Alocasia Dragon Scale

Plant name: Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’

Scientific name: Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’

Plant description:
Alocasia ‘Dragon Scale’ is a compact tropical foliage plant valued for its heavily textured, metallic leaves and strong architectural form. This cultivar forms a tight clump from underground rhizomes, producing upright stems topped with shield-shaped foliage. Its sculptural appearance and manageable size make it well suited for indoor containers and protected outdoor plantings in warm climates.

Flower description:
Like other members of the Araceae family, Alocasia produces a spathe-and-spadix type bloom. Flowers are typically greenish-white and not considered ornamental. Indoor flowering is infrequent and secondary to foliage display.

Leaf description:
Leaves are thick, heart-shaped to oval with a quilted surface resembling reptile scales. The upper surface is silver-green with darker green veining, while the undersides are pale green. The pronounced texture and contrast between veins and leaf surface give the plant its distinctive name.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in consistently warm climates; may go semi-dormant and shed leaves in cooler indoor conditions

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 9–11 outdoors; commonly grown indoors in all climates

Mature height and width:
Typically 12–24 inches tall and 12–18 inches wide, forming a compact clump

Landscape uses:
Suitable for indoor plant collections, shaded patio containers, and tropical-style garden beds in frost-free climates. Its textured foliage provides contrast against smoother-leaved plants. Effective as a focal plant in decorative containers.

Native range:
Species native to Borneo; ‘Dragon Scale’ is a cultivated selection

Sun exposure:
Bright, indirect light is preferred. Direct sun can scorch leaves, while very low light may reduce vigor and leaf size.

Water requirements:
Maintain consistently moist but well-drained soil. Allow the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot. Reduce watering during periods of slowed growth.

Pests and problems:
May occasionally experience spider mites, thrips, or aphids, especially in dry indoor air. Root rot can develop in poorly drained soil. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or inconsistent moisture.

Heat and sun tolerance:
Performs best in warm temperatures with moderate humidity. Sensitive to intense direct sunlight, which can damage foliage.

Cold tolerance:
Sensitive to cold. Exposure below 55°F can cause stress and leaf drop. Freezing temperatures will kill the plant. Protect from drafts and sudden temperature changes.

Growing tips:
Plant in a well-draining, organic-rich potting mix with good aeration. Maintain moderate humidity to prevent leaf edge browning. Avoid oversized containers that retain excess moisture. Feed lightly during active growth to support steady leaf production. Remove older leaves at the base to maintain a clean appearance and direct energy to new growth.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.