Alocasia 'Dragon tail' 'Starter'

Alocasia ‘Dragon tail’ is a relatively big plant from the aroid family. This plant is nowhere to be found in the wild, as it is created by hybridizing various wild species within its genus. This plant grows from a tuber in the ground. From this base, several leaves arise carried by orange-brown petioles. Leaves slender and arrow shaped and could reach a maximum length of 50 cm with optimal care. The veins are somewhat lighter in color which contrasts nicely with the rest of the leaf. Inflorescences occur infrequently and are not that spectacular. In some cases, this plant could lose all its leaves. After this rest period it could regrow to its original size. Propagating this plant is most easily done by harvesting smaller tubers formed near its original tuber, or seeds.

Provide Alocasia ‘Dragon tail’ with constant warm and humid conditions. It grows best with a temperature between 18 and 30 degrees Celsius with a humidity not lower than 70% at all times. This species prefers indirect light and/or direct sunshine, only in the morning. Placing this plant in bright sun could burn the leaves, placing it in the shade could make the leaves limp. The soil should be humus rich and moist retentive Alocasia ‘Dragon tail’ should never dry out completely. Frequent waterings are key for this plant but do not let the soil become swampy. When this plant is overwatered, droplets could form at the end of the leaves which could create spots. Provide a standard green plant fertilizer once a month when in the growing season.