Aglaonema
A tough, slow-growing understory aroid genus from tropical Asia, prized for patterned foliage. Red and pink cultivars need noticeably more light than green ones to hold their color.
Red Aglaonema
Aglaonema commutatum hybrids (Red Gold / Siam Aurora group)
Botanical notes
Rhizomatous, cane-forming aroid; the red/pink pigment is anthocyanin, which fades in low light and intensifies with brighter, filtered sun.
Soil & moisture
Chunky, fast-draining aroid mix (bark, perlite, peat/coco coir). Never let it sit in standing water — the rhizome rots quickly. Slightly drier between waterings than a Philodendron.
Fertilizing
Balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength every 4 weeks whenever the plant is actively pushing new growth — in Costa Rica's stable warmth that's often close to year-round. Taper off or skip during the driest stretch of dry season (roughly December–April) if watering — and therefore feeding — naturally slows.
Common mistakes
- Keeping it too shaded — color fades to plain green
- Cold water or cold drafts causing translucent, mushy patches
- Overwatering the dense root mass, especially in low-light spots
Propagation
Divide offsets/rhizome sections at repot, ensuring each division has roots. Stem cuttings with a node also root readily in water or moist perlite.
CR note
Give it your brightest non-direct spot — east-facing windows work well. During heavy rain-season humidity, extend the dry-down window slightly to avoid rhizome rot.
Alocasia
Rhizomatous tropical aroids from Southeast Asian rainforest floors — dramatic foliage, high humidity needs, and a tendency toward dormancy or leaf drop when conditions dip below their comfort zone. Spider mites are the main pest to watch.
Alocasia Dragon's Breath
Alocasia heterophylla 'Dragon's Breath'
Botanical notes
Elongated, silvery-blue-green leaves with a dramatic, well-defined sinus and prominent veins that flush red to pink — the "breath" the name refers to. Leaves can reach 60–90cm at maturity.
Soil & moisture
Well-draining, rich aroid mix. Sensitive to both prolonged dryness and waterlogging — aim for the same steady middle ground as its Alocasia relatives.
Fertilizing
Half strength balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
Common mistakes
- Cold drafts or sudden temperature swings causing leaf drop
- Low humidity dulling the red vein color and crisping edges
- Overwatering in a mix that isn't chunky enough
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), same as other Alocasia.
Propagation
Rhizome/corm division at repot, same as other Alocasia in this collection.
CR note
A strong candidate for a bright, humid indoor corner — Costa Rica's ambient humidity helps keep the vein color vivid without extra effort.
Alocasia Frydek (incl. "Lagar" form)
Alocasia micholitziana 'Frydek'
Botanical notes
Velvety, deep-green arrow-shaped leaves with striking white-green venation. "Lagar" is essentially the same cultivar sold under a nursery/regional name — care is identical.
Soil & moisture
Airy aroid mix with extra perlite/orchid bark for drainage. Consistency matters more than either extreme — avoid full dry-outs and avoid waterlogging equally.
Fertilizing
Quarter-to-half strength balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth; pause if the plant shows any dormancy signs (see below).
Common mistakes
- Low humidity causing crispy leaf edges
- Panicking at natural dormancy — a leaf or two dying back while a new one emerges is normal
- Direct sun bleaching the velvet leaves
Propagation
Divide rhizome offsets/pups at the base during repotting, keeping roots intact on each division. Avoid leaf cuttings — Alocasia won't propagate from a leaf alone.
CR note
Ambient humidity indoors is usually enough without extra misting; the bigger threat is air-conditioned rooms drying it out — group with other humidity lovers away from AC vents.
Variegated Alocasia "Hilo Beauty"
Alocasia 'Hilo Beauty'
Botanical notes
Compact grower with cream-and-green marbled, ruffled leaves. Naturally has smaller, less vigorous growth than solid-colored relatives due to reduced chlorophyll in the pale sections.
Soil & moisture
Very well-draining chunky mix — variegated sections are more prone to rot-related stress if the soil stays wet too long.
Fertilizing
Light feeding, quarter strength monthly in growing season — variegated tissue can burn more easily than green tissue.
Common mistakes
- Expecting the same growth speed as a full-green Alocasia
- Fertilizing at full strength and scorching pale leaf sections
- Letting humidity drop below 50% — leaf edges brown fast
Propagation
Rhizome division only, at repot. Choose divisions with a healthy amount of green tissue for reliable establishment.
CR note
A covered, bright patio spot with dappled light is ideal for the growing season; bring indoors if nighttime temps drop unusually low in higher-elevation areas.
Alocasia Jacklyn
Alocasia tandurusa (syn. 'Sulawesi Jacklyn')
Botanical notes
A recent introduction from Sulawesi, Indonesia — deeply lobed leaves in layered hues of green, finely textured with small hairs, on creamy petioles streaked in purple. Interesting from the side as well as from above, unlike most Alocasia.
Soil & moisture
Airy, chunky aroid mix. More rot-prone than it looks — this is a common overwatering trap since the deeply lobed leaves make it look thirstier than it is.
Fertilizing
Diluted balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering out of caution, since the plant looks delicate
- Cold drafts or temperature swings causing rapid leaf shrinkage
- Low light causing legginess
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), same as other Alocasia.
Propagation
Rhizome division at repot, same as other Alocasia in this collection.
CR note
Stable year-round warmth in Costa Rica suits this one well — it dislikes temperature swings far more than most Alocasia, and CR's climate avoids that problem entirely indoors.
Alocasia Melo
Alocasia baginda 'Melo'
Botanical notes
A jewel Alocasia from the same Borneo species group as 'Silver Dragon' and 'Dragon Scale' (also sold as Alocasia rugosa). Thick, textured, compact leaves and slow, corm-based growth — a genuinely different growth habit from the larger, faster Alocasia in this collection.
Soil & moisture
Very chunky, fast-draining mix. The corm rots quickly if kept wet — this genus tolerates dryness far better than it tolerates excess moisture.
Fertilizing
Light feeding, quarter strength, every 4–6 weeks — a slow grower with modest needs.
Common mistakes
- Watering on the same schedule as a faster-growing Alocasia, causing corm rot
- Expecting quick growth from a genuinely slow, corm-based plant
- Low humidity causing crisping on the thick leaves
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), same as other Alocasia.
Propagation
Corm offsets at repot — separate once a division has its own roots.
CR note
Given its slow, corm-based habit, resist the urge to water this one as often as your faster Alocasia — CR's humidity handles the air side, but the soil should still dry more than you'd expect.
Alocasia Nobilis
Alocasia sanderiana 'Nobilis'
Botanical notes
Large, glossy, deeply lobed arrowhead leaves in dark green with prominent silvery-white veins and sharply pointed edges — a cultivar of Alocasia sanderiana, native to Southeast Asian rainforests.
Soil & moisture
Well-draining, organically rich aroid mix. Let it dry almost fully between waterings — more drought-tolerant than most Alocasia here.
Fertilizing
Quarter strength balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering — this one wants a drier rhythm than Frydek or Polly
- Direct sun dulling the leaf's slightly metallic sheen
- Too little light causing slower growth and paler veining
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), same as other Alocasia.
Propagation
Division or stem cuttings with a node, at repot.
CR note
One of the more drought-tolerant Alocasia here — good for a bright spot where you're less likely to check on watering daily.
Alocasia Pink
Alocasia longiloba 'Pink Dragon'
Botanical notes
Glossy dark green leaves with prominent silvery veins and a purplish-maroon underside, on standout bright pink petioles and stems — the feature that gives it its name. Growth habit is similar to Alocasia Polly, also in this collection.
Soil & moisture
Well-draining aroid mix; keep evenly moist without letting it sit wet. More cold-sensitive than most — it can lose leaves (and even go dormant, resting on its corm) if temperatures drop, though this is rarely a concern indoors in Costa Rica.
Fertilizing
Quarter strength balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering the thick, sensitive roots
- Assuming a defoliated plant is dead — the corm often just needs a rest before resprouting
- Too little light muting the pink stem color
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), same as other Alocasia.
Propagation
Division of offsets/corm sections at repot.
CR note
The cold-triggered dormancy this plant is known for elsewhere is unlikely to show up in Costa Rica's stable indoor warmth — expect steadier, more consistent growth than temperate-climate guides describe.
Alocasia Polly
Alocasia × amazonica 'Polly'
Botanical notes
A hybrid known for glossy, arrow-shaped leaves with pale green veins and wavy white-edged margins. Often the "starter" Alocasia for new growers — slightly more forgiving than Frydek. Also sold as "Alocasia Amazonica" — that name refers to the same amazonica hybrid group 'Polly' belongs to, and in the trade the two names are used interchangeably for what is, for care purposes, the same plant.
Soil & moisture
Chunky aroid mix; likes to dry slightly at the surface but never fully. Terracotta pots help regulate moisture in humid climates.
Fertilizing
Quarter strength every 3–4 weeks in active growth; withhold entirely once dormancy signs appear.
Common mistakes
- Treating seasonal dieback as plant failure and overwatering to "fix" it
- Spider mites from air that's too dry — inspect leaf undersides regularly
- Cold shock from AC or night drafts
Propagation
Divide corm/rhizome offsets at the base; each division needs at least one growth point and some roots.
CR note
Reliable year-round grower in typical CR indoor warmth; watch for mite pressure in drier Guanacaste-type microclimates specifically.
Alocasia Scalprum
Alocasia scalprum
Botanical notes
Nicknamed the "Scalpel Plant" — narrow, blade-like, matte blue-green leaves with a leathery texture and pronounced ridged veins, growing from a central rhizome. Stays compact, typically under 45cm indoors. Native to the Philippines.
Soil & moisture
Well-draining aroid mix; consistent moisture without staying soggy.
Fertilizing
Quarter strength balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering, given its already-compact water needs
- Direct sun scorching the matte leaf surface
- Tap water sensitivity causing leaf-edge browning — filtered or rain water is safer
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), same as other Alocasia.
Propagation
Rhizome division at repot.
CR note
Its compact size makes it a good fit for shelf space rather than floor space — and like the Goeppertia in Batch 2, it'll appreciate Costa Rica's soft rainwater over tap.
Variegated Elephant Ear
Alocasia macrorrhizos 'Variegata'
Botanical notes
A large-growing species with heavily marbled cream-and-green leaves that can reach substantial size given room and light — the largest-growing Alocasia in this collection.
Soil & moisture
Rich but fast-draining mix; as a bigger, more vigorous grower it can handle slightly more consistent moisture than compact Alocasia cultivars.
Fertilizing
Half strength balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks in active growth given its size and vigor; reduce in cooler/drier months.
Common mistakes
- Underestimating eventual size and under-potting
- Too little light causing loss of variegation and leggy growth
- Letting it dry out completely, which stresses this species more than others
Propagation
Rhizome/offset division at repot; large enough specimens can also be propagated from sizeable rhizome sections with an eye.
CR note
A strong candidate for a bright, covered outdoor patio spot in Costa Rica's climate — it can take more sun and humidity outdoors than most of its Alocasia relatives.
Anthurium
A huge genus split into two very different houseplant camps: flowering types grown for their glossy waxy spathe, and "velvet" foliage types grown by collectors for thick, textured, dramatically-veined leaves. This entry covers the velvet/collector type.
Anthurium Dorayaki
Anthurium crystallinum × A. clarinervium 'Dorayaki'
Botanical notes
An Indonesian-bred hybrid crossing two collector favorites — nearly circular, thick, velvety dark green leaves with prominent silvery-white veins, named for their resemblance to the round Japanese pancake. Compact, self-heading habit; genuinely slow-growing.
Soil & moisture
Very chunky, airy aroid mix (bark, perlite, coco coir) — good aeration matters more than moisture retention. Water thoroughly, then let it dry meaningfully before the next round.
Fertilizing
Quarter strength balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth — light feeding for a slow grower.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering in a mix that isn't airy enough, causing root rot
- Low humidity causing crispy, browning edges on the velvet leaves
- Direct sun scorching the delicate leaf surface
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals) if chewed — moderate irritation, similar to other aroids in this collection.
Propagation
Stem cuttings with a node, or division of offsets at repot — either works, though this cultivar is slow to establish either way.
CR note
A genuinely good fit for Costa Rica's humidity — one of the easier velvet Anthuriums to keep happy without a dedicated humidity cabinet, given how close ambient conditions already sit to what it wants.
Beaucarnea
Not a true palm — a caudex-forming succulent from semi-arid Mexico. The polar opposite of the Alocasia above: full sun, minimal water, and near indestructibility.
Ponytail Palm
Beaucarnea recurvata
Botanical notes
The swollen base (caudex) stores water, allowing long drought tolerance. Slow-growing, with a cascade of strappy leaves from the top of the stem.
Soil & moisture
Cactus/succulent mix with sharp drainage — the single biggest killer of this plant is a mix that holds moisture around the caudex.
Fertilizing
Light feeding 2–3 times during the growing season with a diluted balanced or cactus fertilizer; it needs very little.
Common mistakes
- Watering on a fixed schedule instead of by soil dryness
- Using regular potting soil instead of a gritty, fast-draining mix
- Too little light causing thin, floppy, pale leaves
Propagation
Occasionally produces basal offsets/pups that can be removed with some root and potted separately once large enough. Seed propagation is slow and less practical at home.
CR note
Perfect for the sunniest, driest spot in the house or a bright patio — one of the few plants on this list that actively benefits from CR's intense midday sun.
Begonia
A huge family of over a thousand species, but the cane-forming "angel wing" types like this one share a fairly consistent profile: bright indirect light, evenly moist soil, and a fussiness about humidity that's easily solved in a naturally humid climate.
Begonia maculata (Polka Dot Begonia)
Begonia maculata
Botanical notes
Large, angel-wing-shaped olive-green leaves marked with silvery-white spots, deep red on the underside — the redder the underside, the more light it's getting. Cane-forming, bamboo-like jointed stems. Native to Brazil's Atlantic rainforest.
Soil & moisture
Well-draining mix that still holds some moisture. Consistency matters more than either extreme — this genus is prone to both root rot from soggy soil and leaf drop from drying out.
Fertilizing
Light balanced feeding monthly during active growth.
Common mistakes
- Watering overhead onto the leaves, inviting powdery mildew — water at the soil line instead
- Too little light causing legginess and faded spot pattern
- Letting it get root-bound and leggy without regular pruning
⚠ Pet safety
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed — begonias contain soluble calcium oxalates concentrated in the roots/tubers, causing oral irritation and GI upset.
Propagation
Extremely easy from stem cuttings in water — a classic beginner-friendly propagation, and a good way to keep a fuller-looking plant as the canes age and thin at the base.
CR note
CR's ambient humidity does most of the work this plant usually needs a humidifier for elsewhere — just make sure airflow is decent given how humid it already is, since stagnant damp air combined with overhead watering is what actually invites mildew.
Caladium
Tuberous aroids grown for paper-thin, vividly patterned leaves. Distinctive trait: they naturally go dormant, dying back to the tuber, and this is normal — not a care failure.
Caladium bicolor 'White Queen'
Caladium bicolor 'White Queen'
Botanical notes
Pale, near-white leaves with deep green veining, arising from an underground tuber. Growth is seasonal — active flush of leaves, then natural dieback.
Soil & moisture
Rich, well-draining mix. Keep consistently moist while leaves are actively growing; once leaves yellow and collapse at season's end, cut back watering drastically.
Fertilizing
Balanced liquid fertilizer at quarter strength every 3–4 weeks only while actively leafing out; none during dormancy.
Common mistakes
- Discarding the plant when it dies back, not realizing the tuber is still alive
- Continuing to water heavily through dormancy, rotting the tuber
- Too little humidity causing the delicate leaves to crisp at the edges
Propagation
Divide tubers (each with at least one visible "eye") during the dormant period and replant to start the next growth cycle.
CR note
In Costa Rica's stable warm climate, dormancy can be shorter or less pronounced than in temperate growing guides — let the plant's own leaf behavior guide watering rather than a strict calendar.
Caladium bicolor 'Bombshell'
Caladium bicolor 'Bombshell'
Botanical notes
A compact, ruffled-leaf cultivar in fiery red tones, smaller and more densely leaved than many Caladium — good for tighter spaces. Same tuberous, dormancy-driven lifecycle as 'White Queen'.
Soil & moisture
Same profile as 'White Queen': rich, moisture-retentive but well-draining mix during growth, kept nearly dry during dormancy.
Fertilizing
Quarter strength balanced fertilizer every 3–4 weeks in active growth; stop feeding as leaves begin to decline naturally.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a dying-back plant needs more water, not less
- Direct hot sun scorching the compact ruffled leaves
- Repotting or disturbing the tuber while it's dormant
Propagation
Tuber division at the start of dormancy or just before new growth resumes, same method as other Caladium.
CR note
Its compact size makes it well suited to a bright windowsill indoors, sidestepping the intense direct sun found on unshaded CR patios.
Callisia
A fast, easy trailing succulent-leaning genus related to Tradescantia — forgiving and quick to root from cuttings.
Turtle Vine
Callisia repens
Botanical notes
Trailing, semi-succulent stems with small rounded leaves that can blush purple-pink under strong light — a good hanging basket or shelf trailer.
Soil & moisture
Standard well-draining potting mix; more forgiving of both under- and over-watering than most plants on this list, but avoid prolonged soggy soil.
Fertilizing
Light balanced feeding monthly during growing season; it grows quickly enough to benefit from regular light feeding.
Common mistakes
- Leggy, sparse growth from too little light
- Letting cuttings get too long without pinching, leading to a thin, straggly plant
- Root rot from pots without drainage holes
Propagation
Extremely easy — stem cuttings root in water or directly in moist soil within one to two weeks. Great candidate for filling out a sparse pot quickly.
CR note
Does well on a bright, part-sun patio shelf; the brighter the light, the more pronounced its purple blush.
Chamaedorea
A true understory palm genus, several species native to Central America — genuinely one of the best-suited plants on this list for the region.
Parlor Palm
Chamaedorea elegans
Botanical notes
A slow-growing, clumping understory palm native to Mexico and Central America, naturally adapted to low, filtered rainforest-floor light.
Soil & moisture
Well-draining, slightly moisture-retentive potting mix. Sensitive to both prolonged dryness and waterlogging — aim for steady, moderate moisture.
Fertilizing
Light balanced fertilizer at quarter strength every 4–6 weeks in growing season; palms are prone to nutrient burn, so under-fertilizing is safer than over-doing it.
Common mistakes
- Overwatering, especially in low-light spots where the soil stays wet longer
- Fertilizer burn from over-application, seen as brown leaflet tips
- Tap water fluoride/salt buildup causing tip browning over time — filtered or rain water helps
Propagation
Division of naturally clumping offshoots at the base, each with its own roots. Seed propagation is possible but slow and less practical at home.
CR note
Genuinely native to the region's forests — one of the easiest, most climate-appropriate plants on this list. Rainwater collected locally is an excellent watering source for it.
Colocasia
Often confused with Alocasia, but Colocasia leaves point downward from the petiole (Alocasia points up) and this genus tolerates — even enjoys — much wetter soil, including boggy or pond-edge conditions.
Black Magic Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic'
Botanical notes
Large, heart-shaped near-black leaves on a vigorous tuberous plant; the true taro genus, historically grown as a food crop, so it's built for wet feet.
Soil & moisture
Rich, moisture-retentive soil — unlike most aroids here, this one tolerates poor drainage and can even be grown at a pond's edge. Indoors, a saucer that holds a little water is fine.
Fertilizing
Half strength balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks during active growth given its vigorous size and appetite; reduce as growth slows.
Common mistakes
- Treating it like Alocasia and underwatering — the opposite mistake causes stress here
- Too little light, muting the deep black-purple leaf color to green
- Underestimating final size indoors — it wants to get big
Propagation
Divide the cormlets/offsets that form around the base of the main tuber; each division needs roots and a growing point.
CR note
An excellent outdoor candidate in Costa Rica — happy in a large pot on a rainy, bright patio where it can catch natural rainfall without you worrying about overwatering.