Dragon Scale Alocasia: Best Growth & Care Guide

The gigantic scales of Dragon Scale Alocasia have textured foliage that resembles dragon scales.

Consider reading this article if you want to add this exotic plant to your mini garden.

Overview of Dragon Scale Alocasia

Dragon Scale Alocasia is a tropical perennial plant belonging to Araceae. They are considered a jewel Alocasia because of their scales.

Dragon Scale Alocasia Care

Dragon Scale Alocasia is a low-maintenance plant and a great addition to your garden. You have to be careful while taking their proper care.

1. Light & Temperature

Dragon Scale Alocasia requires six hours of bright indirect light for its proper growth.

Besides, the ideal temperature for this plant is around 60-85°F, depending on the season.

In spring and summer: 68°F-85°F

In winter: 55°F-60°F, keep the temperature above 50°F.

The leaves’ yellowing and curling can result from insufficient light and low temperature.

So, invest in heat lamps and frost blankets to cope with low temperatures. You can also add a grow light to provide artificial lighting.

It will be best to place them in the east-facing well-insulated windows.

But in winter, you can shift its place towards the north-facing window to get the proper light.

2. Watering & Humidity

Dragon Scale Alocasia requires around 60-80% of humidity. However, we can also grow them in low humidity by providing ideal conditions.

The symptoms of underwatering are grey leaves with little to no growth. Meanwhile, the symptoms of overwatering include yellow leaves, wilting, brown patches on foliage, and decaying stems.

Make sure to observe the two inches of the topsoil to check if it’s dry before watering them.

You can also take the help of a self-watering device or bottom water the plant.

Low humidity can lead to curling and drooping of the leaves.

Place the plant pot near a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier to maintain optimum humidity

3. Fertilization & Soil

Dragon Scale Alocasia requires soil that is well-drained and rich in organic content.

The ideal pH range for soil is between 5.7 and 7, which ranges from mildly acidic to neutral.

Although Alocasia is not a heavy feeder, it requires fertilizer every six weeks. It can face the under-fertilization problem, making the leaves curl.

Organic fertilizers like kitchen waste and compost manure can bless your Alocasia.

Liqui Dirt is the suggested fertilizer for this plant because of its high carbonate content. For soil, you can trust Miracle-Gro.

4. Potting and Repotting

Dragon Scale Alocasia requires repotting every two or three years when it becomes rootbound.

You can use ceramic pots, terracotta, or wooden pots to make your garden even more attractive.

When repotting, use fresh potting soil mix, as the old soil may harbor pathogens that can harm your plant.

Unsuccessful repotting can cause the plant’s growth to be sluggish, rot the roots and invite other difficulties.

To avoid transplant shock, you must humidify the plant before interfering with the roots.

5. Occasional Pruning

You can prune the Dragon Scale Alocasia to restore its aesthetic looks. They require pruning once in a while.

Their thick and juicy stems help prevent the attack from pests. However, they can get infected by spider mites, aphids, and scales.

The yellow leaves in Alocasia may indicate a fungal infection in your plant. Further, a dark brown, black, or yellow halo around the spots can be caused by the Xanthomonas bacteria.

You can grab a pair of scissors and trim the edge or tip properly, removing brown and decayed leaves.

If you find the stem infected, it is recommended to remove it as it will trigger the infection further. You can use Q tips and dilute isopropyl alcohol to eradicate the pests manually.

The neem oil and warm insecticidal soap can help deal with the infestation.

Alocasia Dragon Scale: All About the Growth Rate

Dragon Scale Alocasia has a thick and poisonous stem with a ribbed texture.

The leaves are emerald green and have broad oval-shaped with elongated tips. They have dark and deep green veins, making them even more fascinating.

The underside of the leaves is a pale green or cream color with maroon veins. The color of the veins matures as they grow.

This plant’s inflorescence, known as a spadix, has white flowers and purple spathes that resemble leaves. The flowers bloom in the spring season.

The plant matures after seven years and grows in rows roughly 6 ft long in its natural habitat. It grows up to 3ft long indoors.

They tend to grow most noticeably in the spring and summer. While we hardly see their growth in the winter season as they enter the dormant phase.

Toxicity of Alocasia Dragon Scale

Dragon Scale Alocasia is one of the plants to inhabit the ‘toxic list.’ and is toxic to your cats, dogs, and kids.

When your pet or children swallows even a small portion of this plant, you may observe the symptoms in your pets, like drooling, pawing at the face, vomiting, and oral pain.

Also, the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, mouth irritation, and difficulty swallowing in children. It can also cause dermatitis when the skin comes in contact with the leaves.

If you observe these symptoms in your pet, take it to your local veterinarian, or you can contact these hotlines below, which can help you during this emergency.

• Animal Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Propagation Methods for Dragon Scale Alocasia

The variety of plants belonging to the Alocasia family is propagated by offset or tuber propagation.

Offset Division

Offset division is the process of propagating plants using their healthy offshoots or plantlets. They are usually smaller in size and produced around the base of the ‘mother plant.’

This method is most common for plants that propagate through rhizomes and tuber.

• First, you have to identify the offset and ensure they are of the appropriate size to fit in the pot.
• Remove the mother plant from the pot, and slowly remove the soil around the offset.
• Use a sterilized knife to untangle the roots of the baby shoots from the mother roots.
• Plant the baby Alocasia in the next pot and cover it with plastic to maintain optimum humidity.
• You must observe the baby plant in the first eight weeks and remove the plastic after some time. The products of offset propagation will grow much healthier.

Tuber Division

Alocasia has a clump of roots that you can easily separate. This process is easy and takes a very short period, but you will need organic-rich soil.

The plant should be mature and have a long tuber with multiple growths to propagate through the tuber cutting.

• Take the plant from the pot and remove the soil around the tuber.
• Mature plants have multiple tubers (rhizomes) so separate them carefully.
• Take a knife and cut the tuber horizontally. Make sure to include the node as well during the tuber cutting.
• Leave one-third of the tuber with the mother plant, then cover the tuber with antifungal powder.
• Plant the tuber in a new pot and observe them for 3-4 weeks as new leaves grow.
• Once they have enough roots, plant them separately to grow them as independent plants.

Corms or Bulbs Divison

Alocasia develops corms and bulbs around them. You will find them easily if you dig carefully around the mother plant.

This is an easier way to propagate Alocasia and has a high success rate.

• Once the roots are out of the plant, shake it properly and separate the bulbs or corms from the root ball.
• Take the bulbs and plant them in a new pot with fresh potting soil.
• You can add grow light to provide them with proper humidity. The new Alocasia will emerge in a few weeks.

Dragon Scale Alocasia for Sale

Let’s dive into some of my favorite websites selling Dragon Scale Alocasia.

Alocasia Dragon Scale Vs. Silver Dragon

The dragon scale Alocasia and silver dragon are hard to differentiate. They both have a similar appearance and leaf structure, which may confuse you.

If we observe them, we can find plenty of differences.

If you are further curious about the silver dragon Alocasia, make sure to watch the video down below.

FAQ Regarding Dragon Scale Alocasia

Is Alocasia Dragon Scale rare?

Alocasia Dragon scale is generally hard to find in the market, so it is considered rare. Its leathery, dark, and deep emerald-green veins make it appear highly exotic.

They are one of the most adored plants for the indoor garden.

Is Alocasia Dragon Scale hard to take care of?

Alocasia Dragon Scale is easy to handle when provided with an appropriate growth condition.

It adores low humidity, bright indirect sunlight, and slightly dry soil.

Wrapping Up,

This fascinating plant will be a great addition to your plant family. While it requires low maintenance, be wary of the problems your plant may face.

Thank you for your time! Happy planting.