top of page
Search

Exploring the Differences Between Alocasia melo, Alocasia 'Maharani'and Alocasia 'Dragon Moon'

Foliage Factory
6 min read

Alocasia plants are known for stunning textures, striking foliage, and unique visual appeal. Among this popular genus, three particular varieties stand out due to their captivating appearances and intriguing origins: Alocasia melo, Alocasia 'Maharani', and Alocasia 'Dragon Moon'.


While all three share a close botanical relationship—Alocasia melo being a pure species, and the others hybrids derived from it—each variety brings something uniquely mesmerizing to any plant collection. This guide dives deep into their origins, distinctive characteristics, and essential care tips, empowering you to grow these beautiful Alocasias successfully.



Contents:




  1. Origins and Hybridization of Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon'


Understanding the botanical background and parentage of these Alocasias reveals why they each have distinct yet related features.



Alocasia melo - close up of a heavily textured leaf
Alocasia melo

Alocasia melo: Native to the lush lowland rainforests of Borneo, Alocasia melo thrives in humid environments with thin, nutrient-poor soil over ultramafic rock formations. Its distinct reptilian-like foliage evolved to withstand these challenging conditions, contributing to its rugged beauty.





Alocasia 'Maharani' (reginula × melo): The regal-looking 'Maharani' results from crossing Alocasia reginula—celebrated for compact, velvety-black leaves—with Alocasia melo. This hybrid combines the refined elegance and velvety texture of reginula with melo’s robust durability, creating a compact yet hardy Alocasia suitable for smaller spaces.



Shimmering Alocasia 'Dragon Moon' leaf
Alocasia 'Dragon Moon'

Alocasia 'Dragon Moon' (melo × baginda 'Silver Dragon'): By merging Alocasia melo’s rugged leaf texture with the silver-scaled foliage of Alocasia baginda 'Silver Dragon', the hybrid 'Dragon Moon' captures both the ancient allure and magical appearance of dragon scales shimmering beneath moonlight.




 

Distinctive Visual Traits of Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon'


While their common lineage is evident, each plant has visual nuances making it uniquely desirable.



Potted Alocasia melo showing the striking bluish-green leaves and thick leaves
Alocasia melo

Alocasia melo:

Easily recognizable for its deeply bullate (bumpy) texture, Alocasia melo’s thick, almost circular leaves appear carved from stone. The striking bluish-green leaves and sturdy structure give it an almost prehistoric aesthetic. Its durability makes it resistant to typical leaf damage.



Potted Alocasia 'Maharani' showing silver-grey foliagge
Alocasia 'Maharani'


Alocasia 'Maharani':

Retaining Alocasia melo’s thick leaves, 'Maharani' boasts smoother, elongated silver-gray foliage, providing an attractive contrast against prominent lighter veins. As it matures, the leaf undersides develop a captivating reddish-purple hue, enhancing its dramatic appearance and making it a standout plant.



Potted Alocasia 'Dragon Moon' with distinct, silvery, scale-like patterning atop lighter veins
Alocasia 'Dragon Moon'


Alocasia 'Dragon Moon':

The hybrid 'Dragon Moon' brings together Alocasia melo’s robust texture and Silver Dragon’s intricate silver patterns. The leaves showcase a distinct, silvery, scale-like patterning atop lighter veins, delivering an enchanting visual effect. Its compact form makes it ideal for smaller areas or as an intriguing accent plant.





 

Essential Care Tips for Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon'


These Alocasias have similar care requirements, yet understanding subtle differences ensures thriving growth.


Light Requirements:

  • All three varieties prefer bright, indirect sunlight.

  • Avoid direct sun exposure, especially for 'Maharani' and 'Dragon Moon', as their delicate foliage can scorch.

  • While these plants tolerate lower-light conditions, their growth and color intensity thrive best in filtered sunlight.



Watering Advice:

  • Maintain consistently moist but never waterlogged soil.

  • Allow the top centimeter of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.

  • Alocasia melo is particularly sensitive to excessive moisture; extra care should be taken to ensure excellent drainage.



Optimal Humidity:

  • High humidity (minimum 50%) is essential, particularly critical for Alocasia melo.

  • 'Maharani' and 'Dragon Moon' tolerate slightly lower humidity but thrive best in humid conditions.

  • Consider using a humidifier or placing these Alocasias in naturally humid environments.



Temperature Guidelines:

  • Ideal temperatures range from 18°C to 27°C.

  • Avoid temperatures below 16°C, as these can trigger dormancy or cause leaf damage.

  • Stable warmth promotes robust growth and vibrant foliage.



Ideal Soil Composition:

  • Use airy, well-draining substrates; peat-free mixes including orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir are ideal.

  • Avoid standard potting soil, as it compacts easily and retains excessive moisture, increasing root rot risks, especially for Alocasia melo.

  • Semi-hydroponic growing methods using inert substrates can also offer an effective care alternative, reducing root-related issues.



 

Growth and Propagation of Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon'


Understanding their growth habits and propagation techniques helps you maintain and multiply your Alocasia collection effectively.


Propagation Method:

  • These Alocasias propagate best by dividing the rhizomes or corms that develop near the plant’s base.

  • Carefully separate healthy corms during repotting and pot them into a fresh substrate.

  • Maintain high humidity and warmth around new plantlets to encourage root formation and healthy establishment.

  • Propagation is straightforward but requires patience; new plants may take several weeks to fully root and start visible growth.


Growth Patterns:

  • Alocasia plants grow from a central rhizome, typically producing new leaves individually.

  • Alocasia melo grows slowly and remains relatively compact, ideal for smaller spaces or as a visually striking accent plant.

  • Alocasia 'Maharani' and 'Dragon Moon' may produce new foliage slightly quicker under optimal conditions, yet stay compact, rarely exceeding 30 cm in height.

  • It's natural for older leaves to yellow or fade as new leaves develop—this is a normal part of the Alocasia life cycle and shouldn't cause concern.




 

Common Challenges with Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon'


Although Alocasias offer incredible beauty, there are typical challenges to consider, especially if you're newer to the genus. Recognizing and handling these challenges promptly ensures your plants remain healthy and vibrant.


Pest Management:

  • Alocasias can attract common houseplant pests, particularly spider mites and mealybugs.

  • Regularly inspect leaf undersides for signs of pests or fine webbing, as spider mites can rapidly infest unnoticed.

  • Maintaining high humidity (above 50%) reduces pest occurrences, as many pests prefer drier environments.

  • If pests appear, swiftly treat plants with insecticidal soap or neem oil, focusing especially on the underside of leaves.


Handling Dormancy:

  • Alocasias occasionally enter dormancy in cooler conditions or if humidity significantly drops, even indoors.

  • Dormancy signs include slowed growth or leaf drop during colder months.

  • During dormancy, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry more substantially between waterings.

  • Avoid fertilizing your Alocasia until visible new growth resumes, typically in warmer months.

  • However, dormancy indoors is conditional; consistent humidity and temperature often prevent dormancy altogether.



 

FAQs about Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon'


Why are my Alocasia leaves turning crispy or brown at the edges?

Leaf crispiness often signals inadequate humidity levels. Increase humidity around the plant or relocate it to a humid environment.


How do I know if my Alocasia plant has spider mites?

Spider mites create tiny, barely visible webs beneath leaves, and leaves develop stippling or pale speckles. Regularly inspecting leaves closely is the best prevention method.


Do indoor Alocasias always go dormant in winter?

Not necessarily. Dormancy typically occurs if indoor temperatures drop below 16°C or humidity significantly fluctuates. Stable indoor environments often prevent dormancy.



 

Bringing it All Together: Why Alocasia melo, 'Maharani', and 'Dragon Moon' Deserve a Place in Your Collection


Alocasia melo, Alocasia 'Maharani', and Alocasia 'Dragon Moon' each offer distinctive beauty and fascinating botanical heritage, making them exceptional additions to any plant lover’s home:


  • If you're drawn to prehistoric-looking plants, the rugged and reptilian-textured Alocasia melo offers captivating appeal.

  • For compact elegance and velvety charm, Alocasia 'Maharani' showcases silvery, refined foliage ideal for contemporary spaces.

  • The mythical allure of Alocasia 'Dragon Moon', with its intricate silver-scale patterns, creates an enchanting visual experience.


By understanding their origins, visual uniqueness, and precise care requirements, you'll enjoy successfully cultivating these remarkable Alocasias. Their diverse characteristics not only add vibrant beauty but also spark fascinating conversations, underscoring the incredible variety within the Alocasia genus.



Shop Our Exclusive Alocasia Plant Collection!

Ready to add these stunning Alocasias to your plant collection? Shop Alocasia Plants Now and discover our carefully curated selection available today.






 

Sources and further reading:


  • Boyce, P.C. (2008).A review of Alocasia (Araceae: Colocasieae) for Thailand including a novel species and new species records from South-West Thailand.Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany), 36, 1–17.


 

Comments

bottom of page