Alocasia regal shields – 19cm (3 plants)

Description

Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ (Alocasia odora × Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’) is a vigorous, popular tropical hybrid prized for its bold foliage and sturdy growth.

Detailed Description

• Foliage: Large, thick, heart- or shield-shaped leaves that emerge in deep emerald to near-black tones.
• Undersides: Rich burgundy, purple-red, or deep brown.
• Veins: Distinct, prominent pale lime-green or white primary veins.
• Size: Grows roughly 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters) tall indoors with a wide spread, and can reach larger sizes in ideal warm climates.
• Toxicity: Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to cats, dogs, and humans if chewed or ingested.

Care Instructions

• Light:
  • Provide bright, indirect light (such as near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a sunny south/west window).
  • Avoid harsh, direct afternoon sun, which can scorch the dark leaves.
• Watering:
  • Water when the top 5 cm of soil feel dry.
  • Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy or waterlogged.
  • Use filtered, distilled, or rainwater if possible, as Alocasias can be sensitive to tap water chemicals like chlorine or fluoride.
• Soil:
  • Use a loose, well-draining, chunky aroid mix (combining orchid bark, perlite, and organic potting soil) with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0.
• Temperature & Humidity:
  • Maintain warm temperatures between 18°C–27°C. Avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F.
  • Keep humidity high, ideally between 60% and 80%.
• Fertilizer:
  • Feed with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 2 to 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize in winter.
• Repotting:
  • Repot every 1 to 2 years in spring into a slightly larger container with good drainage.