Alocasia 'Regal Shield' – Elephant Ear

The Alocasia 'Regal Shield', also known as Elephant Ear 'Regal Shield', is a popular hybrid resulting from the cross between Alocasia odora and Alocasia reginula. Created by LariAnn Gardner of Aroidia Research, this tropical plant is prized for its massive leaves and dramatic dark colours. It brings a striking touch of exoticism and a majestic appearance to any interior.

Key Features

• Foliage: Large, thick, and glossy leaves, deep dark green on top. The underside of the leaves displays rich shades of purple with very contrasting light green veins, giving it a regal appearance. Leaves can reach a considerable size.
• Habit: Upright and erect, forming an impressive silhouette. Can reach 30-90 cm (1-3 feet) in height indoors.
• Growth: Moderately vigorous, takes a few years to reach its mature size.
• Care: Moderate, requires warm temperatures and consistent humidity.
• Appeal: Primarily cultivated for the size and dramatic colour of its foliage, which is a true focal point.

Care Tips

• Light: Prefers several hours of bright indirect light. Can tolerate medium light conditions. Indoors, it can even handle a bit of direct light as glass diffuses harsh sunlight slightly. Outdoors, it's best to keep it away from intense direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy. The substrate should be damp like a wrung-out towel, not dripping wet. Allow the top of the soil to dry slightly before watering again to prevent root rot. Not drought tolerant.
• Soil: Plant in a chunky, well-draining potting mix, rich in organic matter, that retains some moisture. An aroid mix (such as equal parts coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark) is ideal.
• Humidity: Thrives in warm and humid conditions, with humidity above 50%, ideally over 60%. A humidifier or grouping with other plants can help.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (65°F and 80°F). Does not tolerate frost; must be brought indoors when nighttime temperatures drop below 15°C (60°F). Avoid cold drafts.
• Fertilization: Benefits from regular fertilization during the growing season. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month from early spring to late summer. Stop fertilizing when growth slows in the fall.
• Pruning: Pruning is not mandatory, but tidying up old, yellowed, or damaged leaves is advisable to redirect the plant's energy to new growth.
• Propagation: By division of offshoots (baby plants) or by corms (small bulbs) that form at the base of the mother plant.

Height and Width (Estimates)

• Height: Up to 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) indoors.
• Width: Up to 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) indoors.

Caution: Plant considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested. Handle with caution.