Alocasia is part of the Araceae family, ‘Pink Dragon’ is considered a natural hybrid and was initially bought at the Bangkok Flower Market and brought back to the US where it was called ‘Aurora’. Alocasia ‘Aurora’ wasn’t very popular in America and was rebranded as Alocasia ‘Pink Dragon’ in Europe. It was used as a parent plant for the ‘Safari Range’ of plants by horticulturist Marian Osiecki.
Leaves are sagittate and a glossy dark green with silver venation, leaf margins are complete and petioles are an attractive pink.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘a’ meaning without and ‘locasia’ meaning lotus root.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. Alocasia can handle a few hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water: Alocasia prefer evenly moist soil and providing that the plant is receiving adequate light, water when the top inch of mix has dried out. Before watering, aerate the potting mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant when you water or every other watering, during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Ideally 18-29°C.
Humidity: Alocasia would prefer higher humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Alocasia are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.