Alocasia has the thickest and most heavily textured leaves out of all the species. This Alocasia variety usually offers more stems and, therefore, a fuller-looking foliage compared to others in the genus. 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. The confusion arises because Monstera were originally considered to be Philodendron (which how they got the nickname "Split leaf Philodendron"). The monstera certainly looks and acts like a philodendron, even though it isn't classified as one. Always water your green, leafy plant by thoroughly soaking or drenching the soil. In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton examines her top tips for keeping your African Violets blooming indoors as long as possible! The rarest philodendron is the Philodendron Pink Princess, which was initially discovered in Northern Colombia. Alocasia melo has a striking appearance with its deep dark oval leaves with a distinct point at the end of each one. The velvety green heart-shaped leaves can grow up to 3 ft. (90 cm) high. 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. While this plant is just one color, the deep grooves and texture of the plant give a geometric look and an oomph to the overall feel of the plant. Once you see its striped and spotted pattern on its stem, youll understand why it gets so many animalistic nicknames. Giant Alocasia taros are one of the biggest and fastest growing amongst the Alocasia genus. They often have distinct veins that contrast in color to the rest of the leaf. Aroid is the common name for members of the Araceae family of plants, sometimes known as the Philodendron or Arum family. Its a plant with vigorous growth, when kept in ideal conditions. While people still navigate to popular plants like the pothos genus, or philodendron genus, more and more houseplant owners are looking for plants like the Alocasia to diversify their indoor gardens. Better known as the Alocasia Polly, this type of Alocasia features dark green, V-shaped leaves with thick, protruding primary veins that are light green. Its leaves are its best feature, and with very little care, the plant will grow in quickly and plentifully, adding volume and depth to your plant collection. Rightfully so, this plant is the trendiest and most insta-worthy out of all the Alocasias on this list. The plant does particularly well when located near a water source like a small pond, so if you have one in your backyard, this plant will thrive. While these species are native to Asia and Eastern Australia, many new types of Alocasia hybrids have been created all over the world and kept as decorative houseplants. Vastly different from other Alocasias arrow-shaped foliage, the purple sword Alocasia gets its name from the long slender leaves that point towards the sky. If the plants grow in brighter light conditions, the leaf color tends to be better. PHILODENDRON WHITE WIZARD *Variegated Aroid* White Variegata + FREE HEAT. 2. This plant boasts gigantic crimped-looking leaves on very long magenta stems. The fluorescent green foliage can brighten up any shaded corner of a room. Due to its unique look, the begonia maculata has become more popular in recent years as both an indoor and outdoor cultivar. This is the swollen base of the stem, enclosed by small dry leaves that protect it. 15 Types of Alocasia Plants Rare & Popular Varieties. The key difference between Alocasia and philodendron is that Alocasia has a large, prominent, heart-shaped leaf with a distinct waxy sheen, while philodendron has a large, glossy, smooth leaf. However, the true Pink Princess has natural leaf variegation that will last as long as the plant does. 20 percent peat moss; 20 percent orchid bark with charcoal; 10 percent shredded sphagnum moss and a handful of perlite. This variety needs a little less light and can survive in lower light conditions. The stems are thick and green and grow very tall, holding up the cupped leaves. The most noticeable feature of this plant is that the leaves tend to grow to various sizes, making for a unique cascading appearance. Philodendron gloriosum is easy to care for and the green velvety leaves are just stunning. Heartleaf philodendron is commonly grown in hanging baskets, dish gardens and as groundcover in larger planters. Alocasia and Colocasia are often clumped together and are commonly known as elephant ear plants. Heartleaf Philodendron ( Philodendron Hederaceum) The trailing vines of this adorable Philodendron grace windowsills and hanging baskets across the world. The stem is like a mini tree trunk, providing a super study base for the large leaves and a tropical-looking plant. The silvery leaves of the plant look like dragon scales with primary and secondary veins in dark green. This Alocasia dragon scale, commonly known as the dragon scale, is noteworthy because of the scale-like textured foliage. Stick the stem in a glass of water, making sure the node is submerged. Mature leaves on macrorrhizos have no leaf tissue between the "ears" (where the petiole joins the blade) while odora/calidora have leaf tissue between the "ears". Elephant Ear Bulb Myth. If the plant is over or under watered, the leaves will begin to droop so you should adjust your watering schedule accordingly and the leaves will quickly bounce back. These are usually noticeable by the nodes where the petioles, i.e., leaf stalks, will grow. Be sure to keep a wet pebble tray close by or group plants close together next to a humidifier. While both Monstera and Philodendron belong the the Araceae family, they are two different plant species. Alocasia Amazonica. Many species begin life as vines and then transform into epiphytes (plants that live upon other plants). They usually . Does your pothos plant need repotting? Upright Philodendron plants usually have large, split leaves. This type of Philodendron can be grown as a hanging plant or climbing plant. Philodendron Birkin is variegated philodendron with delicate creamy-white pinstripes. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. It has dramatically large leaves with a dark green sheen. The plant enjoys part shade and does best if grown in a soil that is organically rich and moist. While pothos comes with thick and glossy leaves, a philodendron has a matte finish with elongated tips. For more information on how tocare for your Philodendron plants, please read our full guide. Its called Tiger Taro because of its bushy leaves and striped pattern but is also one of the most resilient species. One of the simpler Alocasia varieties, the Cucullata can still impress with its elegant stalks and heart-shaped leaves. It is low growing with a height of three feet tall and five feet wide. The stems are thin and long, but they support large dark green leaves you would expect to encounter in the jungle. If you love types of Alocasia with an exotic look, the Yucatan Princess delivers a tropical feeling that youll be obsessed with. The leaves are very glossy and leather-like, like many Alocasia varieties. It's the perfect plant for small spaces! The leaves can reach 6-feet in length and 4-feet wide. As the lacy tree Philodendron (Philodendron Selloum) grows and matures, its leaves become huge and start drooping. Looking closely at pictures of this Philodendron, youll notice intricate patterns on the dark green heart-shaped leaves. Copyright 2023 - Plant Index. And it isnt hard to keep them healthy, as they are a low-maintenance Alocasia, especially when kept indoors. Proper site preparation ensures years of growth and once established they will not require weed control. Another difference between these two philodendrons is their leaf color. Eventually, roots form from the node, and the process is a new plant. The Pink Princess hybrid is a type of Philodendron plant with green and pink variegated leaves. Both overwatering and over-fertilizing can damage the plant quickly. Colocasia tubers are also known as taro and are used for food in Hawaii. The undersides of the leaves are also interesting, sporting a reddish color that only adds to the appeal of this plant. The primary difference between pothos and philodendron are their leaves. Feed your plant with a well-balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser. They also go dormant in winter and therefore need to be watered less frequently during this season. Here are some of the most popular and a few of the most interesting Alocasia varieties you should consider: One look at the Dragon Scale Alocasia and youll immediately understand its appeal. True split-leaf Philodendron has an entirely different leaf texture than a Monstera. Water any type of Philodendron when the top layer of soil has dried out. They will just require extra attention, like regular misting with a spray bottle or placing a wet pebble tray close by. Under certain conditions, the leaves can be a grayish-blue color, which is stunning in your garden of green. These cultivars are called cream splash Philodendron and are difficult to find, even online. Depending on how the light shines on the leaves, the Philodendron plant can look dark green, light green, or bronze. Wash the leaves regularly . Philodendron Prince of Orange gets its name from its orange-colored new leaves. The name makes many think it grows rapidly and is quite large, but this isnt usually the case. With three distinct points and wavy edges, the ruffled dark green foliage tends almost to curl inwards. The Samar variety of Alocasia has sharp, dagger-shaped leaves with a deep green color and gentle sheen. This alocasia is by far one of the flashiest and most unique out of them all. Its not a particularly fussy Alocasia and needs the same care and attention as most other Alocasia varieties need.