difference between alocasia and philodendron

This simple plant will add some character to your garden, as despite its understated appearance, it is distinct from many other plants. In contrast to what the "Amazonica" epithet suggests, the plant does not originate from the Amazon jungle or region, as Alocasia is strictly an Asian genus . An Alocasia type with high ornamental value, the Lauterbachiana features long and narrow leaves with wavy edges. The odd shape and texture make it popular among those that love an unusual tropical plant. As the name implies, this flowering bush has a strong, sweet fragrance. Find more information about the best fertilizers for Philodendron in our article about the best fertilizers for indoor plants. More compact than amazonica. They look more exotic than other Alocasia varieties, making them a popular plant among gardeners that want something different. Weekly email gardening tips, product reviews and discounts. Alocasias in the wild grow under the canopies of tall trees. In lower light conditions the leaves will be more vibrant. This is a plant that will love a bathroom or kitchen. Humidity: philodendron likes high humidity, between 60 and 80%!Mist spray it regularly or use a saucer as a "water tank" to keep humidity high. The corm of colocasia has a less rounded shape. It is rare to find this variety of Philodendron in garden centers or even online. The largest Alocasia is the Alocasia macrorrhiza, more commonly called the giant taro. As the leaves mature, they gradually turn to darker shades of green. Known as the Giant Taro plant, this variety is not taro but has similar stems and leaves to the root vegetable. Philodendron Prince of Orange gets its name from its orange-colored new leaves. Water should easily drain out the pots drainage holes. A few tell-tale differences between pothos and philodendrons are the overall shape and texture of the leaves. The plants I have originated from two places. The veins on the leaves are pronounced and typically a dark shade of green that gives the leaves the appearance of depth and texture. Their arrowhead-shape and fan-like folded leaves can help identify this Alocasia. The fluorescent green foliage can brighten up any shaded corner of a room. The glossy surface of the leaves makes it commonly known as the Mirror Plant. There are a number of houseplants that can grow from leaves alone, provided they have the right care. It's the perfect plant for small spaces! Its mature height is 2 feet tall and wide. The vine grows up to a length of 3m (10 feet) in open ground. Instead of an arrow, its foliage is described as sword shaped, with each Alocasia leaf reaching almost 2-feet. It grows in partial-full shade to fill the darker spots in your garden. This guide will help you to choose which of these plants is best for you and provide you with some care tips and tricks for each. Like nearly all of the most popular houseplants in the UK both of these species are members of the Araceae family of tropical plants. There are two true species of philodendron that also go by the name split-leaf philodendron: Philodendron bipinnatifidum and Philodendron selloum. My name is Nicholas Holt and I am the Editor and Owner of this fine establishment. Green Thumbs Garden. 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. As its a tropical plant, the Philodendron loves humid environments and will thrive in a bathroom or kitchen. Read on to find out how many types of Alocasia plants there are and learn more about some of the most common varieties. A moss pole or plant support are the best things for this. Sometimes the green leaves can be so huge that they need some support. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi Im Donna-Kay and I am a recovering ex-serial plant killer and cat mama. The stems are thick and green and grow very tall, holding up the cupped leaves. It has a unique peach-pink variegated foliage, and each leaf is unique in shape. The Alocasia is a plant species native to the subtropics of Asia and eastern Australia. And it isnt hard to keep them healthy, as they are a low-maintenance Alocasia, especially when kept indoors. People talk about their bulb, or tuber, but the growth is actually a corm, which is a swollen stem. Alocasia amazonica 'Ivory Coast'. 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. Alocasia Amazonica. The Tiger Taro has beautiful leaves that are a dark green color with bright white or cream-colored veins that create a distinct striped pattern. You May Also Like: 20 Beautiful Alocasia Varieties with Pictures. Shape of the Leaves. selloum or P. bipinnatifidum. The most popular philodendron types: Common Philodendron plants are the heartleaf Philodendron with its long trailing foliage, the velvet-leaf plant, the Brasil Philodendron cultivar, and the stunning Pink Princess. The hooded dwarf Alocasia is also commonly known as the buddhas hand. The Amazonica reaches a height and spread of about two feet. They love warmth, humidity and water, but like to dry out between waterings. The Stingray is a popular variety of Alocasia because of its dramatic ornamental leaves that offer a dazzling appearance. Water Quality: Pure water is generally more ideal because most Aroids are epiphytes and will be adapted to rain water (pH of 5.5-6) which naturally has a low mineral content.However, from my own experience, alkaline tap water can work - provided you take action to make it more hospitable and lower the pH. In conclusion, philodendron leaves drip water due to the natural processes of transpiration and guttation. The plant enjoys part shade and does best if grown in a soil that is organically rich and moist. Coming from subtropical and tropical regions, Philodendron plants need high levels of humidity. The Philodendron is a tropical plant native to the Caribbean, Columbia and Venezuela. 2. How to Revive a Dying Pothos Plant? In this article, gardening expert Madison Moulton examines her top tips for keeping your African Violets blooming indoors as long as possible! The plant has large pointy leaves but still has an air of delicacy due to its thin, wispy stems and spacious appearance. i own a var macorrhiza and don't know whether to buy a var frydek as they're . Each of them has arrow-shaped (rather large) leaves, boast similar-looking flowers, and they are all critter-resistant. Despite its rarity, the plant is extremely low maintenance, making it a favorite of home gardeners. Thinking of adding a monstera as a houseplant, or perhaps in your ornamental outdoor garden? The plant stays at around 1-2 feet tall with leaves that are 20 inches long and 10 inches wide. Water with room temperature water. 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". Put it under the required conditions and give it the recommended Philodendron Florida Ghost care. If the hanging Philodendron plant doesnt get enough light, you may notice that the trailing vines become leggy with sparse foliage growth. Pothos, on the other hand, have leaves that are thicker and waxier. There are even more differences that we will get into in a while. If you love types of Alocasia with an exotic look, the Yucatan Princess delivers a tropical feeling that youll be obsessed with. The undersides of the leaves are also interesting, sporting a reddish color that only adds to the appeal of this plant. Alocasia plants are a collection of tuberous or rhizomatous perennial plants that are flowering in nature. Their arrowhead-shape and fan-like folded leaves can help identify this Alocasia. They are a deep green leaves with complementing silver veins. Looking closely at pictures of this Philodendron, youll notice intricate patterns on the dark green heart-shaped leaves. 14 min read, 11 Tips To Keep Your African Violets Blooming Indoors, How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Philodendron Gloriosum, How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Anthurium Crystallinum, How to Repot a Pothos Plant in 5 Easy Steps, How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Begonia Maculata, Monstera Varieties: 16 Different Types of Monstera Plants. This plant is relatively easy to care for, but like all varieties, it loves humidity. If you want something that will make a statement, this variety, sometimes called silver velvet, is a gorgeous option. 1. Despite its nickname, this variety of Alocasia doesnt have that fuzzy, velvet 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? These have a more silvery color to the leaves and typically sprout many more leaves than the dragon scale variety. Because of this, it is typically easier to care for indoors where the elements are controlled. The best place to grow a Prince of Orange Philodendron is in a bright spot, away from direct sunlight. In this article and corresponding video, gardening expert Logan Hailey teaches you how to repot your pothos plant in 5 easy steps! The difference between philodendron and alocasia. The Alocasia cuprea is a native of humid areas, Borneo in particular. Its not a particularly fussy Alocasia and needs the same care and attention as most other Alocasia varieties need. The pointed, oval leaves flare upward, so they make little bowls that catch the rain and direct it to the soil and roots. How to care for philodendron plants: Grow Philodendron plants in well-draining soil, a bright indoor location, and water whenever the top 1 (2.5 cm) of soil is dry. 2. is that "philodendron" is any of several climbing plants, of the genus Philodendron, native to America and the West Indies that are often grown as house plants and "alocasia" is any of several tropical Asian plants, of the genus Alocasia, having heart- or arrowhead-shaped leaves. This large leaf Philodendron has split leaves with deep lobes. Sometimes, the veins can take on a blue or purplish color, adding to the stunning palette of this plant. There are two types of Philodendrons: vining philodendrons such as the heartleaf Philodendron which will climb up a supporting structure; and non-climbing philodendrons such as the lacy tree Philodendron or birds nest Philodendron which form huge displays of upright plants that grow wider than they are tall. . Dragon Scale Alocasia is a mystical-looking plant, usually with one massive leaf on a stem. Keep an eye out for a new leaf or shoot that . I'm not sure about the size difference, odora can get pretty big too. Simply place the desired cutting in the medium. Water any type of Philodendron when the top layer of soil has dried out. This plant can grow up to 8-feet wide and over 15-feet tall! 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. Although most Philodendron plants tolerate a wide range of conditions, the Pink Princess is fussier. Over time, the spots may combine or enlarge to form blotches. Philodendron Birkin is variegated philodendron with delicate creamy-white pinstripes. While most people dont even have a house big enough to keep them inside, they work wonderfully in the garden as a focal point or to bring more greenery to a tropical-themed garden. The Alocasia originally comes from South East Asia but was commercially grown in Hawaii, where it got the name Alii, meaning king.. Ideally a position near a sunny window, but out of direct contact with the suns rays is ideal. Giant Alocasia taros are one of the biggest and fastest growing amongst the Alocasia genus. Alocasia, Caladium, and Colocasia are all shade-tolerant, and they all like to grow in moist soil. Whilst the leaves are most commonly green they can come in red, pink or variegated colours, and have a bumpy or coarse texture. What's the difference between alocasia and Colocasia? Besides keeping the soil moist, regular misting and keeping a close eye for spider mites and mealybugs, this plant is suitable for most level gardeners. The Xanadu features smooth leaves and possesses a silk-like reflective surface while also having symmetrical lobes up to 16 inches (40 cm) long and 12 inches (30 cm) wide. Alocasia is a miraculous plant that can come in colors ranging from silver to purple to red, and, of course, spectacular shades of green. One of the best examples of an upright, non-climbing, indoor type of Philodendron is the Xanadu cultivar. 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. The name blushing comes from the reddish-purple underside of the large Philodendron leaves. The leaves are dense and heavily textured, making for an interesting addition to your houseplant collection or garden. Philodendrons have thin and clustered aerial roots; on the other hand, pothos has solitary aerial roots. They have large greenish-blue leaves that grow between 10 and 20 inches long. This specific species of Philodendron prefers shaded areas or low light conditions. The rugosa Alocasia has the thickest and most heavily textured leaves out of all the species. 20 percent peat moss; 20 percent orchid bark with charcoal; 10 percent shredded sphagnum moss and a handful of perlite. By accessing this website we assume you accept our. 1 - Leaves. You can also use a self-watering pot or a watering globe if you have a busy life and not enough time to maintain your plant. These flowers grow straight upwards on a long stem. Howbeit, in domestic habitat, the plant usually reaches a length of around 90cm (35 inches). 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 leaves are very glossy and leather-like, like many Alocasia varieties. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity and temperatures between 65F and 80F (18C 27C). here see at the bottom some growers post their experience. HGTV has a good overview of caring for Calycanthus floridus. These true philodendrons include Philodendron silver-leaf, Philodendron Silver Queen, and Philodendron Silver-Streak. The black velvet variety of Alocasia is a stunning little plant. The Philodendron Birkin is a stunning variegated type of philodendron with leathery dark glossy leaves. The plant loves tropical weather, so keep it in a warm spot. A sheer curtain between the window and the plant can help block out the harshest rays if needed. It can reach up to 3 feet and is easier to grow than other Alocasias. Another name for this stout, evergreen climber, is the red-leaf Philodendron. Like other rare varieties of Alocasia, the leaves are thick and sort of puffy, making them look inflated and unrealistic, but theyre all natural. The leaves have a wavy edge but still maintain the general heart shape characteristic of Alocasia. In this article, we look at the many different alocasia varieties to help you decide which one to add to your plant collection! The main difference is in the sinus - macrorrhiza has a very clean sinus while odora has leaf "webbing" in the sinus. The heart shaped leaves of philodendron Micans have a velvety feel. These leaf differences are especially . Alocasia develops both tubers and rhizomes. One of the most elegant and minimalistic Alocasia varieties, the Zebrina features smooth, light-green leaves on tall, zebra-striped stalks, resulting in a plant that has a lot of pizzazz. There are many different types of monstera, so choosing one variety can be a bit tricky! Be careful about direct sun exposure as well as the gentle leaves of the Cucullata can easily get scorched. The Philodendron hederaceum is also named sweetheart plant and Heartleaf Philodendron because of its heart shaped leaves. These are pretty low maintenance, so you can grow them in most gardens as long as you get enough humidity and sunlight. The plant is appropriately named, as the leaves look and feel like velvet fabric, with tiny little bristles all over it to create a super soft texture. Because of its growth pattern, regular fertilizing with a weak solution will help the plant put out impressive foliage.