Gardeners interested in growing this tropical plant should be aware that alocasia Regal Shields is not frost-tolerant.
It can be treated as an annual or overwintered indoors in northern climates to extend its lifespan.
Here are the general care requirements for this hybrid.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
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Light
Like most Alocasias, Regal Shields grows best with several hours ofbright, indirect light.
However, these plants can also grow well in medium-light conditions.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
Outdoors, its best to keep this plant away from direct sun to prevent leaf burn.
Soil
Plant your Alocasia Regal Shields in a well-draining potting mix that retains some water.
Mixtures designed for aroids work well and can easily be made at home.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
These plants thrive with consistent moisture but are susceptible to root rot if left in wet soil.
The soil should be evenly moist but not soaking.
Think of the difference between a damp paper towel versus a soaking wet rag.
The Spruce / Anastasiia Tretiak
Temperature and Humidity
Alocasia Regal Shields grows best in warm, humid conditions.
These plants are not frost-tolerant and can only be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9 to 11.
Otherwise, they should be grown indoors or in containers that can be overwintered.
Fertilizer
Alocasia Regal Shields benefits from regular fertilizing during the growing season.
Apply abalanced liquid fertilizermonthly from early spring to late summer to encourage strong, healthy growth.
Stop fertilizing entirely once temperatures drop and growth slows in the fall.
Pruning
Pruningis not required for alocasias, but tidying up old leaves may be desired.
Propagating Alocasia Regal Shield
Alocasia Regal Shields can be propagated by division and corms.
Your plant must have established offshoots growing in the same pot to propagate by division.
Then, you might do these things.
Repottingis best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Wait until your plant is ready to be watered, as thorough watering is a recommended last step.
Plants should be brought inside once nighttime temperatures drop below 60 degrees F (15 degrees C).
Common Pests
Spider miteslove alocasias, and Regal Shields is no exception.
Early signs of root rot includeyellowing leaves, wilted leaves, and a dramatic loss of foliage.
While the blooms are insignificant, seeing your plant produce flowers can still be exciting.
Blooms usually indicate that your plant is happy and thriving, although stressed plants can produce flowers.
The overall health of your plant will indicate whether the former or latter is true.
Here are a few common problems you may run into when growing this tropical aroid at home.
Alocasia Regal Shields is described as having a moderately vigorous growth rate.
While Regal Shields loves humidity, misting is generally not recommended for increasing ambient humidity around any houseplant.
Alocasia Regal Shields is a popular houseplant thanks to its showy foliage and compact growth habit!
Alocasia plant named ‘Regal Shields’ (USOO27050P2).
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
“Are Plants in the Alocasia Genus Poisonous?”
