Alocasia is a genus full of eye-catching foliage plants. Polly, Frydek and Silver Dragon are three of the most popular, and each suits a different type of grower.
Alocasia Polly (Amazonica)
Dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with bold white veins. It stays compact at 40 to 60 cm, making it great for shelves and desks. It is the easiest of the three, but still dislikes wet soil.
Alocasia Frydek (Green Velvet)
Velvety, deep green leaves with silver-white veins. It grows taller, up to 90 cm, and loves humidity. Leaves feel like velvet to the touch.
Alocasia Silver Dragon
A small, slow-growing Alocasia with silvery, scaly-textured leaves and dark veins. It is compact and collectible, and a good choice for terrariums and humid cabinets.
Comparison at a glance
- Easiest: Polly.
- Most velvety: Frydek.
- Most compact and unusual: Silver Dragon.
Shared care rules
All three want bright, indirect light, warm temperatures above 18 degrees Celsius and an airy soil mix. Water only when the top 3 to 4 cm is dry and never let the pot stand in water. Wipe leaves regularly to prevent spider mites.
Browse rare Alocasia bulbs and plants in our Alocasia collection.