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Plant Profiles / Alocasia 'Silver Dragon'
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
Alocasia 'Silver Dragon'
Alocasia baginda 'Silver Dragon' · Silver Dragon elephant ear
Thick, textured, silvery-green leaves with dark green veins like dragon scales. A compact collector's plant for bright, humid spots.
Bright indirectLight
Weekly, allow top to dryWater
ChallengingCare level
Care at a glance
Light
Bright indirect
ShadeFull sun
Bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
Water
Weekly, allow top to dry
DryWet
Water when the top 2–3 cm dries. Reduce greatly in winter.
Humidity
High
LowHigh
Needs 60%+ humidity.
Temperature
18–29°C (65–85°F)
CoolWarm
Hates cold; keep above 15°C (59°F).
Growth
Slow, compact
SlowFast
Grows 30–45 cm tall.
Soil
Chunky, airy
LeanRich
Aroid mix with bark, perlite and some charcoal.
Fertiliser
Monthly, spring–summer
RarelyOften
Diluted balanced fertiliser.
Pet safety
Toxic
SafeToxic
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and people.
About this plant
Alocasia baginda is native to Borneo, growing in limestone outcrops. 'Silver Dragon' is a compact cultivar loved for its metallic, embossed leaves. It can go semi-dormant in winter, so don't panic if it pauses growth.
Best spots
Bright bathrooms, shelves near east-facing windows, terrariums or grouped with other humidity-loving plants.
Plant facts
| Botanical name | Alocasia baginda 'Silver Dragon' |
| Family | Araceae |
| Origin | Borneo |
| Plant type | Evergreen perennial (may go dormant) |
| Mature size | 30–45 cm |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Foliage | Silvery, textured leaves with dark veins |
| Flowers | Rarely indoors |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
| Propagation | Corms or division |
Seasonal care calendar
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Active growth
Fertilise
Semi-dormant
Repot
Active growthFertiliseSemi-dormantRepot
Based on Southern Hemisphere seasons.
Troubleshooting
| Leaves dying back in winter | Natural dormancy. Reduce water and wait for spring. |
| Yellow leaves | Overwatering or natural ageing of the oldest leaf. |
| Crispy edges | Low humidity. |
| Webbing under leaves | Spider mites. Wipe leaves and raise humidity. |
| Drooping | Too cold or overwatered. |
Common questions
Why is my Alocasia losing leaves?
Many lose a leaf when they grow a new one, or go dormant in winter.
How much humidity does it need?
60% or more is ideal.
Can I grow it outside?
Only in warm, humid, shaded spots.
Is it toxic?
Yes, keep it away from pets and children.
