Alocasia heterophylla - Elephant's ears plant

The Alocasia 'Dragon's Breath' is a variation on the dragon theme, much like 'Dragon Scale'. This variety features very elongated, pointed leaves shaped like an arrow. The lamina is silvery-grey with strong metallic reflections and veins tinged with an almost black dark green. Exotic and refined, it is a compact houseplant with modest dimensions, perfect for small spaces. To grow it successfully, place it in a well-lit room without direct sunlight and ensure its substrate remains slightly moist but not waterlogged.

The Alocasia heterophyllla 'Dragon's Breath', or Caladium heterophyllum 'Dragon's Breath', belongs to the Araceae family, which includes many tropical plants with spectacular foliage. This horticultural cultivar stands out for its modest size: at ripeness, it reaches a height and spread of about 30 to 45 cm. The plant has an upright habit and slow growth. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves have a satiny texture in two shades of green: almost black dark green and a slightly emerald light green. Although flowering is rare indoors, this variety occasionally produces small white spathes with little ornamental value. Native to the tropical undergrowth of Borneo, the botanical species naturally grows in rich, well-drained soil under dense, humid cover. These conditions explain its specific needs: bright but indirect light indoors, high humidity (around 60%), and a constant temperature between 15 and 27°C. Its leaves and stems contain toxic compounds that may cause irritation if ingested.
Originating from Southeast Asia, Alocasia, also known as Elephant's Ear, are plants from warm, humid tropical climates and partial shade. Stunning yet sometimes challenging to acclimate to our homes where the air is too dry, their roots are also sensitive to both excess moisture and lack of water. The ideal temperature for growing them is around 20°C. Alocasia heterophylla, from which our cultivar originates, is native to the lowland rainforests of the Philippines.

Alocasia 'Dragon's Breath' has a reasonable size, making it suitable for display on tables, shelves, or as a floor plant elevated on a small pedestal. Its compact, upright habit makes it an excellent choice for apartments and small spaces, and the plant adds a sophisticated tropical style to your décor. Consider pairing it with plants that have similar needs, such as Pileas, Syngonium 'Snow White', and indoor ferns. Together, they create the elements of a lush décor or an urban jungle.