What is Alocasia?
Alocasia is a genus containing 79 plants, many of which may be cultivated at home. The huge, unique leaves and appealing hues contribute to their widespread popularity. As if their natural beauty wasn’t enough, Alocasia now comes in a wide variety of man-made cultivars and variants.
Alocasia plants flourish best in bright but indirect, diffused light, as they are normally found on the forest floor. Taller trees, after all, would screen off the sun’s fiercest rays in their native environment.
If you reside in the Northern Hemisphere, your Alocasia should be placed in an east-facing window. They don’t have to sit just in front of the glass, but they should be no more than two or three feet away.
Alocasia plants do not react well to cold because they are native to the tropics and subtropics. Avoid draughty spaces and solitary window frames: if the plants become too chilly, their leaves may drop off or they will become dormant.
The temp should be at least room temperature (about 21 °C/70 °F). To avoid problems, don’t allow the temperature drop below 15 °C (60 °F).
What is Calocasia?
Colocasia esculenta is a tropical plant farmed for its delicious corms, a root vegetable known variously as taro (/tro, tro/), kalo, dasheen, madhumbe, marope, magogoya, patra, or godere (see Names and etymology for a complete list).
Taro root is a wonderful source of nutritional fiber and beneficial carbs, which can help you lose weight and enhance the operation of your gastrointestinal tract. Its high quantities of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and vitamin E aid in inflammatory responses and may assist to remove free radicals.
The abrasive calcium oxalate is found in the leaf of Colocasia esculenta, sometimes known as elephant ears or taro. The initial consequences of this chemical include oral discomfort and irritation, even though it is potentially hazardous.
The species is indigenous to tropical Asia and the Americas, and its rhizomes are eaten as starchy vegetables in some varieties. They are valued as decorative plants in the garden, serving as a focal point in a flower garden.
Difference Between Alocasia and Colocasia
- The leaves of Alocasia seem to be vertical. The leaves of the Colocasia look to be hanging inwards.
- Alocasia leaves’ up instead of down tips. Unlike Alocasia, Colocasia has a straight-down leaf tip.
- When Alocasia’s blade clings to the notch, Colocasia’s blade clings a bit further down the tier.
- Colocasia plants grow in direct sunshine and land with lots of water, whereas Alocasias thrive in very well soil and shady settings.
- Colocasia tubers are banded, large, and swollen. On the other hand, tubers from the genus Alocasia are shorter and longer.
Comparison Between Alocasia and Colocasia
| Parameters of Comparison | Alocasia | Colocasia |
| Leaves | Alocasia’s twigs, or stiff leaf stalks, extend through the leaves. As a result, the leaves will follow the line of the petioles. As a result, most Alocasia leaves are pointing upward. | The holes in the leaves are connected to the petioles by Colocasia petioles. As a result, the leaves may droop or hang at a lower setting. |
| Food | However, the bulk of Alocasia species are not edible. Some are exceedingly poisonous, and eating them can lead to death. | Taro, the delicious tubers of several Colocasia species, is farmed. Taro is a major food crop in Hawaii, where Colocasia is abundantly farmed. |
| Biology | Alocasia both produces tubers and rhizomes. To reproduce the plant, tubers from the main growth are removed and replanted. You may also split the rhizomes and transplant them individually to start new plants. | Colocasia is a plant that only produces tubers. For reproduction, the tubers are split and sown. |
| Growing Conditions | In the shade or moderate sun, Alocasia flourishes. Direct sunshine can harm these plants, especially in hotter areas. | On the other hand, Colocasia flourishes in direct sunshine. |
| Watering | Needs regular watering. | Can grow on stagnant and damp environment with irregular watering conditions. |