Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ – Growth, Features, and Plant Care

Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ captivates with its broad, shield-like leaves, offering a striking contrast of dark green to almost black on the upper surface with silvery-green veins, while the undersides display a deep burgundy to purple hue. The upright growth and structured foliage make it an eye-catching choice for indoor plant enthusiasts. With its satiny leaf texture and sturdy, speckled petioles, this hybrid commands attention in any setting, adding a bold, architectural touch to your indoor jungle.

Distinctive Features and Benefits of Alocasia 'Regal Shields':
 
Dramatic Foliage: Large, shield-shaped leaves with a deep green top and vibrant burgundy underside.
Compact and Upright Growth: Alocasia 'Regal Shields' Reaches up to 1.2 meters in height and 91 cm in width, making it a great choice for indoor spaces.
Unique Hybrid: A cross between Alocasia odora and Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’, blending their best traits.
Rhizomatous Growth: Forms a thickened base over time, contributing to its robust appearance.

Important Insights About Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’
Developed by LariAnn Garner at Aroidia Research, this hybrid features a self-heading, upright growth habit. Originating from tropical regions, Alocasia odora thrives in humid forests with seasonal monsoons and temperatures of 20°C to 30°C, while Alocasia reginula prefers slightly drier, filtered light conditions. Indoors, ‘Regal Shields’ adapts well.

Growth Rate: Moderate to vigorous with proper care.
Toxicity: Alocasia 'Regal Shields' contains calcium oxalate crystals, making it toxic to pets and humans if ingested.
Cold Tolerance: Hardy to USDA Zone 10 but not frost-tolerant.

 
Comprehensive Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ Care Guide

Placement: Prefers a warm, well-lit area with good air circulation.
Light Requirements: Alocasia 'Regal Shields' thrives in bright, indirect light. Can tolerate some direct sun but benefits from filtered light to prevent leaf scorch.
Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top few centimeters to dry out between waterings.
Humidity Preference: Alocasia 'Regal Shields' requires high humidity (60%+); using a humidifier is ideal.
Optimal Temperature: Best between 18°C and 27°C. Avoid cold drafts.
Soil Composition: Use a well-draining, aerated mix with peat, perlite, and orchid bark.
Repotting & Pot Choice: Repot every 1–2 years when roots outgrow the pot. Choose a container with ample drainage.
Fertilizing: Feed Alocasia 'Regal Shields' with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season. Avoid excessive fertilization.
Propagation Methods: Best propagated through corm division or offsets. Ensure corms are firm and disease-free.
Semi-Hydroponic & Hydroponic Suitability: Adapts well to semi-and full hydroponic setups when monitored correctly.
Pruning & Maintenance: Trim dead or damaged leaves regularly to encourage healthy new growth and prevent fungal issues.

Common Problems and Solutions for Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

Yellowing Leaves: Typically caused by overwatering; improve drainage and adjust watering schedule.
Brown Leaf Edges: Low humidity; increase ambient moisture levels.
Pests (Spider Mites, Mealybugs, Thrips): Wipe leaves regularly and use neem oil or insecticidal soap for infestations.
Drooping Foliage: Indicates watering issues or temperature fluctuations.
Root Rot: Avoid overwatering and ensure the pot has proper drainage.
Fungal Issues: If spotting or mold appears, improve air circulation and reduce excess moisture.

Additional Considerations
Learning about the native habitat of Alocasia odora and Alocasia reginula helps Alocasia 'Regal Shields' thrive indoors. Providing warm temperatures, indirect light, and high humidity ensures optimal health. For hydroponic setups, monitoring nutrient levels is essential to prevent deficiencies.

Curious Facts About Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’
This hybrid is believed to be sterile due to chromosomal mismatches, meaning it does not produce viable seeds despite frequent inflorescences. Propagation relies exclusively on corm production or tissue culture.

Genus Name: Alocasia comes from the Greek ‘a’ (not) and ‘locasia’ (Colocasia), distinguishing it from the taro plant.

Hybrid Origin: Created by LariAnn Garner in 2007 and later patented under US Plant Patent PP27050.

 
Frequently Asked Questions about Alocasia 'Regal Shields':

How fast does Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ grow? With proper care, it has a moderate to vigorous growth rate, producing new leaves every few weeks.

Can Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ be grown outdoors? Yes, in tropical and subtropical climates (USDA Zone 10+). In cooler regions, it should be brought indoors during colder months.

Is Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ difficult to care for? It requires moderate care, particularly in maintaining humidity and avoiding overwatering, but is manageable with proper attention.

Bring home this stunning hybrid today. Shop now and enjoy the bold elegance of Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ in your indoor space!