Our planet is blessed with vast varieties of life in different forms. Unique forms of plants and animals are found everywhere. Every habitat has its specific species. One such beautiful plant is Alocasia baginda.
It is native to the rain forests of Southern Asia and is a tropical perennial plant. The beautiful ravishing plant is admired for its intoxicating emerald green bullate and velvety leaves with prominent venation.
This green shade turns darker towards the center of the leaf enhancing the beauty of the plant. The lower side has prominent reddish-brown veins against a light green leaf surface. This is a prized indoor decorative plant and can reach up to a height of 1 to 2 meters.
In this article, we will share important information about the Alocasia baginda plant along with its requirements and growth timeline.
Alocasia Baginda Classification
The classification of the plant is mentioned below:
Family: Araceae
Genus: Alocasia
Species: A.baginda
Alocasia is a genus of perennials with prominent big leaves. They are usually rhizomatous or tuberous belonging to the family Araceae(Arads). The Araceae family has more than 70 different species. These are flowering perennial plants. Furthermore, they are extensively cultivated and hybridized into different varieties. Popular varieties include:
- The Alocasia amazonica(The Amazon lily) ;
- The huge Alocasia macrorrhizos. (It can reach a height of 15 feet).
Alocasia baginda Common Names
The beautiful plant is commonly known as;
- Alocasia baginda Dragon Scale.
- Alocasia Dragon Scale.
The contrasting green leaf surface and prominent veins look somewhat like the backbone of a dragon. Thus, the plant gets its unique common name.
Alocasia Baginda Varieties
The plant has many further varieties with slight differences from the main species. Common varieties include;
- Alocasia baginda pink dragon.
- Alocasia baginda silver dragon.
- The Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet.
Alocasia baginda pink dragon is a common variety and a popular indoor decorative house plant. The pink stems below the typical baginda leaves look admirable. This plant, just like its parent species likes to be compact and does great in terrariums.
Alocasia Baginda Care
The Alocasia Dragon Scale plant can dwell in both indoor and outdoor environments. In this section, we will share important information about the basic requirements and care to keep the plant in good health.
Water Requirement:
The Alocasia dragon scale plant and its other family members are native to rain forests. Thus they need frequent watering. However, over and under watering, both are unsuitable for the plant. In summer, a water frequency of two to three times is suitable. However, in winter reduce the frequency to once a week.
It is important to mention here that these plants have a low tolerance to moist soil unlike the varieties of jewel alocasia thin leaves. Hence, always make sure that the upper three inches of the soil are dry before watering again. Avoid making the soil soggy because it will open the gates to different plant problems.
Soil Requirement:
The Alocasia dragon scale, just like its other family members prefers moist and well-drained soil. A chunky ‘standard Jungle mix’ or ‘Aroid mix’ is suitable. Sandy and rocky soil are not suitable for this plant.
Humidity Requirement:
The Alocasia dragon scale plant remains happy in humid environments. If you notice less moisture in the air, you can increase it by following methods;
- Add a watered pebble tray below the pot.
- Introduce a humidifier in the room.
- You can also mist the plant. But strong mixing can attract diseases like fungus and pest attacks. So, experts recommend avoiding wet leaves.
Sunlight Requirement:
The Alocasia baginda dragon scale needs bright filtered sun exposure. However, they are resistant to partial shade.
We always recommend rotating indoor potted plants frequently. This will ensure equal distribution of sunlight to all parts of the plant.
Temperature Requirement:
The baginda dwells great between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the thick-leaved jewel alocasias are not frosted hardy. It is always better to transfer the outdoor plant to a warm area before the arrival of fierce frosty winters.
Furthermore, be careful to save the plant from drifting near a window. Direct contact with electric appliances like heaters, air conditioners, or fans is also harmful to the plant.
Fertilizer Requirement:
The Alocasia dragon scale dwells great by adding a ‘slow-release fertilizer’. Water-based fertilizers are also good options. In the growing season, you can even use a mild organic fertilizer twice a month.
Experts recommend avoiding low-grade fertilizers as the cheap salts of low-grade fertilizers accumulate in the soil. Higher quantity and frequency of fertilizer may burn your plant. The plant does not need fertilizer in winters when it is in the dormant stage.
Pot requirement:
The potting mix needs to be high drainage. So, make sure that there is a drainage hole at the bottom of your plant.
Cleaning Requirement:
The exposed leaves prefer frequent cleaning. Dust can prevent the air and humidity to enter the pores of the leaf. Consequently, this blockage hinders the photosynthesis of the plant.
Growth Zones:
Growth zone 9b to 11 is suitable for the outdoors. On the other hand, a suitable growth zone for indoors is 4b to 11.
Toxicity
The Alocasia plants are on no.4 in toxicity. The Ingestion may result in ulceration and swelling in the throat and esophagus. Thus, always keep babies and pets away from the highly toxic plant
.Alocasia Baginda Propagation
The Alocasia baginda dragon scale is commonly cultivated by plant division.
Season:
The cultivation is best in the growing season of spring and early summer. Division does not turn out to be successful during winter.
Timeline
We are sharing an estimated guide about the growth of the plant. However, it is important to keep observing the plant and adjust the requirements accordingly.
- Day 1: Get a plant division from a healthy parent plant and plant it in moist soil. Sprinkle mild slow-release or liquid fertilizer around the stem base.
- Day 3 – Day 20: Keep the plant at a suitable temperature and indirect low light.
- Day 20 – Day 50: Keep the baby plant under observation. Don’t forget to provide water according to the soil conditions.
- Day 50 – Day 90: (New shoots are emerging) New shoot leaves will start coming from the baby plant. The baby leaves will be pale green.
- Day 90 – Day 170: (the plant is growing) By this time, many new leaves are formed. Plant length and health are increasing. Watering frequency can be twice a week by now. Always keep the watering in moderation. The rule of the top 3 inches of dry soil is applicable by now. Overwatering and under watering, both are harmful to the plant.
- Day 170 – Day 190: (Plant is getting stable) You may reduce the attention on your plant by this stage. Just make sure that the basic requirements of light, water temperature, and humidity are available.
- Day 190 – Day 300(first winter): Alocasia dragon scale plant is not winter hardy like its other family members. Never forget to transfer them to a warm region before the frosting winter. Reduce the watering frequency to once a month. Additionally, never fertilize the plant in winter.
- Day 300 – DAY 350 (spring): The season of growth is here again. The plant will become active and flourish rapidly. Increase the water supply and fertilize twice a month.
- Day 350 onwards (summer): In Hot Summer days, increase the water supply, frequency should be every other day. Maintain humidity level and fertilizer once a month until the fall arrives. By this stage, many of the baby leaves will be turning into the typical, big emerald green leaves. Now, simply provide the typical basic requirements of the plant. However, a monthly close examination is always better.
Alocasia Baginda Problems
This member of the Araceae family is susceptible to many problems related to its growth and development.
Pests
The alocasia baginda plant is commonly infested with spider mites and mealybugs. You have to carefully examine the plant leaves and stems for these bugs.
First of all manual removal can be done or put your plant under the shower. The fast stream of water will remove all the bugs. After that, spray a mixture of neem oil and rubbing alcohol on your plant. Insecticides can also be used. You also need to check every plant you bring into your home for bugs.
Leaf spots
Chlorinated water can cause spotted leaves and it is also not good for plant health and development. You should prefer non-chlorinated water. If you only have access to chlorinated water then let the water sit in a bucket for about 24 hours, all the chlorine will settle down, and then use the water for the plants. Using Lukewarm water will be a much better option.
Root rot
When you water the already Moist soil of the plant it will cause root rot. This will eventually lead to the death of your plant. Watering should be done very carefully and vigilantly and make sure the soil is dry before watering.
Discoloration of leaves
The leaves of the plant develop xanthomas quite commonly. Xanthomas appear as black or brown spots on the leaves which develop yellowish edges. This happens due to overwatering your plant and you should always water the plant only when the soil is dry.
Withering leaves
Withering or floppy leaves can be normal if they are in small numbers. That is okay because the old leaves do shed this way. But if your plant is shedding a large number of leaves then your plant might be diseased. Also, check your watering schedule because overwatering can also cause floppy leaves.
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Conclusion
The Alocasia baginda is a popular member of the Araceae family. The prized beautiful indoor plant is admirable due to its broad emerald green and velvety leaves with prominent veins. It can dwell well both indoors and outdoors, however you need to transfer it to warm indoor regions before the frosty winters.
The Alocasia dragon scale plant has many varieties. Alocasia pink dragon is a popular variety with pink stems and typical baginda leaves. The emerald green beauty is attractive enough to decorate any corner of your house.
