Growing & caring for alocasia (regal shield)

Where are alocasia from? Are they perennial or annual?

Alocasia (regal shield) is a species of flowering alocasia which is native to New Guinea and the Maluku Islands in Indonesia. The striking features of the alocasia regal shield make it a highly sought-after choice for those looking to add an “exotic”, traditional feel to an interior or outdoor space. Alocasia are most often grown indoors as a perennial and can live many years.

They are particularly renowned for their impressive colors and their unique, arrowhead-shaped leaves. Alocasia regal shields prefer moist but well-drained soil in part shade to full sun, though they do require protection from strong midday rays. These plants can also withstand temperatures down as low as 50°F and can survive drought conditions if given time to adjust; making them resistant to most weather conditions. This versatility makes Alocasia regal shields a great choice for any home garden or office.

How do I care for alocasia? Are they difficult to grow?

Care for an alocasia plant includes bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. They should be watered regularly while also avoiding overwatering, as too little or too much water can both lead to issues with the plant’s root system. Alocasias should be encouraged to go through cycles of drying out in between waterings in order to prevent root rot. With the right care and upkeep, alocasia plants can provide many years of vibrant use and enjoyment, making them surprisingly easy to grow despite their lush appearance.

Check out this useful care video on alocasia regal shield:

How do you prepare alocasia for winter?

To prepare your Alocasia for winter, you must move it indoors if it is not already so that it has access to cooler temperatures while avoiding frost. This can easily be accomplished by placing the plant on a windowsill if possible and supplementing it with an electric light if necessary to mimic sunlight.

Furthermore, the soil should be watered less frequently than usual, only when the top inch is dry, as the cold temperatures will reduce evapotranspiration rates significantly resulting in slower drying of soil moisture.

How do you fertilize alocasia?

To ensure your alocasia stays healthy and vibrant all season long, use an organic liquid fertilizer every two weeks and supplement once monthly with a slow-release granular fertilizer. The Alocasia isn’t as reliant on fertilizer as some other plants, so be sure to use a light hand when administering and only use half the recommended dosage listed on the fertilizer packaging. With proper care and feeding, you can look forward to plenty of growth from your alocasia which will enhance its striking looks for years to come.

How much should you water alocasia?

Watering alocasia is an essential part of its care, but finding the right balance can be tricky. It prefers moist soil, but this means you need to be careful not to overwater as it may cause root rot or other disease issues. If you do water it too much, there are often signs like yellow leaves and wilting that indicate that it has had too much. The best rule of thumb when watering your Alocasia is to wait until the top two inches of soil have dried before adding water, as this will ensure that your plant has access to moisture without being overwatered.

How much light do alocasia need?

Alocasia regal shield plants thrive best with bright, indirect light to partial shade. Too little or too much light can cause the foliage to yellow and become limp. To ensure that your plant is getting the optimal amount of sun exposure, it is best to keep it in an east or west-facing window for around 4-6 hours a day. Be sure to check your plant regularly for signs of sunburn or scorching which can appear if overpowering direct sunlight reaches the plant.

How do I propagate alocasia?

Propagating an alocasia regal shield by subdividing the rhizome is pretty easy; use a sharp knife to cleanly cut off sections of the rhizome, about the size of a golf ball, with at least one leaf bud attached. It’s okay if the rhizome has roots, but not required. Plant each section cut in rich soil and place them in a well-lit area. Be patient as it can take several weeks for the new plants to visibly sprout above the soil surface. Once they start growing, keep them hydrated and feed them with fertilizer every couple of weeks; slowly increasing both water and food as your alocasia regal shield matures.

When do alocasia flower?

Despite their impressive stature, alocasia regal shield plants rarely produce flowers. In fact, it is not uncommon for them to never flower at all. However, when these beautiful plants do bloom, they produce tiny white flowers along a spadix – guaranteeing a spectacular show of foliage as well as fragrant bloom. Although blooms can be unpredictable, with proper care and attention some alocasia regal shield specimens may flower during the late summer or early fall.