Alocasia Dragon Scale - Elephant's Ear

The Alocasia 'Dragon Scale' is a highly intriguing variety with foliage aptly named 'Dragon Scales' or 'Elephant's Ear'. Thick and satin-like, highly textured, the foliage features deep green veins on a lighter green lamina, giving the impression of a fantasy animal's skin. The leaves are heart-shaped and elongated. This Elephant Ear is a compact houseplant, perfect for small spaces. To ensure successful cultivation, place it in a well-lit room without direct sunlight and keep its substrate slightly moist without overwatering.

The Alocasia 'Dragon Scale' belongs to the Araceae family, which includes many tropical plants with spectacular foliage. This horticultural cultivar stands out for its modest dimensions: at maturity, it reaches a height and spread of approximately 30 to 45 cm. The plant has an upright habit and slow growth. Its broad and heart-shaped leaves have a satin-like texture in contrasting shades of dark, almost black and light, slightly emerald green.
Although flowering is rare indoors, this variety occasionally produces small white spathes of little ornamental value. Native to the tropical undergrowth of Borneo, the botanical species naturally grows in rich, well-drained soil under a dense, humid cover. These conditions explain its specific needs: bright but indirect light indoors, high humidity (around 60-70%), and a constant temperature between 15 and 27°C. Its leaves and stems contain toxic compounds that can cause irritation if ingested.
Originating from Southeast Asia, Alocasias are plants from warm, humid tropical climates and partial shade. Magnificent, they can sometimes be challenging to acclimatise to our interiors where the air is too dry. Their roots are also sensitive to both excess moisture and drought. Their ideal growing temperature is around 20°C.

The Alocasia Dragon Scale is a cultivar as beautiful as it is original, with foliage reminiscent of a chimeric animal. Modest in size, it is no less evocative of exoticism and a very distinctive style, as is often the case with Alocasias. For harmonious combinations, pair it with plants that have similar needs, such as other members of the Araceae family, like Anthuriums, Monsteras, and Syngoniums. Together, they will create a lush decoration or an urban jungle in a not undulydry living room, conservatory, or even bedroom.