Family: Araceae
Common Name: Dragon Scale
Botanical Name: Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale'
This lovely Elephant Ear has some serious leaf embossing and as it grows, its definition becomes heavily pronounced. Alocasia love bright indirect light and dislike being watered when the soil is still wet, so let the soil dry out before you water this dragon! The silvery-green along the edges of the leaves lean in towards the central darkness of its center, highlighting its luminous tone. Their undersides are pale cream with vibrant maroon veins. This is a great companion plant for deep-green leaved indoor plants! Learn how to properly care for these alluring alocasia!
Light
Light is critical for all plants, but especially for the Alocasia Dragon Scale. Bright indirect light for about six hours a day is enough to keep these houseplants healthy. Alocasia can handle lower light or fewer hours of bright indirect light, but for the plant to really thrive it needs plenty of bright indirect light. You can also filter the sunlight by placing the plant behind a curtain. Keep the plant close to the window so that maximum sunlight is ensured.
Water
Alocasia Dragon Scale has medium water requirements, which means they don't like to completely dry out, but they also don't like to sit in standing water. You want to let the soil dry out until 3/4 of the soil is dry. Alocasia Dragon Scale do not like to be over watered so if you are unsure about when to water them, it's best to err on the side of caution and refrain from the watering can! When you water these houseplants, saturate the soil and let the water run through the drainage holes in the pot. Well-draining soil is very important for plants like Alocasia Dragon Scale, these houseplants simply do not tolerate wet feet.
Temperature
Warmer temperatures are ideal for all Alocasia, including Dragon Scale! These tropical plants prefer to stay between 60-80°F. Avoid drafts that can occur near windows and doors and avoid placing the plants near heating or cooling vents as this can either dry out, or shock the foliage!
Humidity
The more humidity the better for Alocasia Dragon Scale. These beautiful indoor plants thrive with high humidity (60% plus). Place the plant near a humidifier or using a pebble tray with water will provide the extra dampness they crave. Learn how to increase the humidity around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Proper nutrition will help your alocasia push out big, beautiful leaves. Fertilize when the plant is actively growing during the warmer months. Use a ¼ diluted complete liquid fertilizer when watering or you can use seaweed or fish emulsion (1 tablespoon for 1 gallon of water).
Growth Rate
Alocasia Dragon Scale can grow up to 3’+ indoors with the proper light and care.
Pet Friend or Foe
The plant is toxic to pets and children. Foe!
Pro Tips
- Routinely treat the plant and the soil with horticultural oil like neem oil. These houseplants are prone to pests, so taking preventative steps can keep the plant healthy and beautiful.
- Plants need clean leaves to effectively complete the process of photosynthesis. Gently clean the leaves using a damp cloth to not only keep the houseplant looking amazing but also to allow the alocasia to grow to its full potential.
- Don't be in a rush to re-pot. Alocasia likes to be slightly root bound and prefers to stay in the same pot for a while. When you notice the roots beginning to poke through the holes in the grow pot or creep out at the top of the soil then it is time to re-pot.
- Rotate your Dragon Scale to maintain a full bodied and well balanced form!