Alocasia Azlanii vs Alocasia Cuprea: Which One is Perfect for Indoor Garden?
The exotic Alocasia Azlanii and Alocasia Cuprea are two eye-catching members of the Alocasia family. With their uniquely patterned leaves and tropical vibes, it’s no wonder these plants are coveted by collectors and green thumbs alike.
Let’s talk about how both plants are different. Alocasia Azlanii features emerald leaves with silver veins, while Alocasia Cuprea displays a coppery-red metallic sheen. Both are captivating members of the Alocasia genus, sought after by collectors and horticulture enthusiasts for their unique and ornamental appeal.
If you are not sure which plant is ideal for your indoor garden, stick to this article. Let’s explore their standout qualities so you can confidently choose the right plant to bring home!
Table of Contents
Key Differences Summary
- Azlanii has a smaller stature and delicate silver, veined emerald leaves – perfect for intimate spaces. Cuprea is slightly larger with bold coppery-red metallic foliage – ideal for making a statement
- Azlanii needs consistent moisture but Cuprea tolerates some drying between waterings
- Azlanii prefers stable warm temperatures. Cuprea adapts to slightly cooler temps
- Azlanii offers cool, understated radiance. Cuprea provides warm, flamboyant dazzle
Alocasia Azlanii Vs Alocasia Cuprea: Background and Origins
Alocasias are a genus of over 70 tropical perennial plants that originate from the rainforests of Asia and Australia. Valued for their dramatic foliage, they have seen a surge in popularity as houseplants. Azlanii and Cuprea are two shining examples of ornamental hybrids created for their decorative traits.
Alocasia Azlanii was first bred in Malaysia, likely from Alocasia longiloba stock. It draws its name from the late Malaysian botanist Azlan Shah. This exotic jewel debuted internationally in the 2010s.
Alocasia Cuprea is believed to have originated in Thailand. Its name comes from the Latin “cupreus” meaning copper, referring to its rich metallic leaf hues. It entered the plant market in the early 2000s.
Both showcase the vibrant diversity of man-made Alocasia cultivars.
Alocasia Cuprea is A Little Larger Than Alocasia Azlani
Alocasias are mostly compact plants less than 3 feet tall, and Azlanii and Cuprea follow suit:
- Azlanii reaches a petite size of 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide once mature. Its smaller stature adapts well to tabletops.
- Cuprea gains a slightly larger form of 2 to 2.5 feet tall by 1.5 to 2 feet wide at maturity. It makes a bolder floor statement.
Both remain quite manageable for indoor growing spaces. Azlanii offers delicate proportions, while Cuprea provides more prominence.
How Does the Leaf Appearance Differ?
The most striking difference between these varieties rests in their beautifully contrasting leaf colors:
- Azlanii boasts broad emerald green heart-shaped leaves elegantly veined in silver-gray. The veins radiate from the leaf centers like stars.
- Cuprea is adorned with arrowhead-shaped leaves in a rich coppery-red color with a bright satiny metallic sheen.
Azlanii’s leaves dazzle with a cool tone elegance, while Cuprea’s foliage brings warm, eye-catching glamour.
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Which Traits Are Identical Between Alocasia Azlanii vs Alocasia Cuprea?
There are a couple of common things you’ll find. Since both of the plants belong to the Alocasia League, the plants will have so many similarities. I’ll emphasize three things that are mostly common between them. Let’s take a look.
Growth
These rainforest natives share preferences for:
- Bright, indirect sunlight – Some early morning sun is tolerated. The direct hot sun scorches leaves.
- High humidity around 60% or more – Mist leaves and provide a pebble tray.
- Warm temperatures from 65°F to 80°F – Keep away from drafty spaces.
- Evenly moist soil – Allow to partially dry out before soaking thoroughly.
Providing these fundamental conditions satisfies both varieties for lush, vigorous growth.
Care and Maintenance
Azlanii and Cuprea require similar care with just a few subtle differences.
- Cuprea adapts better to slightly drier periods between waterings thanks to its thicker arrow leaves. Azlanii prefers more consistent moisture.
- Azlanii’s growth slows below 65°F, while Cuprea tolerates temperatures down to 50°F before going dormant.
- Cuprea generally withstands a bit more sun exposure without leaf burn compared to Azlanii.
- Azlanii’s smaller size needs less pruning and shaping to maintain its petite form.
Overall though, both respond beautifully to attentive yet easy care when needs are met.
Displaying Azlanii and Cuprea
One of the joys of growing these tropicals is creatively showing off their bold foliage:
- Allow Azlanii’s smaller size to bring delicate texture atop bookshelves, end tables, and desks.
- Let Cuprea’s sizable leaves make a scene on the floor as a standalone potted plant.
- Contrast Azlanii’s cool elegance with Cuprea’s warm, glamorous sheen.
- Use either to add height and interest to mantlepieces, cabinets, and shelves.
- Combine them with other tropicals like Monstera, Philodendron, and Calathea.
How do Alocasia Azlanii and Alocasia Cuprea propagate?
Both Alocasia Azlanii and Alocasia Cuprea can be propagated by rhizome division. This involves separating the pups or offshoots that emerge from the mother plant and repotting them. The ideal time to take divisions is in early spring. The newly divided plants should be kept consistently moist until they become established.
In addition to division, both varieties can also be propagated commercially through tissue culture. This lab-based micropropagation allows faster production of new plants to meet demand.
Which one propagates faster – Alocasia Azlanii or Alocasia Cuprea?
Alocasia Cuprea generally propagates faster than Alocasia Azlanii. Cuprea tends to produce plantlets and offshoots more readily compared to Azlanii. Therefore, Cuprea can yield more new divisions more quickly through rhizome propagation.
Which Variety is More Commonly Available?
Alocasia Cuprea typically has greater availability and is easier to source than Alocasia Azlanii. Cuprea can often be found at some garden centers, nurseries, and big box stores. However, Azlanii is still quite rare in cultivation and is primarily available through specialty online plant shops.
Why is Alocasia Azlanii Less Available And More Expensive?
The lower availability and higher cost of Alocasia Azlanii are largely attributed to:
- Slower propagation which limits the supply
- High demand for its unique silver-veined leaves
- Challenges producing it on a large commercial scale
Its rarity makes Azlanii more expensive to acquire for collectors. Over time, propagation improvements should make Azlanii more widely accessible.
Conclusion
Alocasia Azlanii and Alocasia Cuprea both stand as captivating members of the Alocasia genus, each offering unique and ornamental features. Whether you prefer the striking silver veining of Azlanii or the mesmerizing coppery-red metallic sheen of Cuprea, both plants are sure to add beauty and elegance to any indoor garden.