About

Alocasia 'Silver Dragon' is a perennial plant that remains evergreen, reaching approximately 50 cm in height. Its broad, arrow-shaped leaves showcase intricate scale patterns and a silvery-green hue, complemented by prominent dark green veins and a textured surface. The leaves arise from robust stems and may sporadically produce spathe flowers.

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
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H1A

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Houseplants, Sub-tropical
Toxicity
TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide high humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 15°C. See Alocasia cultivation for further advice
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or summer. Propagate by stem cuttings in spring
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free