Alocasia baginda, the dragon scale plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araceae, native to Kalimantan, Indonesia.
As a houseplant, it is rare in commerce, with the unimproved species, and the cultivars ‘Pink Dragon’ and the smaller ‘Silver Dragon’ (which may be a hybrid) occasionally available.
Alocasia is a genus of rhizomatous or tuberous, broad-leaved, perennial, flowering plants from the family Araceae. There are about 90 accepted species native to tropical and subtropical Asia and eastern Australia. Around the world, many growers widely cultivate a range of hybrids and cultivars as ornamentals.
Scientific Name: Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’
Origin: Borneo
Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.
Watering: Water once the top 5 – 8 cm (2-3 inches) of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering at all costs, as this is the cause of many problems.
Soil: A chunky, well-draining potting mix is essential. A mix of equal parts perlite, orchid mix, and coco coir works well.
Temperature: 55°F (13°C) to 80°F (27°C). Cool temperatures can trigger dormancy.
Fertilizer: Low fertilizer requirements. A half-strength, balanced fertilizer applied every six weeks from spring to early autumn is a good regime.
Humidity: High humidity is strongly recommended. 60-80% is ideal.
Flowering: Produces small purple spathes that pale beside the magnificent foliage. Consider pruning blooms to conserve the plant’s energy for foliage growth.
Pruning: Low pruning requirements. Prune off dead or damaged foliage. Remove dead plant material from the pot to reduce the risk of pests or disease.
Propagation: Alocasia Dragon Scale is best propagated by division of tubers.
Re-Potting: Avoid repotting unless necessary. Very sensitive to being disrupted.
Diseases and Pests
Aphids, scale, mealy bugs, and spider mites are the most common bugs. Early identification and treatment is an important aspect of Alocasia Dragon Scale care. Leaf spot diseases are relatively common. Prune all affected foliage promptly.
Toxicity: Toxic if ingested and can cause dermatitis on skin contact. Take great care of pets and children.
"There is a voice that doesn't use words. Listen ..." Rumi
How does the plant create the music ..?
The bioelectric changes in the plant trigger notes in an electronic instrument (synthesizer) – similar to a human playing a MIDI keyboard. This process is called bio-sonification, which basically means using technology to turn the bio-electrical responses or signals of living organisms into sound … view more