Plant of the month
April is here, and we have got the perfect plant to add a magical touch to your home: the Alocasia Silver Dragon. With its stunning silver leaves that look like dragon scales, it not only brings a bit of mystique to your space but also gives your home that fresh vibe it deserves this April!
Alocasia Silver Dragon
This beauty comes from the tropical regions of Asia and is impossible to miss with its unique, scale-like leaves. The Alocasia Silver Dragon has a striking look and adds an elegant, almost magical feel to any room. If you are looking for a plant that adds a little extra flair to your home, this one is the perfect choice to bring spring inside!
Fun Fact! The new leaves of the Alocasia Silver Dragon start off as cute, smooth jade-green leaves. But as they grow, they transform into impressive, shield-like leaves with grooves in a beautiful silver-sage colour. And the best part? This plant stays nice and compact (about 60 cm high and wide), but its leaves can grow up to 20 cm long! Pretty impressive for such a small plant, right?
Care guide
The Alocasia Silver Dragon is a real showstopper in your home! With its magical silver leaves, it adds something special to your space. Caring for it can be a bit of a challenge, but with these tips, everyone can keep it in top shape!
Fun Fact! In the colder months, this plant can go into dormancy. It is totally normal for it to lose its leaves – sometimes even all of them! But don’t worry, it will come back to life in the spring. New growth can look just like the original plant, or sometimes new shoots will sprout from corms (little bulb-like offshoots that grow from the roots). Even outside of winter, it might drop a leaf or two when new, bigger ones start to grow – that is just part of the process!
Watering
The Alocasia Silver Dragon loves a bit of moisture, but not too much! Keep the soil lightly moist, but make sure the roots aren’t sitting in water, or you might end up with root rot (and we definitely want to avoid that). Start with a little water and see how much it needs as you go. In the summer, it will get thirstier, so water it more often, but be careful not to overdo it. Tip: Stick your finger about 2 to 3 cm into the soil. If it feels dry, it is time to give it a drink! If the soil dries out in just a couple of days, you can water it a bit more next time. If it still feels wet after five days, water a little less. It’s all about finding the perfect balance between moist and soggy – but once you figure it out, it will be a breeze! And don’t be alarmed if you see water droplets on the leaves – that is called guttation, and it is the plant’s way of getting rid of excess water.
Light
This beauty loves bright, indirect light – a sunny spot is perfect, but avoid direct sunlight as it can quickly turn the leaves brown. An east- or west-facing window is ideal! If you notice the leaves getting long and stretched out, they might not be getting enough light, and they could start to droop. Rotate the plant every now and then to help it grow upright. Keep it away from drafts or radiators, as these can cause stress and make the plant unhappy.
Soil
This Alocasia loves light, well-draining soil. Mix some regular potting soil with sphagnum moss and perlite for the perfect combo. That way, it gets just the right drainage and nutrients. Make sure the soil isn’t too heavy or compact – that could lead to root rot, and we definitely don’t want that!
Tip: The Silver Dragon enjoys a repot every 1-2 years, but be gentle! It doesn’t love big changes, and it grows slower in winter. Wait until spring or summer, when it is growing strong, to repot it.
Temperature & Humidity
This Alocasia loves a warm, humid spot to thrive! During the day, keep the temperature at least 18°C, and at night, at least 12°C. Don’t let it get too cold, or it won’t be happy. If the air in your home is dry, you can boost the humidity with a humidifier or place a tray of pebbles and water underneath the plant (just make sure the pot isn’t sitting in the water). Misting it now and then can also help, but be careful not to overdo it and cause rot. With a little extra care, your Alocasia Silver Dragon will stay healthy and happy!
Propagation
Want to grow some little Alocasia Silver Dragons? It is super easy to propagate them by division. It is a fun way to get new little plants and watch your plant family grow. Just follow these four simple steps, and your new plants will settle in perfectly and grow well in their new pots!
Step 1
Get a sharp knife or scissors, gloves, a pot with drainage holes, and some light, well-draining potting soil. Make sure you have the new pots ready so you can fill them right after splitting the plant. This way, you will give the cuttings a warm welcome into their new home and help them settle in quickly!
Step 2
Carefully remove your Alocasia from its pot and shake off the soil from the roots. Be gentle with the roots — they are super important for your plant! This way, you will give her the best start in her new pot.
Step 3
Examine the root ball and look for natural spots where you can divide the plant. Cut through the roots so each division has enough roots and healthy growth points. This gives each new plant a great start and helps it grow strong.
Step 4
Plant the divisions in their own pots with the prepared soil. Water them well and place them in a warm spot with plenty of indirect light. Want to give them a little boost? To help with humidity, you can place them in a plastic bag or a propagation box. This will help them grow strong and healthy.
Propagating your Alocasia Silver Dragon is super simple! Just give the new plants some time to adjust to their new pots, and soon they will be growing and shining brightly.
Buy Alocasia Silver Dragon
Now that you know all about the Alocasia Silver Dragon, it is time to bring this gorgeous plant into your home! With its silver, shimmering leaves, it instantly adds a unique and enchanting vibe to your space. April is the perfect month for a fresh update, so why not brighten up your home with this beauty? And the best part? You can get this Alocasia at a discount all month long! Make your home greener, cosier, and just a little bit more special with the Alocasia Silver Dragon.
Are Alocasia Silver Dragons rare?
The Alocasia Silver Dragon is not an extremely rare plant, but it is definitely special! It is a unique sight with its silver, scaly leaves, which add a beautiful touch to your space. A plant that gives your interior that little bit of extra charm!
What does an overwatered Alocasia Silver Dragon look like?
An overwatered Alocasia can look a bit sad. You might notice the leaves drooping, turning brown or yellow, or feeling soft and mushy. Other signs of overwatering are mould, root rot, or pests like aphids on the roots. Time to ease up on the watering!
Is the Alocasia Silver Dragon toxic?
Yes, the Alocasia Silver Dragon is toxic to both humans and pets. Be sure to keep it out of reach of curious kids or animals. A little precaution goes a long way!
How can I deal with pests on my Alocasia Silver Dragon?
Pests, especially spider mites, can be a problem for your Alocasia. Regularly check your plant for little unwanted visitors. If you find any, act fast! Neem oil is a great natural option for getting rid of pests.
Can I prune my Alocasia Silver Dragon?
Yes! If you notice yellow or damaged leaves, it is a good idea to carefully trim them off. This will help your plant focus its energy on healthy growth.
Why are the leaves of my Alocasia Silver Dragon curling or drooping?
If the leaves are curling or drooping, it might be a sign your plant isn’t fully happy. Check that it is getting enough humidity, indirect light, and the right amount of water. With a little care, it will perk up in no time!