The Alocasia Dragon Scale is a stunning tropical plant known for its iridescent green leaves that appear to have been decorated with flecks of brightly colored paint. This unique appearance is what gives rise to both its common and botanical names – the leaves look as though they’ve been lovingly decorated with dragon scales. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know to successfully grow this jewel-toned beauty.
Selecting High Quality Plants
When choosing an Alocasia Dragon Scale plant, you’ll want to select ones with:
Vibrantly Colored Leaves
- Look for leaves with deep green backgrounds and vibrant red, pink, orange, yellow or purple flecks
- Avoid plants with leaves that are mostly green or flecks that look faded
- Vibrant flecking indicates the plant is getting sufficient light
Established Root Systems
- Gently lift the plant from the pot to examine roots
- Select plants with abundant creamy white healthy roots throughout the pot
- Avoid root-bound plants or those with brown, slimy roots
Vigorous New Growth
- Check for new leaves emerging from the center of the plant
- New growth shows that the plant is actively growing
- Avoid plants with no signs of new leaves developing
For more information on choosing the best Alocasia varieties, including the Dragon Scale, see “5 Stunning Alocasia Varieties.”
Providing the Right Growing Conditions
Dragon Scale Alocasias thrive when provided with:
Bright Indirect Sunlight
- Place in bright indoor spaces near south or west facing windows
- Direct sun will scorch the leaves
- Insufficient light will result in faded coloration
Consistently Warm Temperatures
Daytime
- 65-85°F
- Cooler temperatures may slow growth
Nighttime
- Above 60°F
- Colder temperatures can damage leaves
High Humidity
- 40-60% humidity minimum
- Use a humidifier or pebble tray to increase humidity around the plant
- Mist leaves frequently to supplement humidity
Learn more about optimal growing conditions for Alocasias in our detailed article, “5 Must-Know Tips for Growing Alocasia.”
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Watering Correctly
Proper watering prevents common issues like:
Drooping or Wilting
- Result of allowing potting mix to completely dry out
- Water thoroughly as soon as top inch becomes dry
Rotting
- Caused by too frequent watering or poorly draining soil
- Wait until soil is partly dry between waterings
- Ensure pot has drainage holes and well draining mix
Maintaining Consistent Moisture
- Check soil moisture by touching top inches of mix
- Strive to keep soil evenly moist but not saturated
- Take care not to over or under water
Providing Optimal Potting Conditions
To support healthy growth, Dragon Scale Alocasias require:
Nutrient Rich Potting Mix
- Use indoor plant potting mix enriched with compost or worm castings
- Avoid regular garden soil which can become waterlogged
Drainage Holes & Saucer
- Select containers with ample holes to allow excess water to escape
- Place pot on saucer to prevent damage to surfaces from drainage
- Empty saucer promptly after watering
Periodic Re-potting
- Re-pot annually in early spring into slightly larger containers
- This provides fresh mix and room for the rapidly growing root system
- Handle roots gently when re-potting to avoid damage
Securing Necessary Supports
Due to their tropical origins and rapid growth habit, these plants require: Moisture-Loving Support Stakes
- Insert wooden or bamboo stakes when stems reach 6 inches tall
- Check ties regularly as plant grows to avoid damage
- Keep ties loose enough to allow some stem movement
Support From Below When Pot Bound
- Place pots on plant risers or bricks once root bound
- This prevents top heavy pots from falling over
- Choose sturdy supports to handle the weight
Shelves for Outgrowing Plants
- Opt for heavy duty shelves if displaying large specimens
- Anchors and braces provide stability for mature plants
- Site shelves away from HVAC vents to minimize cold drafts
Where to buy Alocasia Dragon Scale? Benefits from importing plants from Thailand
- Shipping: Door to door shipping, fast and safe with Dragon Courier
- Biodiversity: Thailand is known for its rich biodiversity, including a wide variety of aroid species. This diversity allows importers to access a broad range of unique and exotic aroid plants.
- Quality and Health of Plants: The suitable climate helps the plants grown here stay healthy and of high quality.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Due to favorable growing conditions and efficient production methods, Thai aroid plants can often be more cost-effective compared to those from other countries.
- Access to Hybrid Varieties: Thai growers are often involved in the development of new hybrid aroid varieties, offering unique plants that may not be available from other sources.
Alocasia species are the most sought after by aroid plant lovers
Conclusion
With its gorgeously flecked, almost mystical foliage, the Alocasia Dragon Scale brings a uniquely exquisite look to indoor plant collections. By providing warm conditions very bright indirect light, high humidity, and consistently moist soil, these tropic beauties will thrive and delight for years to come. Just be sure to give them proper potting mix, drainage, and the necessary supports to accommodate their vigorous growth. Do this, and you’ll be rewarded with an exceptionally stunning houseplant that looks like it has otherworldly dragon scales embellishing its leaves!
FAQs
- How often should I water my Alocasia Dragon Scale? You should water your Alocasia Dragon Scale once the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Typically, this means watering once a week, but it can vary based on the plant’s environment, including temperature and humidity levels.
- Can Alocasia Dragon Scale grow in low light conditions? Alocasia Dragon Scale prefers bright, indirect light. While it can tolerate lower light conditions to an extent, growth may be slower and the plant’s distinctive leaf color and texture could fade.
- What type of soil is best for Alocasia Dragon Scale? A well-draining, slightly acidic soil is ideal for Alocasia Dragon Scale. You can use a peat-based soil mix and add in perlite or orchid bark for extra drainage.
- How do I propagate my Alocasia Dragon Scale? The easiest way to propagate your Alocasia Dragon Scale is by division during repotting. Alternatively, you can propagate by seeds, although this can be quite challenging and requires careful attention.
- How can I prevent pests on my Alocasia Dragon Scale? Regularly inspect your Alocasia Dragon Scale for any signs of pests. If you spot pests, isolate the plant from your other plants and treat it immediately with an appropriate pesticide or homemade solution. Maintaining healthy plant conditions can also help deter pests.
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