Alocasia longiloba ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ is a captivating houseplant from Southeast Asia, prized for its unique foliage. Its deep green, elongated, arrow-shaped leaves feature prominent veins, resembling a dragon’s teeth. Distinct light grey or silvery veins contrast with rich purple undersides. This plant reaches an indoor height of 2 to 3 feet.
Dragon’s Tooth Care
Light Needs
Alocasia longiloba ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or south-facing window provides ample light without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, while insufficient light hinders growth and vibrant coloration. Rotate the plant periodically for even growth and efficient photosynthesis.
Watering Practices
Maintain consistent moisture for ‘Dragon’s Tooth’, but avoid overwatering. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches (2-5 cm) of soil to dry before watering. Saturate the soil until water drains from the pot’s bottom. During cooler winter months, the plant may enter a semi-dormant period, requiring less frequent watering.
Humidity and Temperature
High humidity, ideally 60% or higher, is preferred. Low humidity can cause browning leaf tips and edges. Increase ambient humidity with a humidifier, pebble tray, or by grouping plants. Maintain temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Protect the plant from cold drafts and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Soil and Potting
A well-draining, aerated soil mix prevents waterlogging and root issues. An ideal blend includes peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark, promoting moisture retention and drainage. A mix with coco coir and worm castings also provides good drainage, aeration, nutrients, and moisture retention. Always use a pot with drainage holes.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring through summer), fertilize ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ regularly. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 20-20-20 or 7-9-5), diluted to half or quarter strength, every two to four weeks. Ensure the soil is damp to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows.
Repotting
‘Dragon’s Tooth’ prefers to be somewhat root-bound, so frequent repotting is not needed. Repot every one to two years, or when the plant outgrows its container and roots emerge from drainage holes. Select a pot only one to two inches larger in diameter to minimize transplant shock. The best time for repotting is spring or early summer, at the beginning of the growing season.
Propagating Dragon’s Tooth
Propagate ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ by dividing its rhizomes or corms. This plant grows from an underground stem (rhizome) similar to a bulb. Mature plants produce offsets or smaller corms around the main plant’s base. To propagate, carefully remove the plant from its pot and gently separate these offsets from the main rhizome, ensuring each division has roots. Plant the separated corms or rhizome sections in a well-draining potting mix, keeping the corm top close to the soil surface. New leaves emerge from these divisions within a few weeks.
Common Problems and Solutions
Leaf Issues
Leaf issues on ‘Dragon’s Tooth’ indicate underlying problems. Yellowing leaves suggest overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency; adjust watering and drainage. Browning tips or edges suggest insufficient humidity or consistent underwatering; increase ambient humidity. Drooping leaves indicate underwatering or environmental shock.
Pests and Diseases
‘Dragon’s Tooth’ can encounter common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regularly inspect foliage, especially leaf undersides, for early detection. Treat infestations with insecticidal soap. The plant is also susceptible to root rot from overwatering, particularly in cool temperatures or high humidity. Root rot occurs when soil remains waterlogged, causing roots to decay. Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent this fungal disease.
Toxicity Considerations
Alocasia longiloba ‘Dragon’s Tooth’, like other Alocasia plants, contains calcium oxalate crystals. These needle-shaped crystals are in all plant parts and cause irritation if ingested. Symptoms include oral pain, irritation to the lips, mouth, tongue, and throat, and nausea or vomiting. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and young children to prevent accidental ingestion. If ingestion occurs, gently wipe out the mouth and rinse with water to remove plant material.