Alocasia baginda Pink Dragon is now becoming more and more popular in our country. That is not least due to their appearance. You know how to care for it properly after reading this care guide.
Origin
The Alocasia baginda originates from the rainforests of Southeast Asia. There it grows in the shelter of more giant trees. Alocasia baginda “Pink Dragon” is a cultivated form of Alocasia baginda. It is also called Alocasia “Pink Dragon” or just “Pink Dragon”.
Like all of the 1,000 varieties of alocasia, it belongs to the Arum family (Araceae).
With a lifespan of several decades, you can still enjoy this houseplant for a long time with proper care.
Appearance and distinguishing features of the Pink Dragon
The Pink Dragon is easily recognizable by its arrow- to heart-shaped leaves. These grow up to 20 inches long. Adult leaves are dark green with a dark red underside.
Young leaves, on the other hand, are light green with a shallow shade of red on the underside of the leaf. They also already have the typical whitish sheen.
The leaves draw prominent leaf veins. With their silvery-to-white coloring, they contrast nicely with the leaf color.
The leaves themselves sit on pink petioles.
The name “Pink Dragon” was derived from this combination of dragon scale-like leaves and “pink” petioles.
Generally speaking, the Alocasia Pink Dragon can grow to about 1 m tall and 28 inches wide. At the same time, it maintains a relatively compact habit.
The flower
Compared to other Alocasia species, the flower is relatively inconspicuous. In spring to summer, older plants especially form small purple flowers.
The flowers are similar in shape to an 8. They consist of bracts and a cob.
The fruit
After successful pollination, a berry forms from the cob. That contains the seeds of Alocasia baginda. Neither the fruit nor the seeds should be consumed. However, the latter can be used for propagation.
Differences between Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Pink Dragon
Often Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Pink Dragon are confused with each other. Especially at a distance.
Sometimes it is even assumed that the two names describe the same plant. However, this is different.
Even though the two alocasias are similar in growth and appearance, they can be distinguished quite well by their leaves.
Alocasia Polly has darker leaves and lighter leaf veins. In addition, the leaf margins are rougher or more pointed.
Toxicity
Alocasia baginda Pink Dragon’s sap contains calcium oxalate crystals that protect against being eaten. In contact with the skin, they cause itching and skin irritation.
If parts of the houseplant are consumed, mouth and throat irritation may occur. That is manifested by swelling and the formation of ulcers.
In addition, damage to the kidneys may occur.
If humans or animals have consumed any part of the plant, you should consult a (veterinary) doctor. Bring a sample of the plant with you.
You can obtain further information on the correct handling of poisoning from your local information center.
Regarding the potential poisoning, the alocasia should be placed out of reach of children and pets.
The optimal location of Alocasia baginda “Pink Dragon
The optimal place has year-round temperatures between 63 °F and 80 °F. In bright, indirect sunlight, it has the best growing conditions. However, the alocasia also tolerates partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves.
The east and west window is very suitable as a possible location. But it will also thrive in a spot by a north-facing window. Drafts should not reach the plant if possible.
As a tropical plant, it has a preference for high humidity. It likes between 60% and 80% humidity the most. However, such high humidity quickly causes mold in the home.
Therefore, you should only achieve it in a terrarium. In the apartment, stay above 45% humidity. To achieve and maintain this efficiently, I recommend investing in a humidifier.
Hibernation
The overwintering should take place in a bright and warm place. If the temperature falls below 59 °F for a more extended period, the exotic plant will drop its evergreen leaves and retreat into its tuber. There it hibernates.
In this case, you should check the tuber by pressing it lightly. If it feels soft, it is not hibernation but root rot. How to proceed is explained in the care mistakes.
During hibernation, you should keep it away from heat sources like radiators.
Fertilizing is paused during this time. Watering is reduced. Water only when the surface of the substrate has dried.
Shorten the winter dormancy
You can trick the alocasia if you do not want to wait until spring. To do this, place the houseplant in a seed tray* or a bag and seal it.
Next, place the alocasia in a warm place. Keep the substrate moist. Ventilate once a day to prevent mold.
After a few weeks, you should see new sprouts. Now try to maintain the temperature. If it drops again, the plant may go into hibernation again.
Watering Alocasia Pink Dragon
Alocasias are known to be sensitive to water shortage and excess. For this reason, some people refer to them as “bitches”.
It is, therefore, essential to keep the substrate evenly moist. Between watering, it may dry superficially. However, the root ball should not dry out completely.
Especially in summer, this may mean watering several times a week.
Waterlogging must be avoided at all costs. It quickly leads to root rot. Therefore, always pour off water that collects in the pot.
Ideally, use lukewarm distilled water.
Fertilizing
You are spoilt for choice when it comes to fertilizing. Either you use slow-release fertilizer or No products found..
The latter is applied monthly in the water during the growth phase from spring to fall.
Each plant has its rhythm of growth. Therefore, do not try to stimulate your alocasia to grow faster by giving it more fertilizer and water.
The fertilizer and water will quickly damage the roots.
The perfect substrate for Alocasia baginda Pink Dragon
Alocasia baginda Pink Dragon loves coarse, loose substrate. That allows some air to get to the roots, promoting growth.
The substrate should hold moisture but have enough drainage to prevent waterlogging. The pH value should be between 5.5 and 6.5.
It is often sufficient to mix green plant soil* with No products found. and some sphagnum peat. The latter serves as a source of nutrients. If you like, you can also add some slow-release fertilizer. Sand or lava granules support the drainage.
Alternatively, you can also use premixed soil. I used a homemade aroid mix for my alocasias for a long time before switching to passive hydroponics.
Repotting
Pink Dragon likes to be repotted sparingly. Therefore, only repot when the roots grow through drainage holes or the plant is pushed out of the pot.
The best time to repot is in the spring. Choose a pot about 1 inch more in diameter than the previous one.
With older specimens, you can renew the substrate. That will ensure that there are enough nutrients.
Cutting
Permanently remove diseased and dead plant parts. This way, you prevent infections and diseases and their spread.
Pruning can also be done to determine the size of the houseplant. The cuttings obtained can be used for propagation.
Always use a clean and sharp blade to prevent bruising and infection. I also recommend you wear gloves, as the sap can cause skin irritation.
Propagating Alocasia baginda Pink Dragon
Propagation by offshoots
Repotting in spring is the optimal time to propagate your Pink Dragon. The easiest way to do this is through offshoots. Older specimens will produce them now and then.
During repotting, they are carefully detached from the mother plant. Roots connecting the cuttings and the mother plant are cut off towards the mother plant.
Then the young plant is placed in its pot. Please put it in a bright but not sunny location and keep the substrate moist.
After two months, the first buds and shoots will appear. After another one or two months, the plant will be ready to take over the care of the mother plant.
Vermehrung durch Stecklinge
Alocasia baginda Pink Dragon can also be propagated by cuttings. If the rhizome is long enough, you can cut it horizontally into multiple pieces. Every Piece should contain at least one node. Even better if you have a healthy leaf attached.
Let the cuttings callus for a few hours before putting them in your preferred substrate. I love to use water. Afterward, put the cutting in a bright and warm place.
Change the water if you see dead tissue or rot on the cuttings. Algae is no problem if they don’t overgrow the cutting. After three to four weeks, you should be able to discover the first roots. As soon as these are about 4 inches long, you can place the young plant on a substrate.
In terms of care, it no longer differs from the mother plant.
Diseases, pests and care errors Alocasia baginda “Pink Dragon”
Diseases
Xanthomonas infection
This bacterium, which is harmless to humans, attacks the leaves of Alocasia baginda in rare cases. An infection can be recognized by brown to black spots. These usually have a yellow border.
Infection can occur when too much watering has been done. You should remove infected leaves.
Pests
Aphids
Aphids usually appear in groups. They grow up to 2 mm in size and come in various colors. However, they are often green or black.
Aphids prefer to stay on shoot tips and under leaves. These turn yellow or even die.
If you detect an infestation, the first thing you should do is isolate the plant. Then you can use home remedies such as neem oil*.
Alternatives are No products found. and natural enemies like No products found..
In case of a heavy infestation, it is helpful to remove infested plant parts.
Spider mites
The spider mite (also called red spider mite) occurs mainly in winter. The dry heating air favors their reproduction.
You can recognize them by their web-like constructs in the leaf axils and under the leaves. If you discover an infestation, you should isolate the alocasia. That will prevent the pests from spreading.
If it is a small infestation, it may be sufficient to rinse the leaves daily. Increase the humidity to contain the proliferation.
Home remedies such as a tobacco decoction or No products found. can help if the infestation is more extensive.
Alternatively, you can use natural enemies such as the No products found. for pest control.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs also prefer a relatively dry climate. Like spider mites, they sit on young shoots and under leaves. You can recognize them by their light wool-like shells.
You can eliminate a small infestation by wiping the pests with a cloth soaked in alcohol.
Control larger infestations with No products found. or home remedies.
A suitable home remedy is a mixture of one liter of water and 15 ml of soft soap and methylated spirit. This mixture is applied to the plant every two days.
Care Mistakes
Leaf spots
If the leaves of Alocasia baginda “Pink Dragon” get spots, this can have different reasons. One could be a bacterial infection (see Diseases).
More likely, however, is that too much fertilizing or watering has been done. Try to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fertilizing. Use a little less fertilizer rather than too much.
Leaf spots can also be caused by direct sunlight. Try to block the direct sunlight with a thin curtain or similar.
Yellow leaves
Often yellow leaves have a natural cause. Since the Alocasia baginda “Pink Dragon” can not maintain endless leaves, it sheds old leaves over time. Instead, new leaves grow from the center of the plant.
However, if many leaves turn yellow, it may be due to the watering routine. Check if the substrate is too wet or too dry. It is ideal if it is constantly slightly moist.
Another cause can be the location, especially if the plant is exposed to drafts. Under the point location, you can find out what the optimal location looks like.
I will answer your questions!
How big does an Alocasia Pink Dragon grow?
An Alocasia Pink Dragon grows up to 40 inches high and 28 inches wide. At the same time, it keeps a pretty compact growth.
Is Alocasia baginda “Pink Dragon” poisonous?
Yes, Alocasia baginda ‘Pink Dragon’ is poisonous to humans and animals. Its sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and internal injuries. Therefore, you should place Pink Dragon out of reach of children and pets.
Take advantage of this!
Sources
Gardeningit
Plantophiles
Gardeningbeast
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