Alocasia Dragon Scale, scale-like leaves

Whether you're a fan of Games of Thrones or Harry Potter, we've all, at least once, dreamed of adopting a dragon. Rather than buying a figurine that will gather dust and impress no-one, treat yourself to an Alocasia Dragon Scale. The leaves of this cultivar of alocasia baginda imitate the scales of the mythical creature.

How to recognize Alocasia 'Dragon Scale'?

Alocasia 'Dragon Scale' is a perennial with a bushy habit. Grown in pots and indoors, it reaches a maximum height of 90 centimetres.

The leaves are supported by a long, light-green stalk. Cordiform, they are rough like a lizard's skin. But it's their pattern that has earned the plant the nickname "dragon scale". In fact, the green leaf blades are criss-crossed by even darker, raised veins and veins.

Alocasia 'Dragon Scale' is toxic to animals. The sap contained in the foliage, stems and petioles contains alkaloids and calcium oxalate. These substances cause digestive problems when ingested. They can also cause mucous membrane or skin burns on contact.

Our maintenance tips

Alocasia 'Dragon Scale are not plants to be placed in everyone's hands. They need light, rich soil, a little knowledge and a lot of attention.

Watering

Alocasia 'Dragon Scale likes freshness. Watering should keep its roots cool and dry. In summer, wait until the soil surface has dried to one centimetre before watering. In winter, let the substrate dry out between watering.

Pournon-calcareous water (rainwater, for example) at room temperature over the soil.

After each watering, empty the stagnant water into the saucer.

Spray

Spraying foliage with non-calcareous water (e.g. Mineral water or rainwater) helps to maintain humidity levels.

Repotting

Every spring, repot your Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale' to give it more space.

In a pierced pot, pour clay balls or small pebbles to optimize drainage. Then pour in a layer of ordinary potting soil enriched with a little perlite or river sand. Plant your Alocasia 'Dragon Scale, fill in with substrate and tamp.

Water to eliminate air bubbles and improve contact between roots and soil.

Fertilization

To promote the growth of your Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale', apply fertilizer in spring and summer.

To promote growth and the appearance of new leaves, give your Alocasia 'Dragon Scale green plant fertilizer.

Cleaning

When dust accumulates on the leaves, the plant slows down its photosynthesis process and its growth. To keep your Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale' healthy, clean its foliage with a damp, clean cloth.

Alocasia 'Dragon Scale are toxic plants. Wash your hands after touching your plant, or wear gloves when handling it.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take advantage of the annual repotting to remove the shoots that form on the outside of the plant. If necessary, separate them with pruning shears or a clean, sharp knife.

Prepare buckets with potting soil similar to that used for adult plants. Translucent pots are best. You'll be able to monitor root growth.

Place the bulbils on the surface, flat side down and pointed side up. Water and then place your bulbils in a greenhouse or transparent crate.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybug, accompanied by ants for its honeydew.

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Alocasia - Alocasia
Species	Alocasia baginda - Alocasia baginda
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tags	Soiffarde Toxic
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors