Dragon Scale Alocasia, a popular houseplant, captivates enthusiasts with its distinct, textured foliage, which indeed resembles the scales of a mythical dragon. While its leaves are the primary attraction, many owners are often surprised to discover their plant can also produce a flower. This flowering is a less common but intriguing aspect of its growth cycle, offering a different dimension to the plant’s appeal.
Understanding the Dragon Scale Alocasia Flower
The Dragon Scale Alocasia flower is an inflorescence, a specialized structure common to the Araceae family. This inflorescence consists of a spathe, a leaf-like hood, and a spadix, a central column containing tiny, inconspicuous flowers. The spathe typically appears in shades of green or pale white and partially encloses the spadix. Unlike the plant’s dramatic foliage, these flowers are subtle in appearance and do not contribute significantly to the plant’s ornamental value. Many plant owners might not even realize their Alocasia is capable of flowering, as it is a sign of maturity and optimal conditions.
Significance of Flowering
When a Dragon Scale Alocasia produces a flower, it generally indicates that the plant is healthy and mature, thriving in its current environment. This flowering is a biological process aimed at reproduction, signifying the plant has sufficient resources and energy. However, producing an inflorescence is an energy-intensive process. The plant diverts energy away from developing its signature large, vibrant leaves to support flower production. This energy redirection might result in slower leaf growth or smaller new leaves during the flowering period.
Managing a Flowering Plant
Upon discovering an Alocasia flower, plant owners have a choice: allow it to remain or remove it. Allowing the flower to stay offers a unique opportunity to observe a less common aspect of the plant’s life cycle, though it will continue to consume energy that could otherwise go towards foliage development. If you choose to keep the flower, providing consistent care, such as adequate watering and possibly a light, balanced fertilizer application, can help the plant manage this energy expenditure.
Alternatively, removing the flower is a common practice to encourage the plant to channel its energy back into producing more of its characteristic large leaves. To do this, use a clean, sharp cutting tool to snip the flower stalk as close to the base as possible. It is important to note that Alocasia plants, like other members of the Araceae family, contain calcium oxalate crystals. These can cause irritation if ingested or handled improperly. Therefore, exercise caution when handling any part of the plant, especially when cutting, to avoid skin or oral irritation.
Promoting Optimal Conditions
While flowering is not the primary goal for most Dragon Scale Alocasia enthusiasts, who prioritize its stunning foliage, consistent optimal care can create an environment where the plant is inclined to bloom. These Alocasias thrive in bright, indirect light, mimicking their native rainforest understory environment. High humidity, ideally between 60% and 80%, is also highly beneficial for their health and growth, as they are tropical plants. Maintaining stable temperatures, typically between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C), further contributes to a robust plant. Providing these consistent, favorable conditions supports the plant’s overall vigor, which in turn may lead to the occasional development of an inflorescence.