Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’

Origin and background of Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’

The parent plants and early history of Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’ are unknown.

Care for Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’

• Watering: Avoid swings between a soaked pot and completely dry roots. Let some moisture leave the mix, then water again before it dries through. Water until excess runs from the drainage holes. Let the pot drain, then empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Light: Give it bright filtered daylight and introduce direct sun slowly.
• Potting mix: Use a mix that holds moisture evenly while still draining well.
• Temperature: Keep it around 18–29 °C and away from cold windows or draughts. Move it away from cooler spots before temperatures fall below 15 °C.
• Humidity: Alocasia does best with medium to high humidity. Keep it in a bright spot away from heaters and air-conditioning. If the air is dry, place it near other houseplants that like similar conditions, leaving space between the leaves, or use a clean humidifier.

Problems to watch for with Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’

• Several leaves start yellowing at once: First work out whether the root ball is too dry or staying wet for too long. A very dry plant needs a thorough watering followed by free drainage. If the substrate is still moist and the leaves are also losing firmness, inspect the roots and lower base before adding more water. A single ageing leaf is much less significant than several changing together.
• The narrow tips and curled edges become crisp: Sudden dry spells, hot air from a radiator and strong draughts are the main things to rule out. Bring the plant back to a steadier moisture rhythm and a less drying position. Keeping the compost permanently wet will not repair the damaged margins.
• Fine pale speckles appear across areas that were previously solid green: Turn the leaves over and look for moving mites or fine webbing. Do not use the unusual leaf shape itself as evidence: folds, curls and inward-turning margins are normal on ‘Dragon Tail’. If spider mites are present, isolate the plant and use a treatment labelled for spider mites on indoor ornamental plants, repeating it according to the label. Our spider-mite guide covers the full process.
• The whole plant suddenly softens and the base loses firmness: This needs a root check, especially after a period of slow drying. Keep all firm tissue and remove only roots or tissue at the base that is unmistakably rotten. The root-rot guide explains the recovery steps.

Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’: toxic if chewed

• Pets: This Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant and any cut pieces where pets cannot chew them.
• Children and handling: Keep it out of reach of children. Sap from damaged tissue can irritate skin and eyes, so wash your hands after pruning and avoid touching your face.
• Why it irritates: Alocasia tissue contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or contact with sensitive tissue can cause immediate local irritation.
• Possible symptoms: Mouth exposure can cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• After exposure: For a pet, contact a veterinarian. For a person, remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water; seek medical or poison-control advice if symptoms are significant. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent medical attention.

The name behind Alocasia ‘Dragon Tail’

The trade name ‘Dragon Tail’ suggests the curled extra tissue beneath the blade, which resembles a dragon's tail.