baginda
baginda
Dragon Scale Alocasia
★
Description
Alocasia baginda, famous as the Dragon Scale Alocasia, shows off striking, armored-looking leaves with silvery veining and deep green texture. It’s a tropical collector’s favorite that thrives in bright, gentle light, steady warmth, and high humidity.
Common Names
Dragon Scale AlocasiaBaginda AlocasiaAlocasia 'Dragon Scale'Silver Dragon Alocasia
Context
nativeRegion
Borneo (Indonesia/Malaysia), lowland tropical forests
usdaZones
10–12 (grown indoors elsewhere)
companionPlants
Philodendron hederaceum, Anthurium clarinervium, Calathea orbifolia, Monstera adansonii, Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern)
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental; prized by houseplant collectors for foliage texture and often used in high-humidity displays or terraria.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light; protect from harsh midday sun. Tolerates medium light but grows slower.
WateringKeep evenly moist but never soggy. Let the top 1–2 in (2–5 cm) dry between waterings; reduce in winter.
SoilAiry, fast-draining aroid mix (e.g., chunky peat or coco coir with perlite, orchid bark, and a bit of charcoal).
FertilizerHalf-strength balanced or aroid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; pause in fall–winter.
HumidityHigh (60–80%+). Benefits from a humidifier or terrarium conditions; avoid dry drafts.
TemperatureWarm: 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid below 60°F (15°C) and sudden temperature swings.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitRhizomatous, clumping aroid; evergreen perennial in warm, humid conditions.
Mature SizeAbout 12–24 in (30–60 cm) tall and wide; individual leaves 8–12 in (20–30 cm).
Growth RateModerate; accelerates with warmth, bright indirect light, and high humidity.
BloomingOccasional spathe and spadix; blooms are modest and typically removed to focus energy on foliage.
DormancyMay go semi-dormant or drop leaves in cool temps or low light; rhizome rests and can resprout in spring.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of rhizomes, Separation of offsets/pups, Corm propagation, Tissue culture (commercial)
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove yellowing or damaged leaves and spent inflorescences with sterilized shears; wipe leaves to reduce dust and pests.
RepottingRepot every 12–18 months or when rootbound; move up 1–2 in pot size and refresh chunky mix.
Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs; watch for fungal leaf spots and root rot from overwatering.
ToxicityToxic if ingested (insoluble calcium oxalates); can irritate skin and mouth. Keep away from pets and children.
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