Alocasia Ivory Coast vs Pink Dragon: Which One is Best?
When it comes to adding vibrant foliage to your indoor garden, two popular options stand out: Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon. These stunning plants have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts with their unique features and charming appearances.
Alocasia Ivory Coast showcases elegant, large leaves with striking ivory-white veins that contrast beautifully against deep green backgrounds. On the other hand, Pink Dragon boasts captivating pinkish hues on its foliage, creating a mesmerizing and delightful visual appeal.
Let’s explore the distinct characteristics, care requirements, similarities, differences, and ideal environments for both Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon.
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The History and Origin of Alocasia Ivory Coast And Pink Dragon
The history isn’t the same for both plants. Let’s take a look at how they belong to different times.
The History and Origins of Alocasia Ivory Coast
Alocasia Ivory Coast is a cultivar of Alocasia sanderiana, a species native to the rainforests of the Philippines. The wild A. sanderiana was first collected and described by a German botanist, Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler, in 1879.
The cultivar Ivory Coast is believed to have first appeared sometime in the 1970s or 80s as a random mutation of A. sanderiana. Its distinctive ivory-veined leaves caught the attention of plant collectors and Alocasia enthusiasts. Ivory Coast was eventually distributed to nurseries and growers, allowing its popularity to spread.
The exact origins of the Ivory Coast are uncertain, but it is thought the mutation arose among A. sanderiana plants grown in Florida, USA. The “Ivory Coast” name references the ivory coloration of its elegant leaves rather than any connection to the African nation of the same name.
Over time, Alocasia Ivory Coast became a prized variety among indoor plant growers for its striking arrowhead leaves and its status as more manageable in size than other giant Alocasia types. Its fame continues today as an eye-catching architectural plant for the home.
The History and Origins of Alocasia Pink Dragon
Unlike the Ivory Coast, the Pink Dragon cultivar of Alocasia has a much more recent origin story. This uniquely colored plant first appeared in 2008 or 2009 from a nursery based in Thailand.
The Pink Dragon Alocasia is actually a man-made hybrid created by crossing two different Alocasia species – Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia watsoniana. The former contributes the familiar arrowhead leaf shape while the latter gives Pink Dragon its distinctive pink veins and smaller size.
The young hybrid plant initially displayed plain green leaves but within about a year, its leaves began emerging with a pink blush. This unique coloration paired with its petite size compared to most Alocasias immediately sparked interest.
The hybrid was named Pink Dragon for its pink-tinged, wing-shaped leaves combined with the dragon-like scales covering the plant’s stems and petioles. It was soon distributed internationally to those eager to add this rare color form to their Alocasia collections.
In the years since, Pink Dragon has charmed indoor gardeners with its enduring petite size and playful pops of pink in its foliage, cementing its place as a much-loved Alocasia variety today.
How Do Their Appearances Compare? Elegance vs Playfulness
The most immediate difference between Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon is their contrasting coloration and leaf shapes.
Ivory Coast exhibits lush green leaves with prominent ivory-white veins tracing each arrowhead-shaped blade. This striking color combination creates a bold, graphic impact reminiscent of a living piece of art. The leaves can reach over 12 inches in length, their impressive size contributing to the dramatic effect.
Meanwhile, Pink Dragon charms with smaller, heart-shaped leaves in a deep green hue delicately blushed with pink. The subtle coloration gives it a romantic, feminine aura. While smaller than Ivory Coast, the leaves still impress reaching over 7 inches long. The heart shape nods to its playful character.
For those preferring an elegant, eye-catching statement, Ivory Coast is the clear choice. If you want an adorable accent, Pink Dragon’s leaves will capture hearts.
How Do Their Sizes Compare?
In addition to leaf variations, these Alocasia differ significantly in size and growth habits.
Ivory Coast grows vigorously, its clumping habit allowing multiple stems to emerge from the tuber. It can reach heights over 3 feet tall and wide. Due to its substantial spread, Ivory Coast needs adequate space to truly thrive. Its large size makes it ideal as a bold, central feature in a well-lit room.
Pink Dragon remains far more compact, topping out around 2 feet tall and wide. Though still a vivid presence, its smaller footprint lets it adapt as an accent plant among larger specimens. It can perk up corners in ways the substantial Ivory Coast cannot.
Those seeking a substantial centerpiece will favor Ivory Coast, while Pink Dragon’s flexibility suits smaller spots or growers looking for manageable size.
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Is Ivory Coast Requires More Sun?
While both Alocas prefer bright, humid conditions, Ivory Coast demands more direct light to prosper. Positioning it near south or west-facing windows where it will receive several hours of direct sun prevents leggy growth. Filtered sunlight satisfies Pink Dragon. A north window suffices provided supplemental lighting is added.
Additionally, the prominent veins on Ivory Coast leaves can scorch if light levels become too intense. Its broad leaves also increase light requirements to avoid a stretched, weakened appearance. Pink Dragon’s smaller leaves and pink tint allow it to thrive in lower light conditions than its variegated cousin.
For growers able to provide a bright, sunny spot filtered from harsh direct rays, Ivory Coast will flourish. For those with lower-light interiors, Pink Dragon’s moderate needs make it the pick.
How Identical Are Both the Plants About Water and Humidity Needs?
Both varieties thrive in warm, humid conditions with consistently moist, well-draining soil. Allowing the soil to dry out can quickly lead to leaf damage or plant decline. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of soil becomes dry, taking care not to oversaturate.
Providing average home humidity levels around 40-50% satisfies Pink Dragon. Meanwhile, the Ivory Coast prefers sustained humidity around 60% or higher. Use pebble trays, humidifiers, or regular misting to meet its high humidity preferences and prevent crisping leaf edges.
For growers able to commit to the moisture levels these jungle natives prefer, either variety will thrive. Trouble providing constant humidity may make the less demanding Pink Dragon a better match.
Also, People have discovered no noticeable distinction between the mature form of the “new” Pink Dragon and Ivory Coast.
I think the following video can help you out!
How Pink Dragon Becomes a Fan Favorite?
Ivory Coast’s specific preferences for bright, direct light and high humidity mean it requires careful attention to prosper. Monitoring moisture and light conditions daily, providing misting or pebble trays for humidity, and watching for pests or diseases will be needed.
While still requiring bright, humid conditions, Pink Dragon adapts more readily to average indoor environments. Its smaller size also makes relocating or rotating plants to meet its needs simpler. While not completely carefree, Pink Dragon offers greater flexibility and fewer demands of your time or equipment.
For those seeking a dramatic display piece willing to cater to Ivory Coast’s needs, its beauty is worth the effort. Busy growers or those still developing their green thumbs may find greater success with the more flexible Pink Dragon.
Related article: Alocasia Propagation Tips
Conclusion
Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon stand as unique choices, each offering distinct beauty and care requirements. Whether you’re drawn to Ivory Coast’s elegance or Pink Dragon’s charm, both plants enrich your space with nature’s artistry, catering to varying levels of commitment and style preferences.