The Alocasia ‘Silver Dragon’ is a captivating houseplant known for its distinctive silvery, textured leaves that resemble dragon scales. These Alocasia baginda plants are cherished for their unique foliage and compact size, making them a popular choice for indoor gardeners. They propagate naturally through corms, offering an opportunity for enthusiasts to expand their collection.
What Are Alocasia Silver Dragon Corms
Corms are specialized, swollen underground stems that store energy and nutrients, enabling vegetative reproduction in Alocasia plants. These bulb-like formations develop into new plants, serving as a natural means for the mother plant to create “baby” versions of itself. Alocasia Silver Dragon corms typically appear as small, round, brown structures nestled among the plant’s root ball.
How to Harvest Corms
Harvesting Alocasia Silver Dragon corms is best done when repotting the mother plant or during its dormancy. Carefully remove the plant from its pot, gently shaking off excess soil to expose the root system. Corms will be visible as small, round, brown structures among the roots, sometimes still attached to the main rhizome. Use a sharp, sterile knife or clean scissors to snip the corms from the root system, ensuring not to damage the mother plant’s roots. After removal, gently peel off any brown outer layers from the corms to encourage faster germination.
Propagating From Corms
Propagating Alocasia Silver Dragon corms requires a warm, humid environment with consistent moisture for sprouting.
One effective method is water propagation. Place corms in a shallow container with a small amount of filtered water, covering only the base to prevent rot. A lid or dome helps trap humidity, but regular “burping” (opening for a short period daily) ensures airflow and prevents mold.
Sphagnum moss is another popular medium due to its excellent moisture retention and aeration. Soak the moss, then squeeze out excess water until it’s moist but not waterlogged. Place corms on top of the damp moss, lightly covering them with a thin layer. Place this setup in a warm area with bright, indirect light, ideally within a sealed container or propagation box to maintain high humidity.
Perlite offers a clean, sterile, and well-aerated medium. Pre-soak the perlite and place it in a propagation box or container. Position corms with the stem part facing down. Spray water along the sides of the container to keep the perlite moist, and cover it to trap humidity. Coco coir can be used similarly, providing good moisture retention while remaining loose and well-draining. For all methods, maintain temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and ensure bright, indirect light for optimal sprouting.
Caring for Corm-Grown Plants
Once Alocasia Silver Dragon corms have sprouted and developed leaves and a healthy root system, they are ready for a permanent potting mix. A well-draining, aerated substrate is important to prevent root rot. An ideal potting mix uses equal parts coco coir or peat-based potting mix, perlite or pumice, and orchid bark. This combination retains moisture while draining quickly.
When potting, choose a container with drainage holes that is only about 1-2 inches larger than the current root ball. Water the newly potted plant thoroughly to settle the soil, then allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out before the next watering. Maintain consistently moist soil. Place young plants in a location receiving bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight which can scorch their delicate leaves.
Alocasia Silver Dragon plants require high humidity. Consider placing a humidifier nearby, grouping plants, or using a pebble tray. Maintain consistent room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Fertilize juvenile plants with a diluted balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during their active growing season in spring and summer.
Common Corm Problems
One common problem is corm rot, often caused by excessive moisture or insufficient airflow. To prevent this, ensure the medium is moist but never soggy, and regularly “burp” enclosed propagation containers for air exchange. Discard any corms that feel mushy or show signs of decay.
Corms may fail to sprout due to inadequate warmth, insufficient humidity, or a lack of viable corms. Ensure the propagation environment maintains temperatures above 65°F (18°C) and high humidity levels.
Mold growth on corms or in the propagation medium indicates stagnant conditions and high humidity without adequate ventilation. Regular airflow, achieved by opening the propagation container daily, helps prevent mold. If mold appears, gently clean the corm and increase ventilation.