Alocasia Ivory Coast Vs. Pink Dragon (Differences And Similarities)

Difference between Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon

Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon came from the same family. However, since they are now two different Alocasia varieties, the care requirements and procedures could differ.

That is why this article will help you identify the differences between these two. They have different sizes, depending on the location and factors.

Overall, they have minimal differences, and most of their features and growth requirements are the same. They have similarities when it comes to temperature, humidity, soil, sheath, and more.

The Alocasia Ivory Coast has arrow-shaped leaves and silvery hue color, while the Pink Dragon has these metallic-green leaves, silver veins, and Pink Stalk. Although their appearance is slightly different, they both thrive in a 65-80°F/18-27°C temperature. The good news about these two plants is that you don’t need to provide too many fertilizers to make them grow.

The Difference Between Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon

Since both Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon are varieties of Alocasia, many people still wonder how to know their distinct features.

At first glance, it is challenging to recognize their names, but as you look closely and study their characteristics, you will know that each is unique on its own.

Taxonomy

Kingdom	Plantae
Subkingdom	Viridiplantae
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta
Superdivision	Embryophyta
Division	Tracheophyta
Subdivision	Spermatophytina
Class	Magnoliopsida
Superorder	Lilianae
Order	Alismatales
Family	Araceae
Genus	Alocasia (Schott) G. Don

Alocasia Ivory Coast

Alocasia Ivory Coast, together with Morocco, are new cultivars introduced by Oglesby Plants International.

It is one of the rare varieties of Alocasia, which is still unknown to other beginner plant collectors. Ivory Coast is a fast-growing and well-branched cultivar of its kind.

If you have seen or heard about Alocasia’s “Elephant Ear,” this Ivory Coast is its smaller version. So, they almost have the exact care requirements, including the temperature, humidity, and location.

Alocasia Pink Dragon

Pink Dragon or Alocasia Baginda Pink Dragon is also one of the new cultivars of Alocasia. Compared to other varieties, it has unique colors and markings. Both Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon are in the same family.

But the following will show you their different characteristics and features, which make them unique and attractive.

You will find this fantastic plant in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and East Australia. Since it became popular in different countries, people began to propagate them. So, this variety multiplied across the world.

Leaf Shape and Texture

Alocasia Ivory Coast

This plant has been a well-known variety of Alocasia because of its unique and beautiful leaf shape and texture.

You will see arrow-shaped leaves with a one-of-a-kind silvery hue color with light green veins. Its stems have a light pink color, which makes this Ivory Coast distinct from other varieties.

These leaf shape, texture, and color are visible when it is fully mature. The colors match together, including how perfect the light pink color stems from matching the silvery hue color with light green veins leaves.

Ivory Coast has a simple leaf type with lobed or undulate leaf margin. Its leaf arrangement most likely emerges from the soil and appears without a stem. The leaves can grow from 8 to 12 inches, 12 to 18 inches, or 18 to 36 inches.

Moreover, it created a coarse texture since it has a mass of leaves with pointed tips and rippled edges. It emphasizes the texture by looking at the light and dark shadows coming from within the leaves’ cluster.

Pink Dragon

Pink Dragon is also known as Elephant Ears Pink Dragon. This one catches many people’s attention with its metallic-green leaves, silver veins, and pink stalk, which made this Pink Dragon unique.

It is an evergreen perennial cultivar under the family of Araceae. It is a tender, evergreen perennial and rhizomatous cultivar. Since it comes with a striking visual foliage display, it is one of the sought-after indoor plants.

The leaf’s structure is slightly curved with a glossy and dark surface. It also has burgundy shades on the underside while they grow on the pink petioles.

Flower

The Alocasia plant only flowers from time to time. The flower seeds are only available for a short period. That’s why you need to harvest the seeds right away.

This only happens when Alocasia gets matured, wherein it produces spathe and spadix. Its flower’s color is green, and it occurs during summer or spring.

However, not every Alocasia gets this characteristic. If you want to see the plant flower, you have to wait to grow to its full height.

On the other hand, you can barely see it if you put it indoors. You have to place it outdoors if you want to let it get matured fast.

Sheath

The sheath is the new covering of the fresh leaves that will sprout soon. In the case of Alocasia, it has this sheath before the leaves unfurl. Sometimes, the sheath’s tip is turning black. But that is entirely normal.

You have to maintain the balanced temperature, humidity, and soil requirement to ensure the new leaves’ healthy growth.

Foliage Color

Alocasia Ivory Coast

This plant’s leaves arrangement is that they primarily emerged from the soil without a stem. It has a simple leaf type with a lobed or undulated leaf margin. Its leaf shape is more sagittate or arrow-like.

Alocasia Pink Dragon

Its appearance will fit in the tropical environment, but it will look perfect in other countries with different climates as long as you take care of this plant according to its requirements.

This Pink Dragon’s color is green with light-colored venation surrounded on the leaves’ smooth surface.

People called this plant Pink Dragon since the leaves have burgundy shades underneath, while the stems are bright pink colored.

Growth Habit, Height, and Structure

Alocasia, in general, can grow up to 2 to 10 feet tall,1 to 10 feet long, with an upright plant habit. It has open density and grows fast. This information is also accurate with other varieties.

But the growth of each plant still depends on the environment and other factors. Nonetheless, these details will give better ideas on where to place them to see the plant’s full potential.

Toxicity

If you have pets or small kids inside your home, Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon Alocasia are not the ideal indoor plants. They are extremely toxic, and might cause an allergic reaction, and can cause eye irritation.

If a pet or a kid feels inflammation of the mouth and tongue or rashes on the skin, go to the nearest clinic or hospital immediately.

Growing Requirements

The good thing about these two cultivars of Alocasia–Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon–is that they have similar growing requirements. So, if you plan to take care of both plants, you can use the same methods to let them grow.

Temperature

It’s best to know their origins to have ideas on the right balance of heat and cold that will suit them best.

First of all, Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon Alocasia are both tropical plants. So, you’ll get the idea that they will thrive in warmer weather or temperature.

It hates too cold or frosty temperatures. You can move your plants to a warmer part of the room during the winter season for the solution.

But make sure that you keep the plants away from direct sunlight too. You should not place them to a window where the full sun rises. Move them where there is bright indirect sunlight for better growth.

Preferably, you can keep the temperature between 65-80°F/18-27°C. That’s why it is essential to maintain your indoor temperature not lower than 65°F/18°C. Keeping it that way can prevent plant dormancy.

Sunlight Requirement

From what I have shared in the previous paragraphs, Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon hate direct sunlight. Although they can tolerate and can live with full and partial shade, it would still be best if you put these plants indoors.

You can appreciate their beauty inside your home. Also, keeping them to that type of place can let them thrive.

You will notice sunburn or dull leaves once you leave the plants outside with direct sunlight. Alternatively, you can use fluorescent bulbs to serve as the sun substitute, or you can place your Alocasia plants in a nicely lit room.

On the other hand, if you genuinely want to put the plants near the window, you must ensure that an ideal position is west-faced.

Water Requirements

Contrary to other plants, these two varieties of Alocasia are water-loving plants. So, you need to keep track of your watering routine.

You can separate your two types of plants–the water-loving and the seldom-watered plants. That will help you to know your schedules for watering them.

At the same time, you will avoid underwatering or overwatering a particular plant, especially these Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon. However, keep note that the water requirement still depends on the season.

For example, during the winter or cold season, the watering requirement decreases. On another, you need to keep the soil and plant well hydrated when the summer season arrives.

You can create 1-inch irrigated soil every week. But when you use this method, you have to let the soil dry completely before the watering schedule.

Humidity Requirement

Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon both love humidity. They can thrive better if you keep the roots and their leaves moist.

Of course, your home doesn’t always have enough moisture to maintain these plants’ balanced humidity requirements.

As an alternative, you can use one of the pebble-trays, misting sprays, or humidifiers. These are great ideas to produce humidity inside your room. Then, your plants will thank you in the future.

Soil Requirement

You can use loose, well-drained, and porous soils for your Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon. Good soil aeration will promote better drainage and prevent your plants from getting waterlogged.

The soil medium could be the mixture of 1 part of every soil, cocopeat, potting sand, and perlite. To make the quality better, adding compost is a great idea too.

Fertilizer Requirement

The good news is that you don’t need too much fertilizer in these two types of Alocasia. But it would be nice to know their growing season.

They are the healthiest during the spring and summer seasons. You can add compost to the top part of the soil to ensure you don’t hurt the roots.

Potting and Repotting Requirement

Repotting your Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon is easy and hassle-free. The size of your Alocasia plants will grow, depending on the pot you use. So, if you want them to grow better, repotting is crucial.

While you are repotting, that is also the best time to propagate your plants and multiply them.

You May Also Enjoy: Brown Spots on Alocasia Leaves (Causes And How to Treat)

Similarities Between Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon

Both Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon are cultivars of an Alocasia plant. That’s why it is not surprising to know that these two have common, especially in the growing requirements. Their toxicity level and growth habits are the same.

They also flower, and their sheaths are the same to serve as protection for the new incoming leaves. Moreover, their taxonomy is similar since they came from the same family.

Final Words

The good thing is that you can now identify these two plants–the Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon.

Here is the summary to review all the crucial matters in taking care of these two plants in case you have missed it.

Both Alocasia Ivory Coast and Pink Dragon are two varieties of Alocasia. They have incredible leaf structure and appearance that will look perfect in your home.

Alocasia varieties originate in tropical countries, so they love warmer temperatures. If you live in cold weather, I recommend using fluorescent lamps or artificial light to keep the plants warm.