The genus Alocasia contains many popular houseplants, including the “Green Velvet” varieties, A. micholitziana and its cultivar, ‘Frydek’. Both are prized for their striking, dark, velvety foliage contrasted by vivid white veins. Their significant visual similarity often leads to misidentification among growers. However, targeted observation of specific physical characteristics provides clear points of differentiation.
Primary Identification: Leaf Structure
The primary distinction lies in the shape of the leaf blade. While both plants feature the classic arrow-shaped or sagittate leaf of the Alocasia genus, the ‘Frydek’ cultivar typically displays a more pronounced and deeply lobed structure. The two rear lobes of the leaf, which point backward, are often longer and more separated in ‘Frydek’ than in the standard A. micholitziana form.
The ‘Frydek’ leaves also tend to be narrower and more elongated overall, giving them a more streamlined, pointed look compared to the slightly broader leaf of the standard species. Both plants share the distinctive velvety texture. However, the veining contrast is often enhanced in the ‘Frydek’ cultivar, where the bright white or cream-colored veins against the deep emerald-green backdrop appear more vivid and defined.
Secondary Identification: Stems and Size
A reliable secondary method for distinguishing these plants involves examining the petiole, or leaf stem. A. micholitziana typically exhibits plain green petioles that are uniform in color. In contrast, the ‘Frydek’ cultivar often displays darker pigmentation on its stems, which can manifest as purplish, brown, or mottled bands, particularly when the plant is young or under bright light.
This darker, sometimes jagged banding on the petiole of ‘Frydek’ provides a specific visual marker that is generally absent from the true species. In terms of mature size and growth habit, ‘Frydek’ is commonly observed to mature at a height of about two to three feet in indoor settings. While the species can reach a similar height under ideal conditions, ‘Frydek’ is often more compact.
Naming and Taxonomic Relationship
The significant overlap in appearance is rooted in the fact that ‘Frydek’ is not a separate species but a specific cultivar of Alocasia micholitziana. The name ‘Frydek’ is a horticultural designation, meaning it is a cultivated variety. This cultivar relationship means that A. micholitziana provides the core genetic blueprint for ‘Frydek’.
The selection process for the ‘Frydek’ cultivar focused on enhancing aesthetic features already present in the species, such as pronounced veining and velvety texture. Because they share the same species origin, their fundamental needs and general appearance remain nearly identical. Understanding that ‘Frydek’ is essentially a refined version of the species clarifies why the differences are subtle, involving minor variations in leaf shape, stem coloring, and growth pattern.