Alocasia Dragon Scale prefers light, open soil that is kept moist but dries a bit between waterings. It likes temperatures of 55-80°F (13-27°C), humidity of 60-80%, and bright indirect light or dappled shade. The plant needs very little fertilizer and has average susceptibility to pests and disease.
Keep them away from direct sunlight
Alocasia Dragon Scale plants need bright but indirect light to thrive. Make sure they don’t receive any direct light (especially during summer) as this can scorch the leaves. They can tolerate some lower light levels but growth will be slower and smaller.
Keep the soil slightly moist
Alocasia Dragon Scale like to have some moisture in the soil but are sensitive to overwatering. This is why we recommend a little but often approach to watering to avoid waterlogged soil and root rot. Monitor the moisture levels in the soil throughout the seasons and adjust your watering accordingly.
They need a well-draining potting mix
To avoid waterlogged soil, make sure you pot your Alocasia Dragon Scale in a well-draining mix. Perlite and peat moss based mixes are ideal as they aid aeration and drainage.
Alocasia Dragon Scales like humidity!
It’s important that you keep a moderate level of humidity around your Alocasia Dragon Scale as they will struggle in homes with dry air. Misting or pebble trays are a great way to increase the humidity.
Never fertilise in winter
Whilst you may choose to fertilise during spring and summer, hold off during the colder darker months. This is because growth will be slow or stagnant. When fertilising we recommend using a water-soluble fertiliser at less than recommend strength to avoid fertiliser burn.
Propagate by division of the mother plant
The most successful way to propagate a Alocasia Dragon Scale plant is by diving the plant into several smaller plants. Make sure that each plant has an equal segment of the root system to ensure survival. You can use a root powder or gel to encourage new roots!