Alocasia baginda

Common Names

Dragon Scale, Silver Dragon, Dragon Plant, Dragon Scale Plant, Green Dragon

Summary

Dragon Scale, a tropical Araceae native to Southeast Asia, is a rhizomatous plant prized for emerald-green, velvety leaves with dragon-scale-like texture and prominent venation; mature specimens can reach 1–2 meters tall with leaves over 16 inches long on petioles longer than two feet, and may display darker centers with reddish-brown veins on the underside.

Growing conditions include bright filtered sun to partial shade, with temperatures of 13–27°C (55–80°F); not frost hardy (zones 10–11). Provide well-drained, moisture-retentive soil and keep roots moist but not soggy, with the top 3 inches drying between waterings; humidity should be high, though room humidity of 25–50% is tolerated. Fertilize during the growing season, about twice monthly; propagation is by division in spring/early summer. Best grown indoors or in greenhouses, it is toxic if ingested, with common pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, and overwatering risks root rot and leaf spots.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

10-12 inches

Spread

6 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9b-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial sun, tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-draining, loose, organic-rich soil, often a chunky aroid/jungle mix with peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, pH 5.5–6.5.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained, moist but not waterlogged soil, preferably chunky Jungle mix or Aroid mix

Soil pH

5.5-6.5, Slightly acidic

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Late Winter to Early Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green to emerald-green foliage with a dark matte green upper surface and red or pale green undersides.

Fall Foliage Color

Emerald green, emerald-green with maroon venation, red underside

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Rapid growth

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Division, Stem cuttings, Tuber propagation from the roots