Alocasia Dragon Scale

Name: Alocasia Dragon Scale
Brand: MyGreenScape
SKU: PA0182S
Price: 25.0 CAD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.9 (1291 reviews)

Alocasia Dragon Scale

$25

Sale Sold out

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size 4" Pot - Small 6" Pot - Medium

Product variants

Quantity

🌱 Earn $5 credit per $50 spent
Applied automatically at checkout. Valid 90 days.
Read more

About This Plant

Alocasia Dragon Scale (Alocasia baginda) is native to the shaded understorey of tropical rainforests in Borneo, Southeast Asia. It grows large, oval leaves in silver-green with a textured surface and that give each leaf a scale-like, three-dimensional pattern. Indoors it can reach 60 to 90 cm tall.

The scale-like texture is unlike any other Alocasia. Each leaf has a raised, quilted surface with dark veining over a silver-green base, which reads dramatically in any light. It holds its form well as a statement piece on a floor, or a shelf in a bright room. The Alocasia Frydek is another collector Alocasia with a completely different velvety texture for comparison.

Keep it away from pets and children. The ASPCA confirms Alocasia spp. is toxic to cats and dogs. The leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates that cause mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets cannot reach.

It needs humidity to stay at its best. The Dragon Scale comes from a high-humidity rainforest environment and shows stress in the dry forced-air heat of Canadian winters. A humidifier nearby makes a real difference from November to March. The Alocasia Polly is a more resilient Alocasia if you want something slightly easier to manage in drier Canadian conditions.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows significantly from November onward as Canadian light levels drop. The plant may drop a leaf or enter a partial rest period. Cut watering back substantially, keep away from cold glass and drafts, and boost humidity with a humidifier. No fertilizer until spring.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Alocasia spp.). The leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates. Symptoms include mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and vomiting. Keep on a high shelf out of reach of pets and small children.

Pests

Check the undersides of leaves for spider mites each time you water, they thrive in the dry heated air of Canadian homes in winter. Also watch for scale insects on the thick leaf stems.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Alocasia Frydek. Velvety and dramatic.

For another rare, collector-grade Alocasia with a completely different texture, the Alocasia Frydek has deep green velvety leaves with bright white veins and similar care needs.

Alocasia Polly. Bold and accessible.

If you want the Alocasia look with white veining but in a more manageable, compact form, the Alocasia Polly is one of the most popular Alocasias for Canadian homes.

Alocasia Bambino. Same family, smaller size.

For a compact Alocasia that fits on a desk or shelf with bold white veining, the Alocasia Bambino is the miniature version of the Polly with the same striking look.

Common Questions

How often should I water the Alocasia Dragon Scale?

Water when the top half of the soil feels dry. In spring and summer that is roughly every seven to ten days. In a Canadian winter, cut back to every two weeks or more. This plant is sensitive to overwatering. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check the soil correctly.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Bright indirect light is best. A spot near an east- or north-facing window works well year-round. The silver-green leaf colouring stays vivid in good indirect light and can fade in very low light. Avoid direct afternoon sun which bleaches the surface. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Is the Alocasia Dragon Scale toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Alocasia spp. is toxic to cats and dogs. The leaves contain insoluble calcium oxalates, which cause mouth pain, drooling, swelling, and vomiting if chewed. Keep it on a high shelf that pets and small children cannot reach.

Why does it drop leaves in winter?

Leaf drop in winter is a normal response to lower light and cooler temperatures in Canadian homes. The Dragon Scale may slow down or shed an older leaf from November to February. Reduce watering, boost humidity, keep it in your brightest window, and stop fertilizing until spring. Read our tips on keeping plants alive in winter for more.

How do I keep the leaves looking their best?

Dust settles on the textured surface and dulls the metallic sheen. Wipe each leaf gently with a soft damp cloth every few weeks. This is especially important during the short-day winter months in Canada when the plant needs all available light. Keep the plant away from heating vents, which dry the leaves and invite spider mites.

How to Take Care of Alocasia Dragon Scale

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Bright to medium indirect light is ideal. A spot near an east-facing window in a Canadian home works well year-round. Avoid direct afternoon sun which bleaches and damages the textured surface.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

Consistent indirect light keeps the silver-green colouring strong. From October to February when Canadian daylight shortens, move it as close to the window as possible. Very low light causes the leaf surface to lose its sheen and the plant to stretch.

Water: When top half of soil is dry

Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, then wait until the top half of the soil is dry. In a Canadian winter, water every two weeks or less. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline in this plant.

Humidity: High

Needs humidity above 60 percent to stay at its best. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes causes leaf edge browning and spider mite issues. A humidifier running nearby from November to March makes a significant difference.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA. Contains insoluble calcium oxalates. Keep it somewhere pets and small children cannot reach.

Pro Tip

Grouping the Dragon Scale with other tropical plants creates a pocket of higher humidity around all the plants as they release moisture into the air. This is the easiest way to maintain adequate humidity in a Canadian home during the dry heating season without running a humidifier constantly.

What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll sort it out with a replacement, refund, or store credit whichever works best for you. View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March we add extra insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from cold temperatures during transit. You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If a plant arrives with significant damage, pests, or disease, we offer a full replacement or refund.Our guarantee covers the viability and health of your plant for 30 days.

View full details