The Alocasia ‘Regal Shield’ is a captivating hybrid plant, widely admired for its striking, large foliage that adds a dramatic tropical element to any indoor or outdoor space. Its leaves are a deep green, almost black, with prominent light green to white veins. While primarily celebrated for its impressive leaves, the Alocasia ‘Regal Shield’ can also produce flowers, an aspect less commonly discussed but part of its natural life cycle.
The Nature of Alocasia Regal Shield Flowers
The flower of an Alocasia Regal Shield, like other Alocasia varieties, is not what typically draws attention to the plant. It is structurally similar to flowers of other Aroids, consisting of a spathe and a spadix. The spathe is a modified leaf that encloses the spadix, a fleshy spike where tiny individual flowers are located, which contains both male and female flowers.
The spathe usually appears in a pale, often light green to creamy white color, sometimes with hints of yellow. The blooms are generally small and can sometimes be obscured by the plant’s large, prominent leaves, making them easy to overlook. In its natural habitat, the flower’s biological purpose is reproduction, but as a houseplant, it is not considered the main ornamental feature. The entire inflorescence typically lasts for about 5 to 7 days, though individual flowers may persist for two to three weeks.
Why and When Alocasia Regal Shield Flowers Appear
Alocasia Regal Shield plants typically flower when they are mature and thriving in optimal conditions. Flowering is an indicator of a healthy plant that receives sufficient light, water, and nutrients. These plants prefer bright, indirect light, consistent moisture without being waterlogged, high humidity (ideally 65% to 80%), and warm temperatures, generally between 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C).
Flowering is less frequent for Alocasia Regal Shield when grown indoors compared to its native tropical environment. Plants usually begin to bloom when they are at least two to three years old, as younger plants typically focus their energy on foliage development. The flowering period often occurs during the spring and summer growing seasons, when the plant is most active.
Managing Alocasia Regal Shield Flowers
When an Alocasia Regal Shield produces a flower, plant owners often consider removing it, a practice known as deadheading. This decision is primarily based on the plant’s primary aesthetic appeal being its foliage, not its relatively insignificant blooms. Removing the flower can redirect the plant’s energy, which would otherwise be used for flower and potential seed production, back into developing more and larger leaves.
To remove the flower, use clean, sharp shears or a knife to cut the flower stalk close to the base of the plant. While a healthy plant can sustain flowering without detriment, allowing the flower to remain may temporarily pause or slow the production of new leaves. Some sources suggest that removing the flower might not stop the flowering phase and could even prolong it as the plant attempts to produce more blooms. However, for most houseplant enthusiasts, the goal is robust foliage, making flower removal a common choice.