The Alocasia Pink Dragon, or Alocasia lowii ‘Morocco’, is a striking plant. Its glossy green leaves feature prominent silver veins, contrasting with vibrant pink petioles that give the plant its name. This compact plant, typically 2-3 feet tall, is popular for adding tropical elegance indoors. Understanding its specific needs helps it thrive.
Essential Care Requirements
Light
Alocasia Pink Dragon thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally 6-8 hours daily. An east-facing window provides gentle morning sunlight. A west-facing window can work if afternoon sun is filtered to prevent leaf scorch. Direct sunlight, especially from south-facing windows, can burn foliage, while insufficient light leads to slower growth and less vibrant color.
Watering
Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Water your Alocasia Pink Dragon when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feel dry, adjusting frequency seasonally. Pour water slowly until it drains from the pot’s bottom, ensuring roots are evenly moist. Always empty excess water from the saucer to prevent root rot.
Soil and Potting
The ideal soil mix is rich, well-draining, and aerated, yet retains some moisture. A common blend is equal parts indoor potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark mix. This composition provides good drainage, preventing waterlogging and root rot. A slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5) is beneficial for optimal growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia Pink Dragon prefers warm conditions, ideally 65-75°F (18-24°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts; temperatures below 60°F (15°C) can cause dormancy. High humidity is important for this tropical plant, ideally 60-80%. Low humidity causes browning leaf edges and tips. To increase humidity, consider a small humidifier, a pebble tray, or grouping houseplants.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your Alocasia Pink Dragon every two to four weeks. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20), diluted to half strength. Always water the plant before fertilizing to prevent root burn. Reduce or stop fertilizing entirely during fall and winter when growth slows.
Repotting Your Pink Dragon
Repotting your Alocasia Pink Dragon is best done during spring or summer when the plant is actively growing, allowing easier recovery. Signs it needs repotting include roots emerging from drainage holes, becoming top-heavy, or soil drying out quickly. Choose a new container only 2 to 3 inches larger than the current one. A pot that is too large can lead to overwatering due to increased soil volume. Gently remove the plant from its old pot, disturbing roots as little as possible, then place it in the new pot with fresh, well-draining soil mix.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing Leaves
Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, insufficient light, or low humidity. Overwatering, which can lead to root rot, often causes leaves to yellow and stems to become mushy. Conversely, underwatering or low humidity can also cause yellowing. Assess watering habits, light, and humidity to pinpoint the cause.
Drooping Leaves
Drooping leaves can signal inconsistent watering (too much or too little). Underwatering causes leaves to lose firmness and droop. Low humidity or temperature stress can also contribute. Maintain consistent soil moisture, adequate humidity, and stable temperatures to prevent drooping.
Pest Infestations
Alocasia Pink Dragon can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites thrive in dry conditions, causing foliage to appear dull or stippled. Mealybugs appear as cotton-like masses, sucking plant sap and weakening the plant. Regularly inspecting your plant and maintaining adequate humidity helps deter these pests. If an infestation occurs, manual removal with rubbing alcohol or application of insecticidal soap or neem oil can be effective.
Navigating Dormancy
Alocasia Pink Dragon can enter dormancy, especially in cooler months or when light and humidity decrease. During dormancy, expect slowed growth or leaf shedding. This is a natural process; the plant is not dying. When dormancy occurs, reduce watering frequency, allowing soil to dry more between waterings to prevent root rot. Stop fertilizing completely until warmer weather and longer days return in spring, when new growth typically emerges.