With their huge , philia - forge leaves both elephant’s ear and colocasia are jazz as “ elephant spike ” plants . But while they share a similar uncouth name and tropical calculate elephant’s ear and colocasia are distinct flora genera with key difference .
In this guide we ’ll compare alocasia vs colocasia characteristic to avail you easily narrate these two elephant ear type apart .
Alocasia and Colocasia – An Overview
Alocasia and genus Colocasia are both plant life in the Araceae syndicate . They are native to tropical part of Asia and eastern Australia .
Some central facts :
There are around 70 - 80 species of alocasia and 6 - 7 species of genus Colocasia .
Both are maturate for their big , ornamental leaves rather than their flowers .
They flourish in warm , humid surroundings as houseplants or outdoor plant in tropical zones .
sure part are edible , specially genus Colocasia Tuber , but some species are toxic if rust .
While their huge folio and tropical beginning link up alocasia and colocasia , a closer looking reveals how these two plant genus disagree .
Why Are They Called Elephant Ears?
Both alocasia and colocasia get their common name “ elephant auricle ” plants from the shape and size of their leaves . The leaves are shaped like the gravid ears of elephants . Some have outstanding veining kindred to the nervure in an elephant ’s ear .
These tropical leaf plants can grow leaves quantify over 3 feet farseeing in some species ! When ripe , their folio are among the largest of any houseplant , evoking elephant ear .
Key Differences Between Alocasia and Colocasia Plants
Let ’s explore the main differences between elephant ear and genus Colocasia that place them aside :
Leaf Structure and Growth Habit
Alocasia leaves point upward and grow horizontally . The foliage tips or lobes point skywards .
Colocasia leaves point downward in a drooping fashion . The leaf peak bespeak toward the ground .
Alocasia have a more spreading , clumping development pattern . Colocasia turn from a fundamental corm in a more upright style .
Leaf Texture and Color
Alocasia leave have a smooth , almost leathery texture . Many have a bright or lustrous appearance .
Colocasia folio have a more matte , velvety close . The leaves are less glossy .
Alocasia leave come in various shades of green , often dark unripened . Some hybrids have black , grey , or silver flavour .
Colocasia leaves are normally solid green but also cast into black , gentle - unripe , royal , even speckled varieties .
Light Requirements
Alocasia favor bright , indirect visible light or partial shade . Direct sun scorches the leaves .
Colocasia thrive in full sunshine . They can bear more clear picture without leaf burning .
Moisture Needs and Habitats
Alocasia involve consistently dampish soil but can withstand casual dry period . They grow mundanely or as epiphyte .
Colocasia prefer sloughy dirt and standing weewee . Many produce semi - aquatically in marshes and wetland .
Hardiness and Uses
Most alocasia specie are not cold unfearing . They are primarily decorative houseplants or tropical outdoor plants .
Some genus Colocasia are raise for their eatable genus Tuber , especially taro , while others add tropical flair as houseplant . sure colocasia defy cool climate .
As you’re able to see , everything from the foliage structure to the light and weewee preference differ between alocasia and genus Colocasia .
Examples of Popular Alocasia and Colocasia Varieties
There are around 80 species of alocasia and 7 species of genus Colocasia . Here are some of the most popular varieties :
Common Alocasia Varieties
Common Colocasia Varieties
As you denounce for elephant ear , use the leaf characteristics to limit whether you have an alocasia vs genus Colocasia .
Caring for Alocasia and Colocasia Plants
Both elephant ear and colocasia require the following basics for healthy growth :
quick temperature – Ideal between 70 - 80 ° F . Keep above 60 ° degree Fahrenheit .
gamey humidity – Mist leaves and provide ambient wet .
Bright , collateral light – Some Dominicus for colocasia . Shade for alocasia .
Loose , humus - rich potting mix – With good drainage and aeration .
Frequent tearing – Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy .
Good air circulation – tolerate blank between leaves .
fertiliser – utilise a balanced houseplant food during growing season .
While they share these core need , there are still some care dispute :
Caring for Alocasia
leave burnished , collateral visible radiation or fond sun . lineal sunlight burn leave of absence .
water system thoroughly when top column inch of soil is dry . Do n’t oversaturate the soil .
apply a potting mix amended with perlite , orchid barque , or coconut coir for drain .
Pick a sheltered outdoor spot or vivid indoor distance away from draughty field .
Caring for Colocasia
Give colocasia full sun to partial shade outdoors . Indoors , cater ample bright twinkle .
Keep the stain consistently soaked . Much gamey moisture needs than alocasia .
Use a weewee - retentive potting mix richly in constitutional issue like peat or compost .
Can be grown in marshy areas or near water features out of doors .
While alocasia and colocasia both have enceinte , venose leaves and command humidity , their individual tutelage needs differ . An alocasia would not expand being treated exactly like a genus Colocasia and vice versa .
acknowledge key plant machine characteristic helps provide each genus with proper care .
Similarities Between Alocasia and Colocasia Plants
Although alocasia and colocasia have some notable differences , they do partake the following similarities :
Both have very large , arrowhead or shield - work leaf .
Their leaves may be smooth or have profoundly veined patterns .
mature from tuberous rhizome or corms rather than seeds .
Prefer warm temperature between 70 - 80 ° F .
ask eminent humidity levels to expand .
Produce Zantedeschia aethiopica lily - corresponding flowers but are uprise for their foliation .
Their leafage stalks come forth from a central position .
involve fertilization during the active growing season .
Can be propagate by dividing their tubers and rhizomes .
So while far from monovular , alocasia and colocasia do overlap in some care need and physical calibre that reflect their shared category lineage .
Should You Grow Alocasia or Colocasia?
When opt between these tropical leaf industrial plant , consider :
Your light-headed precondition – Colocasia for sunny spots , alocasia for fond wraith .
Your watering habits – Colocasia if you tend to overwater , elephant ear if you allow plants dry out out .
Hardiness and employ – Colocasia if you want to harvest edible tubers , alocasia for cosmetic purposes .
Leaf direction – Upward leaves fit alocasia , downward leaves play off colocasia .
Mature sizing – pluck colocasia for taller plant life , alocasia for slightly small height .
For most homeowners , alocasia may be the good elephant ear choice as they are more forgiving if you neglect a watering and require less direct sunlight . But colocasia work attractively poolside where their moisture motivation can be meet .
Either way , both elephant’s ear and genus Colocasia are incredible plants if provided with suited growing consideration . Let your setup and preferences guide you to the correct elephant ear works for your indoor or outdoor place .
How to Tell the Difference: Alocasia vs. Colocasia
Here ’s a quick summary of the central head that specialize alocasia and colocasia works :
Alocasia leaves point upward ; colocasia leaves point downward
Alocasia leave of absence are glossy ; genus Colocasia leafage have a matte texture
Alocasia need shade ; colocasia necessitate full sun
Alocasia have a clunking development drug abuse ; colocasia grow from a key corm
Alocasia prefer evenly moist grease ; colocasia like swampy dirt
Colocasia tubers are often edible ; alocasia are primarily cosmetic
By assessing the leaf social structure and direction , increment habit , light and urine needs , you’re able to accurately identify whether an elephant ear works is an alocasia or genus Colocasia .
Achieve Tropical Impact with Elephant Ears
While distinctly different plant , both elephant ear and colocasia make excellent additions to tropical - mode garden thanks to their bold foliage .
With their shared indigence for heat energy , humidness and bright collateral brightness , you’re able to create an alien indoor jungle or succulent outdoor haven using a combining of both elephant ear types .
Just be indisputable to render each variety with its preferred grow conditions for optimum health . con to recognise the signature tune differences between alocasia vs colocasia , and you ’ll bonk precisely how to care for your magnificent elephant ears !
Alocasia vs Colocasia Leaves:
The leave-taking of these two plant are the obvious difference to them . The stiff prospicient leaf stems , of the Alocasia extend further into the leave . As a result , most Alocasia leave unremarkably point up give it a unique style compared to the Colocasia . Colocasia link down from the pass in the leaves which leave the folio to droop downwards . This is an easy optical elbow room to tell these plants apart . Plants with leaves that power point up are usually Alocasias , and plants with leave-taking that detail down are normally Colocasias .
The differences between Alocasia and Colocasia – Elephant Ears
FAQ
How to recount the difference between Colocasia and Alocasia ?
What is the difference between caladium Alocasia and Colocasia ?
What is the difference between Alocasia and taro plant ?
Why are Alocasia so hard to give care for ?
