Are you thinking of adding a houseplant that is unique and fascinating? Have you heard of the houseplant Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale? It is a dazzling plant that would make an incredible difference to your houseplant collection.
This guide will give you all the best hack care tips you need to cater to Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale needs effectively.
What Is Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale?
Alocasia Baginda is popularly referred to as The ‘Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale’. It’s called the ‘Dragon Scale’ because its gigantic scales look like that of a dragon.
It has beautifully textured, sculpted foliage with a distinctive venation that appears to be made from granite. As the leaves mature, they turn a deeper shade of emerald green.
It is a delicate, evergreen tropical perennial plant. Even though this lovely plant requires careful handling, it involves less stress than many Alocasias.
Family And Origin
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ belongs to the Alocasia genus of the Araceae family. It is a perennial houseplant that thrives in the rainforest and is native to Southern Asia and Eastern Australia.
The arum, or Araceae, is notable for its unique flower carried on a spadix and covered by a spathe. A spathe is a leaflike bract.
Top Features Of Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale
- Alocasia Bagindas are low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for.
- Its vulnerability to pests and diseases is on average.
- It is notable for its attractive foliage.
- Alocasia Baginda can stay green and lovely throughout its life cycle with the correct amount of care. Under conditions proper for its growth, they can survive for decades.
- It is a toxic houseplant. This is because of the changing quantities of calcium oxalate crystals present throughout the plant’s body. You may likely develop gastrointestinal tract problems if plant portions are consumed.
Best Care Hacks For Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale
Water
Deep but infrequent watering is required for this Aroid. Only water the soil when the top layer of soil feels dry.
Overwatering can cause various issues such as Root and basal rot diseases. As a result, it’s imperative to circumvent it.
Light
Like most houseplants, the Alocasia Baginda plant thrives in a bright, dispersed light environment.
However, you must avoid the two extremes of full shade and intense sun rays for maximum growth.
Fertilizers
Fertilizer usage is minimal. Organic fertilizers specifically developed for the Alocasia Baginda are preferable and more beneficial to the plant.
Applying every one and a half months is an excellent regimen. You should apply it in spring to the first two months of autumn. Use only half-strength of the balanced fertilizer.
Temperature
This houseplant thrives at 61 – 81°F (16 – 27°C).
Cold temperatures can cause dormancy to occur, just like in most houseplants.
Soil
It’s critical to select a thick potting mix that drains properly. Orchid mix and coconut fibre work well in proportionate amounts.
If you live in a dark area, add more perlite and grit to the new soil to reduce the chance of overwatering.
Humidity
It also necessitates a high humidity level of at least 60%. For example, you can increase humidity by using a humidifier, a pebble tray, or putting plants together.
Pruning And maintenance
Pruning is seldom required. To promote healthier growing conditions, remove any dead plant debris from the pot. To limit the risk of bacterial and fungal illnesses, always prune with sterile scissors or shears.
Avoid cutting through yellowed tissue, which can lead to more harm from illnesses or bacterial infections.
Remember to make clean incisions because too-damaged wounds might shock the plant, resulting in slowed development and poor health.
Repotting
Repot every two years in the spring, using the right potting mix and the accurately sized pot with proper drainage.
Alocasia is significantly better off staying potbound for several years. Repot only if necessary because Alocasia is susceptible to root rot and repotting-related difficulties.
Repotting-related problems include transplant shock, which causes yellowed leaves and drooping.
To avoid transplant shock, humidify the plant before tampering with the roots for a day.
Pests
The most frequent bugs are plant louse, red spider mites, scale, and mealybugs. The spotting and treatment of Alocasia Dragon Scales at inception is pivotal.
Leaf spot is a pretty frequent illness. You should prune all afflicted foliage as soon as possible.
If you notice an infestation of this houseplant by spider mites or thunder bugs, treat it with a mix of mineral oil and water once in 7 days for 21 days, summing the treatment to three.
Using a fine-mist water bottle, apply the mineral oil-water mix lavishly to all the foliage of this houseplant.
Toxicity
When swallowed, it is toxic and can cause dermatitis when it touches the skin. Exercise extreme caution when it comes to pets and children.
How To Propagate Alocasia Baginda Dragon Scale
Plant division is a good way to propagate it during the growing season, especially in the spring and early summer. This plant will give rise to multiple offsets that can be segregated once it establishes an adequate rootage. The stem needs to have a height of at least 6cm.
Suggestively, you can use this chance to repot your plant. Provided it’s needful, transplant it to a bigger container. It’s critical to maintain track of the plant throughout this phase and alter your care as needed.
Water the soil 24 hours before the main event if feasible. This measure will decrease the likelihood of shock due to transplanting when the deep root systems are tampered with.
To avoid illness transmission, begin by disinfecting all of your equipment. Use an extremely sharpened blade to cut the portion to be propagated from a matured parent plant.
Put the fresh baby plant in a different container. Tend the stem base with a slow-release fertilizer.
Place it in a warm place with low indirect light and water it regularly depending on the soil’s dryness.
You’ll observe fresh shoot leaves growing from the infant plant after around 60 days. The leaves will be delicate and pale green; then, your plant should have a lot of new leaves after 90 to 170 days. You can water twice a week in moderation at this point.
Final Thoughts
Alocasia Baginda is a magnificent emerald-green plant with pronounced venation resembling the legendary Dragon scales. It is a cherished perennial houseplant among horticulturists and garden enthusiasts due to its distinctive foliage.
Fortunately, this plant is attractive because it is straightforward and cheap.
Give them the right growing environment to enhance their growth.
