Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale'

Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale'

Dark green, scale-like leaves are the main feature of 'Dragon Scale'. Raised panels and deep veins create a pronounced relief, while upright petioles keep the plant compact.

New leaves open softer and lighter before becoming thick, firm and more clearly defined. A short rhizome holds a small group of substantial leaves in a compact upright form.

Appearance and key characteristics

'Dragon Scale' produces broad, shield-like leaves with a peltate attachment. Mature leaves show dark green to grey-green panels framed by deeper green veins, with a firm, leathery bullate relief. The short rhizome and upright petioles keep the plant compact and upright. The species reaches approximately 25–30 cm tall, with leaf blades around 10–18 × 7–12 cm, although cultivated plants vary. Compared with 'Silver Dragon', 'Dragon Scale' is darker and greener.

Species origin, name and botanical background

Alocasia baginda is associated with Borneo, particularly eastern Kalimantan, where it grows in warm, humid tropical conditions. It is a member of the Araceae family. Kurniawan and P.C. Boyce published the species in 2011 in Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica. The genus name Alocasia is derived from a- and Colocasia, while baginda is an Indonesian honorific associated with royal address.

How to care for Dragon Scale Alocasia

• Light: Provide bright, softened light or gently filtered morning sun. Side light makes the raised panels and deep veins easier to see, while harsh sun can mark the thick blades.
• Watering: Let the upper substrate dry before watering the root zone evenly. Water should move through the pot freely, leaving the mix moist but still airy around the compact rhizome.
• Substrate: Use bark, coarse mineral particles and a moisture-holding component. The mix should stay lightly moist after watering, then drain well around the roots.
• Temperature: Keep the plant warm during active growth, ideally around normal warm indoor growing temperatures, and protect the pot from cold glass, floors and draughts. Cold, wet substrate can quickly slow the compact root system.
• Humidity: Roughly 60–80% humidity with gentle air movement is ideal. Emerging leaves expand more cleanly, and dry margins are less likely.
• Potting: Keep the container close to the current root mass and increase its size gradually. A pot that is too large can leave wet mix sitting around the rhizome.
• Leaf care: Clean hardened leaves gently with a damp cloth while holding the blade steady, as the raised veins and panels can collect dust.

Common Dragon Scale Alocasia problems and solutions

• Yellowing leaves: If one or more leaves yellow while the pot remains heavy, check for cold, wet mix, excess pot volume or reduced root oxygen. Assess the pot weight, root temperature and lower-substrate condition.
• Brown tips or edges: Dry or dark margins on mature blades can result from uneven watering, dry air, hard-water residue or fertiliser salts. Review watering consistency and flush accumulated minerals when needed.
• Drooping petioles: Upright petioles may suddenly lose their position because of thirst, root damage, cold exposure or excessive heat. Check moisture below the surface before watering.
• Soft base: Soft rhizome or basal tissue, particularly when accompanied by a sour smell, may indicate prolonged wetness and root decline. Inspect the roots and retain firm tissue in a clean, open mix.
• Pest markings: Fine damage around veins, petiole bases or leaf undersides may be caused by thrips, mites or other sap-feeding pests. Inspect textured areas and both leaf surfaces closely.

Is Dragon Scale Alocasia toxic to people or pets?

Dragon Scale Alocasia contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. If plant tissue is eaten, it can irritate the mouth. Keep the plant away from pets and young children. Its sap may also irritate sensitive skin, so gloves are useful during pruning, repotting or division.