The alocasia dragon scale (alocasia baginda) is among the rare alocasia varieties. It has shimmering textured foliages crafted with granite. The alocasia species require extra attention to experience better growth.
Alocasia dragon scale care involves the provision of bright indirect sunlight, moderate watering, high humidity, and well-draining soil. Feed the houseplant in spring and summer due to the active growth. The plant is poisonous to pets and humans.
Keep reading this guide to learn how to grow and care for the alocasia dragon scale like a professional at home. These care tips will help to enhance successful growth and prevent the houseplant from becoming fussy.
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What Does Alocasia Dragon Scale Look Like?
The alocasia baginda is native to Borneo and Indonesia rainforest. The species reveal close similarities to alocasia Melo and reginula.
The indoor plant has incredible vein textures that resemble the dragon scales. The leaves are tough and pliable with hard topsides.
Besides that, the silvery-green foliages are darker towards the center, and the undersides are pale green with maroon veins. Juvenile foliages tend to darken at maturity.
The striking colors make the plant suitable as stand-alone or help in contrasting with other indoor plant collections. It is also the best candidate for a terrarium display.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Care Details
| Origin | Borneo and Indonesia Jungle. |
| Scientific Name | Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale. |
| Common Name | Alocasia Dragon Scale Alocasia Silver Dragon Elephant Ear Silver Dragon |
| Light Requirements | Bright Indirect Sunlight |
| Watering Needs | Irrigate the plant twice or thrice a week in summer and once a week in winter. |
| Soil Mixture | Well-draining potting mixture. Mix equal parts of perlite, coco coir, and orchid mix. |
| Temperature Range | 55-80oF (13-27oC) |
| Fertilizer Application | Use balanced fertilizer every six weeks in spring and early fall. |
| Humidity Requirement | 60-80% humidity level. |
| Flowering | Produce small purple spathe |
| Pruning | Remove dead plant materials |
| Propagation | Division of tubers. |
| Re-potting | No need for a transplant. |
| Pests and Diseases | Pests: Mealybugs, Spider Mites, Aphids, Scales. Diseases: Leaf Spot. |
| Toxicity Level | High poisonous content after ingestion. |
How to Care for Alocasia Dragon Scale Plant
Alocasia Dragon Scale Light Requirements
The dragon scale plant thrives in bright indirect sunlight. Light is essential since it helps the houseplant undertake its physiological activities.
Direct sunlight exposure causes scorching of leaves and stem damage. Move the plant closer to the north-facing window in winter to utilize more sunlight.
Be sure to rotate the houseplant to enhance balance growth. If the area is inaccessible to natural light, install artificial lights in the room.
How to Water Alocasia Dragon Scale
Jewel alocasia loves moderate soil moisture. Every houseplant enthusiasts need to regulate the frequency of watering the alocasia dragon scale.
Too much moisture causes root rot that inhibits a better growth rate. The issue is prevalent if the potting medium lacks proper drainage.
Always check the soil moisture level before watering to prevent damaging this succulent plant. I recommend inserting the index finger in 2-3 inches of the topsoil first.
Water this indoor plant when the topsoil is dry. Soak the potting medium until excess water passes through the drainage holes of the container.
Keep in mind that overwatering and wet leaves spearhead fungal infection and root rot. Re-pot the plant if you suspect these two conditions.
Best Alocasia Dragon Scale Soil Mixture
Proper watering routine and well-draining soil make the alocasia dragon scale flourish. Clay soil inhibits better drainage, and this increases the risk of root rot.
I recommend a mixture of perlite, orchid mix, and chopped coco coir. Add peat and compost to boost soil fertility and water-holding abilities.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Humidity Requirements
Alocasias thrive in high humidity in the tropical rainforest. But the indoor humidity fluctuations make it challenging to grow some tropical plants.
Alocasia dragon scale can adapt to the low humidity level. The high humidity of about 60-80% will make this alocasia species thrive and flourish.
Installing a humidifier will help to reach the required humidity level at home. Avoid misting the plant foliages to prevent leaf spot issues.
Best Alocasia Dragon Scale Temperature Range
The Alocasia dragon scale thrives under a temperature range of 55-80oF (13-27oC). Be sure to keep the houseplant indoors during winter to avoid frosting.
Cold temperatures trigger dormancy that causes the plant to start looking ragged. The dormancy phase is normal in winter since the plant will wake up in spring and summer.
Remember to reduce the watering frequency since the plant uses little water during dormancy. Be sure to keep the plant away from heat and cold drafts to prevent stress.
How to Fertilize Alocasia Dragon Scale
Alocasia dragon scale is not a heavy feeder like other houseplants. But the plant needs fertilizer nutrients to enhance active growth and vegetative appearance.
Use a balanced fertilizer every six weeks of spring and early fall. Remember to dilute the fertilizer to enhance faster absorption by the roots.
Over-fertilization might cause leaf scorching and curling. I recommend re-potting the houseplant in case of over-fertilization rather than flushing the potting soil.
Flushing the soil increases the risk of root rot and the leaching of vital nutrients. The transplant shock might disrupt the plant growth for a few days or weeks.
Does Alocasia Dragon Scale Flower?
Alocasia baginda rarely blooms under low light conditions. But exposure to bright indirect sunlight help in the production of small purple spathes pales beside the striking foliages.
I recommend snipping the flowers to conserve the plant energy. Trimming the bloom won’t hurt the plant but should be done early in the morning.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Pruning
The alocasia silver dragon scale requires a minimal pruning routine. I recommend the removal of dead or dying foliages and stems for conserving plant energy.
Pruning helps to minimize the risk of spreading pests and diseases. Be sure to use a sterilized pruner (Check Best Deals on Amazon) to cut the affected leaves or stems.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Dormancy
All houseplants do experience the dormancy phase, and the alocasia dragon scale is not an exemption. It occurs due to reducing light exposure and low temperatures.
Dormancy is associated with winter though it can happen any time of the year. The plant stops growing, and the existing foliages begin to die or deteriorate.
There is no need to freak out so long as you provide ultimate care. Be sure to provide bright indirect sunlight and optimum temperature requirement.
The houseplant will begin to grow again after winter. Do not panic even if all the thick leaves have died. Be sure to provide the required alocasia dragon scale care.
How to Repot Alocasia Dragon Scale
Alocasia silver dragon scale does not need regular transplant since it is less vulnerable to root-bound. The plant growth rate is highly affected by transplant disruption or shock.
The houseplant will lose all the foliages after re-potting due to the dormancy transition. I recommend transplanting the alocasia dragon scale in spring.
Use proportional pot when re-potting the indoor plant. Oversize pot increases the risk of overwatering.
How to Propagate Alocasia Dragon Scale
Alocasia varieties form offsets and clumps for easy propagation. Every houseplant enthusiasts need to divide the tubers and grow them separately.
I recommend propagating this houseplant in spring when re-potting. Identify the tuberous clumps and offsets on the root. Use a sterilized blade to detach the tangled roots.
Plant each part in well-draining soil and provide moderate light. Raise the humidity around the plant and keep the soil hydrated. Increase light to see new foliage formation.
Common Problems and Solutions
Pests
Alocasias are less vulnerable to pest infestations. But the thick and juicy stems tend to invite some sap-sucking insects.
Aphids, scales, mealybugs, and spider mites are the most common pests attacking the indoor alocasia dragon scale.
I recommend spraying the indoor plant once every month with warm soapy water. The insecticidal soap helps to eradicate the pests on the plant.
Diseases
Alocasia silver dragon scale is less vulnerable to plant diseases. Leaf spots occur due to misting and low light conditions.
Be sure to isolate the plant from your indoor plant collection to avoid the spread. Discard the affected leaves using sterilized pruners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alocasia Dragon Scale Toxic?
The silver dragon scale foliages and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate. These crystal compounds are poisonous to cats, dogs, and toddlers after ingestion.
The compound irritates and disrupts the digestive system. I recommend visiting a medical doctor and veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Why Is My Alocasia Dragon Scale Losing Leaves?
Acclimation is the leading cause of alocasia silver dragon scale losing leaves. The plant store growing condition tends to differ from your indoor environment.
I recommend providing ultimate care and feeding the plant to promote vegetation. The plant will take a few weeks to adapt to the current condition.
Why Is My Alocasia Dragon Scale Dying after Repotting?
Alocasia silver dragon scale is super sensitive to re-potting. Any disruption on the roots will force the plant to enter the dormancy phase.
The plant will stop growing and become fussy for some period. I recommend reducing the frequency of repotting and using well-draining soil.
Why Are My Alocasia Dragon Scale Leaves Turning Yellow?
Yellow leaves on the alocasia dragon scale are due to overwatering. The damp environment causes root rot and inhibits the absorption of water and vital minerals.
Low light is another condition that causes alocasia dragon scale yellow leaves. Natural light is essential for enhancing chlorophyll formation on plant foliages.
Why Is My Alocasia Dragon Scale Getting Brown Tips?
The low humidity level is the leading cause of brown tips on alocasia dragon scale leaves. The issue can also be caused by acclimation, cold drafts, high temperatures, and overwatering.
I recommend providing high humidity and following ultimate alocasia dragon scale care. These care tips will help to prevent brown tips and edges.
Final Word
How to care for the alocasia dragon scale involves the provision of bright indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, moderate watering, high humidity, and a temperature range of 55-80oF.
Too much soil moisture will cause root rot and excess direct sunlight will result in scorching or sunburn. These are the main factors affecting the growth of the alocasia silver dragon scale.
Keep the plant away from pets and children due to its toxic content. The calcium oxalate can cause skin irritation and disruption of the digestive system.
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