Silver Dragon Alocasia Plant

Silver Dragon Alocasia is an exotic beauty with thick leaves overlayed with silver accenting its dark green veins resembling the scales of a dragon.  It is commonly called an elephant ear plant; however, this variety remains small making it better suited for displaying on tabletops.

With optimum growing conditions, this stunning foliage plant can grow up to 2 feet tall and produce flowers. It is native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia.

Decorative Purposes for Silver Dragon Alocasia

In addition to placing plant on tables and desks, display it in a terrarium or plant case and showcase this captivating specimen of nature. This silver plant will blend nicely with other varieties of plants in shades of blue, lilac, and pink and contrast well with purple, red, and orange plants. In addition to being stunning, this plant will purify the air surrounding it.

Silver Dragon Alocasia Growing Instructions

Light: Silver Dragon Alocasia is an easy care plant that will thrive in medium to bright indirect light near an east or south window, but it tolerates low light fairly well. It does equally well when supplemented under artificial light. Avoid exposing this plant to direct afternoon sun, especially in Southern climates and hot-summer areas. Direct sun can cause unsightly bleached patches on the leaves.

Water:  Water the plant thoroughly and wait until the top couple of inches of the potting mix feels dry to the touch. Always discard excess drainage water from the saucer. Be careful not to overwater as this will cause the plant roots to rot.  Improper watering can cause yellowing of leaves when given too much water as well as brown leaf edges when the soil is too dry. Droopy leave can be a sign the plant needs water.

Temperatures: Keep plant in rooms with temperatures ranging between 65 degrees Fahrenheit and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity:  Keep the air moisture levels at 25 percent or more as the plant loves high humidity but will tolerate average relative humidity levels because of its thick leaves. Housing your plant in a humid room (like a bathroom) would be ideal. In rooms where the air is hot and dry, you may need to place the plant on a humidity tray with pebbles or invest in a room humidifier to put nearby. Properly humidified air prevents pests such as spider mites that will destroy your plant.

Potting Soil: Use a rich soil that drains well but holds moisture. It should consist of equal parts peat moss, loam and perlite. You can also add horticultural potting sand for good drainage.

Fertilizing:  Fertilize it in spring or summer during the growing season with a fertilizer formulated for houseplants or container plants. Follow the directions on the product packaging, and never use more fertilizer than the instructions on the product’s packaging recommend. Too much fertilizer will damage your plant.

Pruning: If you want the plant mainly for its elegant foliage, you can clip off the blossoms as they develop. Otherwise, just remove old leaves as they fade and turn brown.

Warning:  Silver Dragon Alocasia plant is toxic.  Please keep it out of reach of children and pets that may nibble on the plant.