Alocasia Pink Dragon, scientifically known as Alocasia lowii ‘Morocco’, is a plant variety known for its superb light pink stems and shiny, dark green leaves. Though it is a tropical plant that originates from Southeast Asia and Australia, it has become popular among indoor gardeners thanks to its unique look. This plant can flower during the spring and summer months, but it’s its incredible foliage that steals the show.
Growing and taking care of Alocasia Pink Dragon requires a certain level of attention, but it’s not difficult to keep this plant indoors. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it properly.
Alocasia Pink Dragon Care
When it comes to houseplants, Alocasia Pink Dragons require a bit more maintenance than other plants. This is due to their love of high humidity, regular watering, and a good amount of light. But once you’re familiar with the care this plant needs, it becomes easy to maintain.
Light Requirements
Just like other tropical houseplants, Alocasia Pink Dragon requires several hours of bright indirect light. It can withstand brief periods of direct morning sun, but prolonged periods of direct sunlight (especially in the afternoon) can scorch the leaves. If natural light is not enough, grow lights can be a good option.
Soil Conditions
It is crucial to grow Alocasia Pink Dragon in a soil mixture that is rich, well-draining, and retains some moisture. A good mixture is equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mixed together. You can also look for commercial soil mixes designed for aroids.
Watering
Alocasia Pink Dragon should only be watered once the top one to two inches of soil has dried out. It does best with consistently moist soil but is sensitive to waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Always ensure that excess water drains from the pot after watering. Rather than sticking to a watering schedule, test the soil moisture using a moisture meter or your finger to see if the plant is ready for more water.
Temperature and Humidity
High humidity and warm temperatures are the secrets to a successful Alocasia Pink Dragon. It prefers temperatures ranging between 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 26 degrees Celsius), making average household temperatures perfect. The plant thrives in 60 to 70% humidity, which is higher than average household humidity levels. Putting a small humidifier near the plant, a pebble tray with water underneath the pot, or growing it in a naturally humid room are some ways to increase humidity around the plant. Grouping several plants together can also increase average humidity levels.
Fertilizer
During spring and summer, feed Alocasia Pink Dragon with a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks. Fertilizers that are designed for indoor plants are the best choice, and make sure to follow all label instructions. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant goes into dormancy.
Propagating Alocasia Pink Dragon
There are two ways to propagate Alocasia Pink Dragon: by division and by rooting corms. Both methods require a mature and well-established plant, so it’s better to wait a couple of years before attempting to propagate.
Propagation by Division
- Prepare a few small potting containers with a well-draining potting mix.
- Gently wiggle the mature Alocasia out of its pot, taking care not to break any roots.
- Loosen the soil around the base of the plant and the Alocasia pups to expose the roots.
- Detangle the pups and their root systems gently to prevent breakage.
- Pot the separated pups in the prepared potting containers and make sure the soil is around them.
- Water the newly separated plants thoroughly, allowing excess water to drain from the pot’s drainage holes.
- Place the new plants in a warm, humid location that gets bright but indirect light.
Propagation by Rooting Corms
- Remove the Alocasia Pink Dragon from its pot and lay it on its side on the ground.
- Loosen the soil around the root ball and dig around until you uncover small corms in the soil.
- Peel off the brown husky outer layer of the corms to expose the green centers.
- Put the corms in a container with moist sphagnum moss. Don’t cover the pointy end of the corms with moss.
- Place the containers in a clear plastic bag and seal the top to create a greenhouse-like environment.
- Put the pots and bags in a warm and bright location, and open the bags once a week for airflow.
- After a few weeks, the corms will begin to sprout. Keep the sphagnum moss moist.
- When the corms have sprouted, and roots and new shoots have started growing, move them to a well-draining potting mix.
Potting and Repotting Alocasia Pink Dragon
Alocasia Pink Dragon is best repotted during the spring or summer when it’s actively growing since it can recover easily. Choose a new potting container that is only two to three inches larger than the previous pot. Be gentle when removing the plant from the existing pot and moving it to the new pot to avoid disturbing the roots. Add fresh potting soil around the root ball and water the plant thoroughly. Allow the excess water to drain from the drainage holes before returning the plant to its original location.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Alocasia Pink Dragon is prone to pests and diseases like any other houseplant. Some common pests that can affect this plant include fungus gnats, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Spider mites are particularly attracted to Alocasias, so it’s best to prevent their infestation. Make your plant less attractive to spider mites by ensuring it doesn’t dry out too much. Additionally, apply an insecticide like neem oil to the leaves once or twice a month to deter pests and prevent potential infestations.
Alocasia Pink Dragon is also prone to root rot if it is overwatered or given poor drainage. Look out for signs of root rot such as mushy roots or stems, yellow or drooping leaves, and take corrective action immediately to save the plant.
Common Problems With Alocasia Pink Dragon
Alocasia Pink Dragon can be challenging to grow, and it’s not uncommon to encounter a few problems. Yellow or brown leaves are two common problems that may arise. Yellow leaves often mean the plant is underwatered, lacks humidity, or light, but they could also indicate overwatering. Brown leaves, on the other hand, are almost always as a result of too much sunlight or a lack of humidity. Examine your growing environment and try different remedies to see what works best.
In conclusion, Alocasia Pink Dragon is a beautiful plant that adds a unique touch to any indoor garden. Following the proper care guidelines, including lighting, soil, water, temperature, humidity, and propagation, will help ensure that your plant flourishes. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases, and respond promptly to common plant problems. With patience and dedication, you can successfully grow and care for Alocasia Pink Dragon.
