Alocasia vs Colocasia – How to Tell the Difference Between These Elephant Ear Plants

With their huge, heart-shaped leaves both alocasia and colocasia are known as “elephant ear” plants. But while they share a similar common name and tropical look alocasia and colocasia are distinct plant genera with key differences.

In this guide we’ll compare alocasia vs colocasia characteristics to help you easily tell these two elephant ear types apart.

Alocasia and Colocasia – An Overview

Alocasia and colocasia are both plants in the Araceae family. They are native to tropical parts of Asia and eastern Australia.

Some key facts:

• There are around 70-80 species of alocasia and 6-7 species of colocasia.

• Both are grown for their large, ornamental leaves rather than their flowers.

• They thrive in warm, humid environments as houseplants or outdoor plants in tropical zones.

• Certain parts are edible, especially colocasia tubers, but some species are toxic if eaten.

While their huge leaves and tropical origins link alocasia and colocasia, a closer look reveals how these two plant genera differ.

Why Are They Called Elephant Ears?

Both alocasia and colocasia get their common name “elephant ear” plants from the shape and size of their leaves. The leaves are shaped like the large ears of elephants. Some have prominent veining akin to the veins in an elephant’s ear.

These tropical foliage plants can grow leaves measuring over 3 feet long in some species! When mature, their leaves are among the largest of any houseplant, evoking elephant ears.

Key Differences Between Alocasia and Colocasia Plants

Let’s explore the main differences between alocasia and colocasia that set them apart:

Leaf Structure and Growth Habit

• Alocasia leaves point upward and grow horizontally. The leaf tips or lobes point skyward.

• Colocasia leaves point downward in a drooping fashion. The leaf tips point toward the ground.

• Alocasia have a more spreading, clumping growth pattern. Colocasia grow from a central corm in a more upright style.

Leaf Texture and Color

• Alocasia leaves have a smooth, almost leathery texture. Many have a shiny or glossy appearance.

• Colocasia leaves have a more matte, velvety finish. The leaves are less glossy.

• Alocasia leaves come in various shades of green, often dark green. Some hybrids have black, gray, or silver tones.

• Colocasia leaves are usually solid green but also range into black, blue-green, purple, even speckled varieties.

Light Requirements

• Alocasia prefer bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sun scorches the leaves.

• Colocasia thrive in full sun. They can tolerate more light exposure without leaf burn.

Moisture Needs and Habitats

• Alocasia require consistently moist soil but can withstand occasional dry periods. They grow terrestrially or as epiphytes.

• Colocasia prefer soggy soil and standing water. Many grow semi-aquatically in marshes and wetlands.

Hardiness and Uses

• Most alocasia species are not cold hardy. They are primarily ornamental houseplants or tropical outdoor plants.

• Some colocasia are grown for their edible tubers, especially taro, while others add tropical flair as houseplants. Certain colocasia withstand cooler climates.

As you can see, everything from the leaf structure to the light and water preferences differ between alocasia and colocasia.

Examples of Popular Alocasia and Colocasia Varieties

There are around 80 species of alocasia and 7 species of colocasia. Here are some of the most popular varieties:

Common Alocasia Varieties

• Alocasia ‘Stingray’ – Upright leaves with a pointed tip
• Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’ – Silvery, metallic-looking leaves
• Alocasia ‘Polly’ – Compact variety great as a houseplant
• Alocasia ‘Calidora’ – Ruffled leaves reaching 3+ feet

Common Colocasia Varieties

• Colocasia ‘Black Coral’ – Dark purplish-black leaves
• Colocasia ‘Mojito’ – Large spotted green and black leaves
• Colocasia ‘Pink China’ – Soft pink veins on green leaves
• Colocasia esculenta – Taro, grown for edible tubers

As you shop for elephant ears, use the leaf characteristics to determine whether you have an alocasia vs colocasia.

Caring for Alocasia and Colocasia Plants

Both alocasia and colocasia require the following basics for healthy growth:

• Warm temperatures – Ideal between 70-80°F. Keep above 60°F.

• High humidity – Mist leaves and provide ambient moisture.

• Bright, indirect light – Some sun for colocasia. Shade for alocasia.

• Loose, humus-rich potting mix – With good drainage and aeration.

• Frequent watering – Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.

• Good air circulation – Allow space between leaves.

• Fertilizer – Use a balanced houseplant food during growing season.

While they share these core needs, there are still some care differences:

Caring for Alocasia

• Provide bright, indirect light or partial sun. Direct sun burns leaves.

• Water thoroughly when top inch of soil is dry. Don’t oversaturate the soil.

• Use a potting mix amended with perlite, orchid bark, or coconut coir for drainage.

• Pick a sheltered outdoor spot or bright indoor space away from drafty areas.

Caring for Colocasia

• Give colocasia full sun to partial shade outdoors. Indoors, provide ample bright light.

• Keep the soil consistently wet. Much higher moisture needs than alocasia.

• Use a water-retentive potting mix high in organic matter like peat or compost.

• Can be grown in marshy areas or near water features outdoors.

While alocasia and colocasia both have large, veined leaves and require humidity, their individual care needs differ. An alocasia would not thrive being treated exactly like a colocasia and vice versa.

Knowing key plant characteristics helps provide each genus with proper care.

Similarities Between Alocasia and Colocasia Plants

Although alocasia and colocasia have some notable differences, they do share the following similarities:

• Both have very large, arrowhead or shield-shaped leaves.

• Their leaves may be smooth or have deeply veined patterns.

• Grow from tuberous rhizomes or corms rather than seeds.

• Prefer warm temperatures between 70-80°F.

• Need high humidity levels to thrive.

• Produce calla lily-like flowers but are grown for their foliage.

• Their leaf stalks emerge from a central location.

• Require fertilization during the active growing season.

• Can be propagated by dividing their tubers and rhizomes.

So while far from identical, alocasia and colocasia do overlap in some care needs and physical qualities that reflect their shared family lineage.

Should You Grow Alocasia or Colocasia?

When choosing between these tropical foliage plants, consider:

• Your light conditions – Colocasia for sunnier spots, alocasia for partial shade.

• Your watering habits – Colocasia if you tend to overwater, alocasia if you let plants dry out.

• Hardiness and use – Colocasia if you want to harvest edible tubers, alocasia for ornamental purposes.

• Leaf direction – Upward leaves suit alocasia, downward leaves match colocasia.

• Mature size – Pick colocasia for taller plants, alocasia for slightly smaller stature.

For most homeowners, alocasia may be the better elephant ear choice as they are more forgiving if you miss a watering and require less direct sun. But colocasia work beautifully poolside where their moisture needs can be met.

Either way, both alocasia and colocasia are incredible plants if provided with suitable growing conditions. Let your setup and preferences guide you to the right elephant ear plant for your indoor or outdoor space.

How to Tell the Difference: Alocasia vs. Colocasia

Here’s a quick summary of the key points that differentiate alocasia and colocasia plants:

• Alocasia leaves point upward; colocasia leaves point downward

• Alocasia leaves are glossy; colocasia leaves have a matte texture

• Alocasia need shade; colocasia need full sun

• Alocasia have a clumping growth habit; colocasia grow from a central corm

• Alocasia prefer evenly moist soil; colocasia like soggy soil

• Colocasia tubers are often edible; alocasia are primarily ornamental

By assessing the leaf structure and direction, growth habit, light and water needs, you can accurately identify whether an elephant ear plant is an alocasia or colocasia.

Achieve Tropical Impact with Elephant Ears

While distinctly different plants, both alocasia and colocasia make excellent additions to tropical-style gardens thanks to their bold foliage.

With their shared need for heat, humidity and bright indirect light, you can create an exotic indoor jungle or lush outdoor oasis using a combination of both elephant ear types.

Just be sure to provide each variety with its preferred growing conditions for optimal health. Learn to recognize the signature differences between alocasia vs colocasia, and you’ll know exactly how to care for your magnificent elephant ears!