About
Alocasia 'Regal Shields' is a hybrid resulting from Alocasia odora and Alocasia reginula. This perennial plant features a rhizomatous growth habit, thriving in tropical environments. Its large, heart-shaped foliage displays pronounced veins in a lighter green hue. The upper surface boasts a deep green sheen, while the undersides reveal a rich maroon coloration. This species can achieve heights of up to 2 meters, with individual leaves measuring approximately 60 cm in length and 18 cm in width. The plant produces infrequent flowers characterized by a pale yellow to pale green spathe encasing a cream-colored spadix. Though the flowers emit a pleasant fragrance, they are rarely seen except on mature specimens, with the primary attraction being its impressive leaves.
About the genus
Alocasia consists of sturdy, evergreen perennials that develop rhizomes or tubers. They feature large, typically peltate leaves marked by prominent veins. While their flowers are somewhat inconspicuous, they can give rise to orange-red fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H1A
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- 1-1.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- Houseplants
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant/allergen - For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Under glass, grow in an open, ericaceous, well-drained, but moisture-retentive mix, which can include, ericaceous peat free compost, lava rock or pumice, fine fir bark and leafmould or chopped sphagnum moss, choosing a position in bright, but diffused light. These plants prefer growing in a year-round temperature, between 18-25C. During the growing season, allow the top 5cm of the compost to become just dry, before thoroughly watering the compost. Use clean rainwater at room temperature, if the tap water in your area is hard, to avoid turning the compost alkaline, which would eventually become toxic to the plant. Avoid plants sitting in water for long periods, which can cause the roots to rot. Apply a liquid houseplant fertiliser monthly during the growing season, April to September. Water may be required less frequently in winter, when growth slows right down, and stop feeding the plant until the spring. Repot every 2-3 years. See Alocasia and houseplant cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division once clumps are produced, or by division of the rhizome, potting the sections up individually to root and grow on
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects, glasshouse red spider mite and mealy bugs
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free