The alocasia regal shield, also known as alocasia black magic and alocasia broad leaf, is a great plant to have in your home. This plant has dark green leaves that are covered with silvery-white spots which make it look like the alocasia is wearing armor. It can grow up to 3 feet tall so it needs plenty of light and room for its roots to grow. If you’re looking for an interesting addition to your home décor that will also help purify the air around you, then this article is just what you need!
What is Alocasia Regal Shield Plant?
Alocasia Regal Shield is a type of alocasia plant that has dark green leaves in the shape of an umbrella. The alocasia regal shield also comes from the Alocasiaceae family which includes other types of plants such as Colocasia esculenta (taro), Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen) and Xanthosoma.
The flowers are also darker, and come in many colors such as orange, purple or pink. This alocasia variety looks great with other plants because it’s not too tall, coming to about 12 inches. It also has a wide leaf span, which makes it look more interesting and colorful when put in the ground with other plants surrounding it. Alocasia Regal Shield plants are often called “elephant ear” because of the shape of its leaves.
It has long strap-like leaves with white veins that can grow up to five feet in length. The alocasia regal shield typically grows as an ornamental houseplant or outdoors, provided the growing conditions are warm enough. It blooms in the summer months, producing large clusters of flowers on scapes up to four feet in length.
Alocasia plants will bloom when they reach about two years old (that’s one of the tricks to getting them to grow). The alocasia regal shield plant is the most popular alocasia, and alocasia plants are one of the top-selling houseplants. Alocasia plants make a great addition to any home. Alocasia regal shield scientific name is Elephant Ear “Regal Shields”.
Origins of Alocasia Regal Shield Plant
Alocasia regal shield plant is an interesting, cute houseplant to have on hand. It’s origins are in India and Sri Lanka. Alocasia plants are grown for their leaves only- the roots of alocasia plants were used as food by native tribespeople who lived there. The alocasia leaf can grow up to 30 inches across and stands out from alocasia plant leaves in that they are not spade-shaped. The alocasia leaf is heart-shaped or shield-like.
Alocasia Regal Shield Plant Care Guide
Alocasia Regal Shield is a robust, fast-growing tropical plant with bold green leaves and showy white spathes (flowering stalks) that can reach up to 12 feet in height. It’s not difficult to grow alocasia regal shield as long as the person taking care of it knows basic alocasia regal shield plant care. Here are some care guides!
Soil
The alocasia regal shield plant thrives in soil that is moist, but not wet. It can thrive with a lot of water or even without any water at all as long as the potting mixture contains porous material such as sphagnum moss and perlite.
Alocasia regal shield needs a rich soil with plenty of organic material. You can also use garden compost, peat moss or leaf mold to provide nutrients and keep alocasia plants happy. The soil pH should be between neutral and slightly acidic (between about six and seven on the pH scale).
Light
The alocasia likes bright light, but not direct sunlight. It can’t handle the intense heat of a south window with no shade or air conditioning. Instead, it will need to be placed in an east or west-facing window that gets plenty of indirect sun and filtered light during the day.
Place your alocasia where it will get plenty of indirect light for the majority of the day, but be careful not to block its leaves from reaching air and sunlight.
In its natural habitat, alocasia species are found under trees and bushes where there is little direct light, while alocasia are often found growing in dappled sun or semi-shade.
Watering
One of the most important things to remember when caring for alocasia regal shield plants is how often you water them. It should be watered about once a week, forgetting this will result in browning and drying out of the leaves as alocasia needs moist soil in order to thrive. The potting mixture alocasia regal shield plants are grown in also needs to be moist, but not sopping wet.
There is a lot of debate over how much water alocasia regal shield should have during the day and night (should you do it once or twice?). It really doesn’t matter as long as you keep an eye on the alocasia regal shield plant and don’t let it get too dry or wet.
When watering alocasia regal shield plants, you should use warm water to avoid shocking any newly planted alocasia species that has not yet become established in its new environment. After watering alocasia regions for about an hour, alocasia plants should be allowed to dry out enough in between watering events so that alocasia leaves will have a papery feel.
When the alocasia regal shield plant is watered, it needs the drainage hole on its pot covered with about an inch of gravel or similar material to help prevent over-watering and root rot.
The alocasia regal shield plant likes to be watered with a fixed interval, such as once per week or every ten days. If you are more of the forgetful type, then alocasia plants like this would be perfect for you because they will require very little effort on your part.
Temperature
Alocasia plants are also known for their ability to withstand cold temperatures. They can do well in outdoor environments or indoors if the temperature stays below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. If you live in an area that has a warmer climate, alocasia will likely still be able to grow outdoors without any problems as long as it is not exposed directly to the sun.
If alocasia is being grown indoors, you will want to make sure that your home has a constant temperature of 60 degrees or lower as alocasia cannot handle higher temperatures.
Humidity
One of the most important factors to alocasia regal shield plant success is humidity. If they are not kept in high humidity, alocasia could wilt and die quickly. The easiest way to keep their humidity levels up is by placing them next to a water source such as a kitchen or bathroom sink with running water. It will create a humid microclimate that alocasia enjoy.
Humidity can also be achieved by spraying the alocasia regal shield leaves with water once or twice per day and keeping it in an environment where humidity is naturally higher such as a bathroom or kitchen. It may take several days for alocasia to adjust but they will eventually start absorbing the humidity and thrive.
Fertiliser
Alocasia Regal Shield plant is an extremely hardy one, and doesn’t require much attention. But without the right care alocasia regal shield can look unsightly. In terms of fertilising alocasia regal shield there are various different factors that you should take into consideration. Firstly, alocasia plants aren’t heavy feeders. They will therefore grow just as well with fertiliser, whether it’s organic or chemical-based. However, alocasia plants do need these nutrients in order to thrive and produce strong leaves that are able to withstand the elements.
The type of soil you have can also determine how much fertiliser alocasia regal shield will need. If you have rich soil alocasia plants can get away with using less fertiliser, while if your soil is more on the light side alocasia plants may require some additional nutrients to thrive properly.
Alocasia alocasias prefer to be fertilised with high nitrogen, low potassium and medium phosphorous ratio mix. The best time for alocasia is when its new growth has just appeared in the springtime (February-April). There are many different brands of aloe house plant food available at your local garden centre. It is also possible to use aloe vera gel in place of fertiliser.
Alocasia regal shield Toxicity
Toxicity is one of the alocasia regal shield plant’s major issues. It can accumulate toxins from other plants it comes in contact with, if not grown correctly or fed poorly. This will make alocasia regal shield plant sickly and weak over time as well as affect its growth pattern.
The best ways to avoid alocasia toxicity is to be sure the plant’s environment is free of toxins. This includes keeping alocasia regal shield plant away from other plants that can make it sick, as well as cleaning up spills and messes around alocasia regal shield plant quickly to prevent them from getting into its roots or being absorbed through the leaves.
The alocasia regal shield does not produce any toxic substances. It doesn’t have to worry about being eaten by anything and it’s free from allergenic properties
Pruning
The alocasia plant needs to be pruned on a regular basis, usually after it blooms. The best time is in the fall before winter sets in or when you see signs of new growth starting during springtime. A good technique for alocasia plants is to use your hands and break off stems that are not actively growing.
If you want to get rid of alocasia altogether, the best way is by pulling it out from its roots with a shovel or spade and then using your hands to break off any remaining parts that might be left behind. This method will work for small plantings but not large alocasia patches.
Propagation
Propagation can be done by alocasia regal shield rhizome division during the growing season. It is best to wait until alocasia regal shield plants have reached maturity and then use a sharp knife or garden sheers to divide them into sections, removing any of the attached soil that will not help with propagation. Re-plant the alocasia regal shield sections in a new pot with soil and give them plenty of light.
Alocasia regal shield propagation can also be done from leaf cuttings taken from healthy plants during the spring or fall months. The best time to do this is when it has been warm enough for alocasia regal shield plants to grow but not too hot, since alocasia plant leaf cuttings are sensitive and do best in cooler temperatures. Take the alocasia leaves from healthy alocasia plants that have a few sets of mature leaves and tear off pieces around eight inches long. Fill a glass with water until it is about halfway full, then add alocasia leaf cuttings to the water.
The alocasia leaves should be floating on top of the water in a single layer without touching one another or coming into contact with any other object inside the glass. The amount of time it takes for alocasia plant leaf cuttings to root will vary depending on the alocasia plant species, so experiment with different lengths of time to see what works best. It is typical for alocasia plants leaf cuttings to root in about two weeks and then be ready to transplant into a pot filled with soil.
The alocasia regal shield leaves will produce roots that are white in color and will be located at the base of alocasia plant leaf cuttings. The alocasia leaves will also produce a small white root called an adventitious shoot that is typically found near the alocasia plant stem.
Repotting
The alocasia plant does not need to be repotted very often, but when it is time for a change in potting soil, make sure that the new pot has good drainage and let several of the old roots grow out before you replant. It’s best if you can find an alocasia plant that has already been potted up and replanted recently.
When you’re ready to pot alocasia, make sure the soil is rich with nutrients such as perlite or vermiculite which will help keep the alocasias roots moist while they are establishing themselves in their new pot. Planting alocasia in a pot with no drainage holes will lead to root rot and alocasia may not survive.
The alocasia plant is sensitive to temperature changes so the new pot should be placed where it can remain warm but does not get too hot or cold. In colder climates, alocasias grow best when they are in as sunny an area as possible but alocasia can be planted in partial shade.
Plant Disease
Fungal Disease:
- Alocasia regal shield plants are susceptible to fungal diseases when the humidity is high. The leaves will turn yellow, then brown; and eventually die off if no action is taken quickly. A solution for this problem would be to install a dehumidifier in your home or apartment.
Leaf Spots:
- Alocasia regal shield plants can acquire a leaf spot disease, which will cause brown or black spots to form on the leaves. This problem is often caused by excessive sunlight or too much nitrogen in your soil mixture.
Fungus Gnats:
- Alocasis are susceptible to fungus gnats, which are small insects that lay eggs in moist potting soil. The alocasia will be stunted and have deformed leaves if the fungus gnats infestation is not dealt with quickly.
Alocasia Regal Shield Plant Variegated
Alocasia Regal Shield Plant Variegated is a plant with very interesting foliage. The alocasia regal shield aloes are native to Madagascar, and have grown in popularity over the years. Aloe’s can grow quite tall if not pruned properly which makes them perfect as hedges or borders for your garden space.
Alocasia Regal Shield Plant Variegated, or aloe’s in general have high light needs and should be planted in locations that will offer them plenty of sun. Aloes also grow best when they are not overwatered which is one reason why aloes are so popular as hedges along the side of a house or next to a sidewalk.
The alocasia regal shield aloe is a popular plant because it has green and white variegated leaves that are very attractive to the eye. The aloe’s grow best when they are not over watered which means that they do well as hedges or borders along the side of a house.
Common Issues with Alocasia Regal Shield Plant:
The alocasia regal shield is a terrific plant and can provide you with some fantastic benefits in your home or office. However, dealing with alocasia regal shield plant problems can be difficult. Here are some common issues to look out for
- Alocasia regal shield plants have a tendency to overgrow with time and can require pruning or dividing, but this is not always recommended because it will disrupt the plant’s natural growth cycle.
- Alocasia regal shield has very fragile roots which can cause problems during transplanting if they are mishandled.
- Alocasia regal shield can be susceptible to spider mites, aphids and other pests if not taken care of properly.
- Alocasia regal shield plants are also very sensitive to fluctuations in light levels so make sure the plant receives plenty of indirect sunlight or artificial lighting.
- Alocasia regal shield drooping leaves are a sign that your alocasia is not receiving enough water. Aloe’s also require high levels of sunlight which means you should keep alocasia regal shield plant in an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Tips for Keeping Alocasia Regal Shield Happy
The alocasia regal shield plant is one of the most popular plants due to its broad leaves, great for blocking out light from a window. Here are some tips on how you can keep your alocasia happy:
- Keep it in an area with ample sunlight and water daily to maintain hydration. The alocasia needs to be kept moist, especially during winter months for alocasia plants.
- Keep it away from direct heat which can cause the aloe plant to burn and die.
- Alocasia is also sensitive to cold temperatures, so if you are going through a colder season bring alocasia indoors or move it into an area where the aloe plant can be protected from the cold.
- Put in indirect sunlight as alocasia does not like direct sunlight shone on it for a long period of time, causing leaf burn and curl up around the edges.
- Alocasia plants need to be fertilized once every two weeks with high nitrogen fertilizer at about half strength.
- Aloe alocasia plants are susceptible to pests and disease so make sure to inspect them on a monthly basis. If you notice something strange, rinse the alocasia plant off with water or use insecticidal soap/oil for prevention and treatment.
Alocasia Regal Shield Plant Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for alocasia regal shield?
Alocasia regal shield plant is not your average houseplant. They have some special needs when it comes to watering and fertilizing, but this doesn’t mean they can’t thrive with a little TLC!
Allow alocasia plants to dry out between waterings; alocasia plants need less water than many other houseplants. Feed alocasia plants monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer like Miracle-Gro® Indoor Houseplant Fertilizer. Apply to the top of the soil, not the leaves or crowns. Alocasia likes more light than many other indoor plants; alocasia prefers bright but indirect sunlight for the best health.
How tall do alocasia Regal Shields get?
They vary in height and appearance depending on where they were grown. In Florida, alocasia Regal Shield can grow up to three feet tall with a diameter of two inches.
Can Regal Shield take full sun?
Alocasia Regal Shield likes to have some sunlight but is happy with low-light conditions such as under fluorescent lights in an office setting. Keep alocasia regal shield plant away from direct sunlight.
Does alocasia Regal shields go dormant?
Alocasia Regal Shield does not go dormant, alocasia regal shield plant lives throughout the year with a peak in spring and fall.
Should I mist my Alocasia?
In order to keep alocasia healthy, you should mist your alocasia once a week. Mist the leaves of the alocasia with water from a spray bottle and make sure not to get any on its roots or in the pot that it is sitting in. It’s best to do this early morning before watering so that humidity doesn’t interfere with alocasia’s water retention.
How often do you water Alocasia regal shield?
Alocasia Regal Shield plants prefer to have moist, but not wet soil with an occasional deep watering every few weeks or so. In order to save water and prevent mouldy roots, they will need thorough water on occasion.
Conclusion
This alocasia regal shield plant is a perfect addition to any home. It has been shown that this type of alocasia plant can be grown by beginners with little or no experience, and they are also easy to maintain as long as the proper care instructions have been followed.
In order for your alocasia regal shield plants to flourish, it is important to make sure that they are being watered enough and given the proper instructions. We hope you have enjoyed reading about alocasia plant care. Find the alocasia regal shield for sale here.
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