Alocasia — 69 species

Alocasia is a genus of dramatic tropical aroids — including the popular Alocasia Polly, Zebrina, and Black Velvet — grown for their bold, architectural leaves. They prefer bright indirect light, mimicking the dappled canopy of their rainforest origins; direct sun scorches the foliage. Keep soil evenly moist, watering when the top two to three inches dry out, and maintain high humidity and temperatures above 60°F. All Alocasia species contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats and dogs according to the ASPCA, causing oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.