May 16, 2020 – Parttime Ninja

The Alocasia Baginda also known as the Dragon Scale. The Alocasia Dragon Scale is a special green houseplant because of the striking leaves. It’s truly a unique plant. The arrow-shaped leaves resemble a dragon’s skin or scales. Hence the name “Dragon scale”. The popularity of the Alocasia species has increased enormously in recent years.

It is native to the rain forests of Southern Asia and is a tropical plant. The plant is admired for its intoxicating emerald green large leaves with prominent venation. The lower side has prominent reddish brown veins against a light green leaf surface. This plant can reach up to a height of two meters.

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Alocasia Baginda is also known as the elephant ear. There are several varieties, like the Alocasia Baginda pink dragon, the Alocasia baginda silver dragon and the Alocasia Reginula Black Velvet, that have different colors from silver green to dark green.

Care

Place the Alocasia Dragon Scale in a light warm place out of the sun. Be careful with watering to ensure that no excess water remains in the pot. Wet feet is an absolute “no go” and will cause damage quickly! You can put them outside during the summer in temperatures above 20 degrees.

It is important to mention here that these plants have low tolerance to moist soil unlike the varieties with thin leaves. Therefor always make sure that the top of the soil is dry before watering again.

They like high humidity and they like frequent and consistent watering. Alocasia’s are very sensitive for rootrot so make sure your pot has a drainage hole and to not overwater it. If you are not sure if the soil is moist or wet, try using a moisture meter. Espacially plants in large pots and tough roots will be hard to measure when you are checking the top of the soil. The top might be all dried out when the roots are still wet.

Like other thick-leaved Alocasia, allow to fully dry between watering, use a fast-draining potting mix and provide bright light. Moisture meters are especially helpful as Alocasia are quite sensitive to both over and under watering. Water is key with all alocasia’s. This means humidity in the air and consistent watering. Use distilled or rainwater.

Light

Place the alocasia baginda in a light space, preferably a bright lighted spot which receives at least 6 hours of light or more. Make sure to avoid direct sunlight. Direct sun will damage the leaves.

Make sure to turn the plant each time you water it, to keep a good form cause this plant will grow towards the light.

Fertilizing

The Alocasia dragon scale does great by adding a slow release fertilizer. Water based fertilizers are also good options. Only fertilize in spring and during summer.

Winter

Make sure the temperature does not go below 18 degrees, and keep the plant away from drafts and central heating or fans. Reduce the watering.

Personal experience

The first time I saw an Alocasia Baginda in a video, I was in like I need to have that plant. It’s so unique, so different… just WOW!
Mine is still very small but I’m hoping to see it grow. I’m planning to put it outside during summer days to encourage growth and hoping to propagate it when it get’s bigger.

The leaves look more like turtle shells than dragon scales to me, so I named my Baginda Donatello and I’m hoping to propogate 3 more Ninja Turtles 😀

If you want a plant that is truly an eyecatcher this is your plant!