How to tell the difference between Alocasia and Colocasia?

gardenfanatic2003

7 months ago

Which one is this and why are the leaves sticking straight up? It doesn't usually do that.

Thanks,

Deanna

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Comments (5)

Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy
7 months ago
Colocasia
iochroma
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
Alocasia macrorrhiza.

The leaves will move into a more normal orientation when you situate it permanently.
gardenfanatic2003 thanked iochroma
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I love your Thai Giant. I used milorganite on my plumeria and brugs the last few years and they did really amazing. This last year I didn't use it. I can really see the difference with last few years they got monsterous and bloomed nonstop. This year they are not blooming near as much. I got a few seedpods on my Mojito this year. I don't know what they are crossed with or if it pollinated itself. One other colocasia you might like is Maui Magic. It has a purplish black shiny leaf and is very vigorous. Xanthosoma atrovirens (mickey mouse taro) the varigated form, is really pretty. I also like alocasia 'Stingray' that looks like little stingrays. I found them very tender (we got down to 17 last year) so protect them well.
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you have to remember that these plants are mostly grown outdoors and that the recommendation to shield it from hot afternoon sun is for OUTDOORS. indoors both colo/alo definitely need dappled part-sun: west/east windows. I only keep Alo 'Poly' indoors (several) and give them all sun I have: some in west some in east have several hours ev day: direct as well as thru the blinds when it gets really hot outside and by the window (over 85). Actually they do their best on my NE balcony where they get morning sun. it gets very hot there in july/aug probably 95F for an hour or so at 10am. and they love it. They grow best when temps are in the 80s. so perhaps you can put them outside on the balcony for a little while too.
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iochroma
7 months ago
@ Nicholsworth - where did you find that bit of hogwash?
iochroma
7 months ago
last modified: 7 months ago
I’ve grown rare aroids for about 50 years in CA and in Hawaii. In my travels to 11 countries I always see botanical gardens and large collections.

There is no easy one-sentence statement that can characterize the difference in these two genera. YOU may have individual plants that fit the ”rule”, but it doesn’t hold for all species.

More to the OP’s question: do you have an opinion on the ID?
fawnridge (Ricky)
7 months ago
Alocasia macrorrhiza "Californian" - a very common plant in South Florida landscaping. The leaves are straight up because they're stretching for the sun, and it appears as thought the plant has been overwatered.

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How to tell the difference between Alocasia and Colocasia?

Comments (5)

Mike the Fiddle Leaf Fig Guy

iochroma

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fawnridge (Ricky)

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