We all know a few legends about dragons, bat-winged, scaly monsters that breathe fire and we all secretly wish to keep one as a pet. If you would like to have a Dragon Scale in your very own home, then you should consider the beautiful Alocasia Baginda or the Dragon Plant.
Admired for its exotic emerald-green leaves with prominent venation that reminds of the mythical Dragon scales, this plant is an all-time favorite among gardeners and houseplant lovers. Alocasia Baginda is not only gorgeous, but it is also very easy to grow and care for.
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Dragon Scale is a rhizomatous plant part of the Alocasia genus and the Araceae family. Native to Southern Asia and Eastern Australis, this plant is a tropical perennial that usually grows in the rain forest. The genus has over 70 species that can be found in the wild. The arum or Araceae family is known for its distinctive flower borne on a spadix and surrounded by a leaflike bract called a spathe.
Alocasia Bagindas are low-maintenance and can be easily grown as indoor houseplants or even in greenhouses. Although they have some particular growth requirements, they are not very difficult to care for.
The Dragon Scale plant has been extensively cultivated and even hybridized. Some of its most popular varieties include the Alocasia Baginda Pink Dragon, Alocasia Baginda Silver Dragon, and Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet. Alocasia Baginda Pink Dragon is a superb addition to any plant collection. Its pink stems and prominent veins can decorate any dull corner of your home.
Quick Facts
| Quick Facts | Description |
|---|---|
| Family | Araceae |
| Genus | Alocasia |
| Species | Baginda |
| Common name | Dragon Scale |
| Native to | Southern Asia and Eastern Australis |
| Growth height | Up to 3 feet (1 meter) |
| Spread | About 1.6 feet (50 cm) wide |
| Light requirements | Bright, indirect light |
| Temperature | 55°F to 80 °F (13°C to 27°C) |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained |
| Watering | Frequent, without overwatering |
| Toxicity | Level 4, can cause swelling and ulceration in the throat |
| Propagation | By plant division in spring or early summer |
| Indoor/Outdoor | Both, but needs to be brought indoors during winter |
| Popular Varieties | Alocasia Baginda Pink Dragon, Alocasia Baginda Silver Dragon, Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet |
About Dragon Scale Plants
- Alocasia Dragon Scale plants look great when displayed alone or among other plants in your garden. The kitchen and the bathroom can be great locations, as they are warm and humid. Small Dagon Plants also look amazing on the coffee tables as the centerpiece in your living room.
- Alocasia Baginda can thrive outside in the growth zone 9b to 11 and indoors in the growth zone 4b to 11.
- Unfortunately, Alocasia plants have a no. 4 toxicity level. This means that ingestion can cause swelling and ulceration in the throat. Make sure to keep pets and young children away from this toxic plant.
- Although it does well both indoors and outdoors, it needs to be moved inside before the frosty winter arrives. Alocasia Baginda likes to grow in tight containers, so it will also thrive in terrariums.
- With the right amount of care, Alocasia Baginda can stay green and beautiful during all seasons of its entire life cycle. They can live for decades in the proper environment.
Alocasia Baginda Features: An Overview
- Provided the proper conditions, Dragon Scale plants can grow up to 3 feet tall (1 m) and spread about 1,6 feet (50 cm) wide.
- However, every plant has its own growing capacity, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t grow as much as others. Avoid trying to feed it more or overwater it, because it will not make it grow faster or bigger.
- The Dragon Scale has silver-green leaves that turn darker towards the center. The lower side is pale-green with prominent maroon venation that appears faint on new leaves but quickly deepens as the leaf hardens.
- Although Alocasia Baginda blooms, its flowers pale in comparison with its majestic leaves. You might notice tiny purple spathe flowers that are pretty much insignificant.
- Dragon Plants are not drought resistant, as they prefer moist environments. They thrive in humidity, so it’s a good idea to mist them now and then.
Growing Alocasia Baginda
Alocasia Baginda prefers bright, indirect lighting conditions, but it can also withstand partial shade. Direct sunlight must be filtered through a sheer curtain, as it can burn its delicate leaves and damage the plant. Indoor plants can be rotated to make sure all parts get plenty of light. A window facing north, east, or west can be suitable for this rainforest beauty. If you place it outdoors, make sure to move it to a more shaded area during the hottest hours of the day. You can also use artificial growing lights if you place it in a darker room.
Dragon Plants do well in temperatures between 55°F to 80 °F (13°C to 27°C). Because of their tropical origins, they cannot survive cold winters, so keep that in mind if you are planning to plant one in your garden. Also, cold drafts or direct contact with heaters, fans, or air conditioners can be harmful to the plant. As soon as it gets cold, Alocasia Baginda will stop growing and look unwell. This is called dormancy, a state similar to hibernation.
Dormancy involves your Alocasia Baginda dropping all its leaves and surviving as an underground corm. You should feel this corm firm and not rotten or squishy when you press your finger into the soil. To bring it out of its dormant state, take the pot and put it in a sealed plastic bag.
Next, place the bag in a hot place inside your house, such as on top of an airing cupboard or a radiator. Keep the soil moist and air out the bag to remove any condensation. After a couple of weeks, you should see a new leaf bud growing at the cop of the corm. It’s not safe to move the plant back in its place. Dragon Plants are fast-growers, so you should see beautiful new leaves in no time.
If your Alocasia Baginda shows yellowing and dying leaves, it’s not necessarily a bad sign. This plant can only hold a certain number of leaves at a time, based on its root system and general health. If you notice new leaves growing at the same time as losing the outmost leaves on the corm, it means that there is nothing wrong, it’s just a natural process. Just make sure to remove the fallen leaves as quickly as possible to avoid pests and fungus infestations. Cleaning the plant regularly is recommended, as well as removing dead or damages foliage.
Planting Alocasia Baginda
Dragon Scale Plants prefer moist, well-drained soil. The potting mix should be chunky, loose, and porous to ensure optimal growing conditions for the plant. Although Alocasia prefers more moisture than most Aroids, waterlogged soil will cause root rot. An Aroid mix or a Jungle mix amended with slow-release, organic fertilizer is ideal for these plants. You can also add peat moss or compost to the potting mix. Soils that look too heavy can be amended with some sand or perlite.
Alocasia Baginda does not like being repotted too often. This plant likes to stay root bound in a breathable pot for at least one year. However, if you must repot it, the best time to do so is in the spring when the plant comes out of its dormancy state. If you notice the plant has overgrown its container or that the current one is infected, you might have to change the entire pot and soil.
Watering Alocasia Baginda
This plant is a bit fussy when it comes to its watering requirements. Although Alocasia Baginda needs frequent watering, over or under-watering is an issue. In the summer, it is recommended to water two or three times per week. During winter, you can reduce the watering frequency to once a week. Always make sure that the upper 3 inches (7 cm) of the soil dry up between watering. Soggy soil will certainly cause other plant problems.
On the other hand, if you water it too less, Alocasia will become dry and droopy. If the air in your home is too dry, you can use an indoor humidifier. Alternatively, you can place the pot in a tray with pebbles and pour some water into it. The water will evaporate, making the air humid enough for your beloved plant. Be careful not to sit the pot directly on the water, as this will block the drainage holes.
- Premium Plants
- Live Plant
- House Plant
- Rare Alocasia
- Alocasia Dragon Scale
- Type: taro seeds, size:30pcs/bag
- Usually when the temperature 15-25 degrees, 15-20 days to emergence
- The best sowing seasons: spring
- Applications: Balcony, garden, living room, study, windows, office, etc
- 𝐋𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐎𝐑 𝐏𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐓 The Alocasia 'Silver Dragon,' one of the ultra rare four alocasias, is highly sought after for its dark, leathery silver-green leaves with deep emerald green veins. Considered a collector's plant, this stunner is the perfect gift for any plant enthusiast. Extremely limited, will not last long.
- 𝐒𝐔𝐍𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐐𝐔𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐒 Adaptable to medium to bright indirect light, this plant flourishes in a range of light conditions, making it a versatile and eye-catching addition to your indoor space.
- 𝐖𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐆𝐔𝐈𝐃𝐄 Water the plant once every two weeks, or when the soil is completely dry, ensuring that it remains healthy and well-hydrated without the risk of overwatering.
- 𝐏𝐄𝐓 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 While a captivating plant, this plant is not pet-friendly. Exercise caution and keep it out of reach of your furry friends.
- 𝐏𝐑𝐎 𝐓𝐈𝐏 Plant in an aerated, well-draining soil for best growth.
Last update on 2024-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Propagating Alocasia Baginda
The Dragon Scale Plant can be successfully propagated by plant division in the growing season, spring, and early summer. It is recommended that you take advantage of this opportunity to also repot your plant and move up to a larger container if needed. During this process, it is important to keep track of the plant and adjust your care accordingly.
Start by sterilizing all your equipment to prevent spreading any diseases. You will need a very sharp knife to cut a plant division from a healthy parent plant. Next, place the new baby plant in a new pot and sprinkle slow-release fertilizer around the base of the stem. Place it in a warm spot with indirect low light and provide regular watering according to the soil dryness.
After approximately 60 days, you will notice new shoot leaves emerging from the baby plant. The leaves will be pale green and fragile. After 90 to 170 days, your plant should have many new leaves. At this point, you can water twice per week in moderation. Keep abiding by the 3-inch (7 cm) dry soil rule.
In Conclusion
Alocasia Baginda is a superb emerald-green plant with prominent venation that reminds of the legendary Dragon scales. Because of its unique foliage, this plant is an all-time favorite among gardeners and houseplant lovers. Luckily, this plant is not only gorgeous but also easy to grow and care for.
Native to tropical forests, Dragon Scale Plants love warmth, moisture, and humidity, so make sure to provide it with proper growing conditions. If you manage to do so, you will be rewarded with its beauty for decades to come.
Dragon Scale Plants FAQS
Is Alocasia dragon scale easy to grow?
Yes, Alocasia Baginda, also known as the Dragon Scale plant, is relatively easy to grow. It has some specific requirements, such as bright, indirect light and a moist environment, but it’s considered a low-maintenance plant that can be grown both indoors and in greenhouses.
How fast does Dragon Scale grow?
The growth rate of Alocasia Dragon Scale can vary depending on the conditions it’s grown in. Provided with optimal conditions, it can grow quite quickly. However, each plant has its own growing capacity, and it won’t necessarily grow faster or bigger with more feeding or watering.
How often do you water a Dragon Scale?
The Dragon Scale plant prefers moist conditions, but overwatering can cause issues such as root rot. During the summer, it’s recommended to water it two to three times per week, while in winter, watering can be reduced to once a week. Always ensure the top few inches of the soil dry out between watering.
Do Alocasia Dragon Scales like sun or shade?
Alocasia Dragon Scale prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate partial shade. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can burn the plant’s delicate leaves.
Why are Alocasia so hard to keep alive?
While Alocasia plants can be relatively easy to care for, they do have some specific care requirements that can make them a bit challenging for some gardeners. They need a balance of moisture and drainage in their soil, and they can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. They also need bright, indirect light and warm, humid conditions, which can be challenging to maintain, especially in cooler or drier climates.
How do you encourage Alocasia to grow?
To encourage growth in your Alocasia, provide it with the right conditions. Ensure it has bright, indirect light, keep the soil moist but well-drained, and maintain a warm, humid environment. It’s also beneficial to fertilize the plant with a slow-release, organic fertilizer. Avoid repotting the plant too often as it prefers to stay root-bound. Remember to clean the plant regularly and remove any dead or damaged foliage to prevent pests and fungal infestations.
