'Dragon Scale' alocasia guide
Alocasia baginda 'Dragon Scale', also called Dragon Scale, Alocasia baginda
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- High. Dry air invites spider mites and crisp edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Chunky, airy mix with orchid bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting.
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump, or pot up the small corms in the roots
- Where to buy
- Plant shops
This page covers what makes 'Dragon Scale' alocasia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the alocasia care guide.
What it is
‘Dragon Scale’ has thick, stiff, oval leaves with a raised, bumpy texture like reptile skin. The leaves are silvery green with dark green veins. The undersides are reddish. It stays compact. It is a form of Alocasia baginda.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Dragon Scale’ | Silvery green, dark veins, scaly texture | Two-tone green with raised scales |
| ‘Silver Dragon’ alocasia | Pale silver, faint dark veins | Almost all silver |
| Alocasia cuprea | Coppery, metallic, quilted | Copper sheen |
Care differences
Its thick leaves hold water. Let the top half of the soil dry before watering. Use a chunky mix with bark and perlite. It rots fast in dense, wet soil.
It likes warmth and humidity of 50% or more. It may rest in winter.
Grow it from corms
Look for corms when you repot. Set them in moist sphagnum in a warm spot.
Buying it
‘Dragon Scale’ is sold at plant shops and some garden centers. Look for thick, firm leaves with a clear scale pattern.