Alocasia Regal Shield Care (Best Guide in 2023)

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Alocasia Regal Shield Care is not difficult, but you need to know a few things so you can take good care of this amazing plant. The Alocasia Regal Shield, a stunning hybrid of an Alocasia Velvet and Alocasia Odora, is magnificent. It has a velvety black texture and a large size. It may be familiar to you as Elephant Ears or Alocasia. These Araceae members are continually expanding with over 80+ species and countless Alocasia varieties.

Alocasia Regal Shield is used as a landscape cover at the Kennedy Space Center, also known as Alocasia uniform and Alocasia reginula.

It’s truly a global plant, the first parent being from Southeast Asia, the Orient, and the second from Borneo. The variety was developed in Florida and many fans consider it to be a native African plant.

This plant is a giant black velvety, perfectly heart-shaped plant with slightly ruffled edges. It also has reddish undersides.

Alocasia Regal Shield can be grown quickly if you provide the proper care for this plant. It will reach a height of 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 meters). The leaves spread laterally and are supported by long, erect petioles. They can grow as tall as they are wide and are self-hearing.

They are great for patio plants, and even though they might not be able to fit in your apartment, they look beautiful from the top and bottom.

It is a great way to appreciate the beauty of this plant from a high place. You can even see the bottom of the plant.

Table of Contents

Alocasia Regal Shield Care

This plant is easy to care for once the basics are understood. They like bright sunlight, constant moisture, high humidity, soft soil, and warm temperatures throughout all seasons. They also like space.

Alocasia Regal Shield Soil

Loamy, organic soil is essential for proper care of Alocasia Regal Shield. Alocasia Regal Shield care is best done in soil with a lot earthworm activity.

The soil must be well-drained, moist, nutrient rich, and slightly acidic. Your Regal Shield roots must have oxygen otherwise they will rot and become dead.

Wet, clayey or muddy soil will stick to roots and prevent them from breathing. Give the soil a good squeeze. If the soil becomes a lumpy mass, it is not suitable for growing Alocasia Regal Shield.

Too dry or sandy soil won’t retain enough water.

Alocasia Regal Shield prefers soil pH between 5.5 to 7.0. You can add garden compost, organic manure and mulch to the soil. The soil will be more acidic if you add organic manure, mulch, and garden compost.

Watering Alocasia Regal Shield

Alocasia Regal Shield is best grown in moist soil. This plant is tolerant to some dryness from time to time, but most growers recommend that you dry the soil.

This is not true for Alocasia Regal Shield. I water my plants every other day during the summer months, when temperatures range between 25-30degC (77-86degF). This cycle is very beneficial for the plant, even though it may sound a bit excessive. My soil is extremely porous so the water runs out in 20 seconds.

The top soil test is the safest gauge. This method is reliable for most aroids. You can water again once the soil’s top two inches dry out.

One Alocasia Regal Shield tip is to be aware of signs that the leaves are being overwatered. The tips of the leaves will drop water and droop.

In cold weather, I reduce the amount of watering. Overwatering in winter can make the plant susceptible to root rot.

Alocasia Regal Shield Light

Alocasia Regal Shield needs 70 to 85% sunlight, but not direct sunlight. They thrive in indirect light. A 40% shade cloth is ideal if you wish to grow Alocasia Regal shield outdoors.

Given its size, indoor growing is possible. Place it in an east or west window location. It can be placed behind sheer drapes to filter the sunlight.

Alocasia Regal Shield grows in the direction of light. For a well-rounded growth, rotate the pot at least once a week.

This plant can be used in patios, rather than indoors or outdoors. These semi-outdoor areas are generally well lit for Alocasia Regal Shield care.

Too little light can cause the leaves to become dull and slow growth.

Alocasia Regal Shield Humidity

Alocasia Regal Shield must be grown in high humidity. You won’t be disappointed if you plant them indoors under dry desert conditions.

Anything above 80% is fine. To keep your plant hydrated, you can use humidifiers, pebble trays, and occasionally misting the leaves with a damp cloth.

Even better, you can grow juvenile plants right next to your bathroom window. You will be able to make them feel warm and fuzzy in there.

Alocasia Regal Shield Temperature

Alocasia Regal Shield thrives under tropical conditions. They rarely go into dormancy in the tropics. Their ideal daytime temperature hovers around 25degC (77degF).

If you want to grow Alocasia Regal Shield as a tropical evergreen, ambient temperatures between 20 and 30degC (68-86degF) are ideal. If they are exposed to frost, the corms should be replanted in spring.

They may lose their leaves if they are exposed to low temperatures for more than 60 degrees F (16°C).

Fertilizing Alocasia Regal Shield

Alocasias are heavy feeders. Alocasia Regal Shield can be grown in a pot. However, the soil and nutrients will be very limited as it matures. You must feed your plant regularly, especially if you want them to reach their full potential.

For Alocasia Regal Shield you need to be sure that the soil is rich with organic nutrients. Use good quality sterile compost or animal dung manure.

You can then apply a dilute liquid fertilizer on a monthly basis, reducing the concentration to one-third of what is recommended. This must be done during the growing seasons of spring and fall to ensure proper care for Alocasia Regal Shield.

Be careful when using cheap fertilizers. Salt buildup can cause your plant to die. You should also water your plant well the day after fertilizing it.

Propagation

The main method of Alocasia Regal Shield plant propagation is division. The rhizome can be divided or the clumps located at the base. There will be many plantlets at the base, which you can also separate.

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Alocasia Regal Shield Growth

Alocasia Regal Shield generally grows quickly if given proper care. It can grow to 4 to 5 feet in 2 years (1.2 to 1.5 meters when it is grown in a pot).

Alocasia Regal Shield can be grown straight in the ground. Each leaf measures 2 feet (60cm) long.

This plant’s leaves fall as fast as they make new ones. A new leaf emerges as a whorl and becomes quite large very quickly.

The plant does not require pruning. However, it is important to trim the bottom leaves so that the surrounding area remains clean.

Potting

Alocasia Regal Shield can quickly become very heavy if it is grown in a pot. Use a sturdy base. A terracotta container is best for these roots. It gives the plant some stability at the base.

If you want your plant to grow in size, it will need to be repotted every two years. It may not be a good idea to keep it indoors after reaching a certain size. Consider moving it outside to a sunny spot or tropical greenhouse.

You can also keep the plant trimmed down by removing the base. This will help with size management.

Propagation of Alocasia Regal Shield

When the plant is actively growing, I recommend that you propagate your Alocasia Regal Shield plant in the middle of spring or summer. Alocasia Regal Shield can be propagated by either clumping or division.

Root Clump Division Propagation – Alocasia Regal Shield

Make sure to add water to the potting mix.
Next, take the Alocasia Regal Shield parent pot out of the pot. Use a hose to wash away any soil stuck to the roots.
The roots may also be organized in multiple clumps. You can either use your fingers to separate the clumps from the roots or a sterile knife.
As usual, take care of the pots. The root systems of the clumps will soon start growing.

Plantlets Propagate – Alocasia Regal Shield

Regal Shield plants plantlets at the base and attaches to the mother plant via a stem
Take the plantlet and separate it with a sterile blade right at the base.
Place it immediately in a starter mix of potting soil that is evenly moist. Starters for the plantlet include 50:50 peat, perlite, or evenly moist sphagnum moss.
Mix the mixture with warm water. Place the pot in a warm location.
The plantlet will soon establish new roots in its new pot within two weeks.
You shouldn’t leave the pot in a cold spot or allow the substrate to dry out.

Most Common Problems with Alocasia Regal Shield

Sudden Leaves Dropping

The leaves could droop if they are exposed to cold drafts in the greenhouse, or if the door or window is open.

Sudden Wilting

Root rot is the most common cause. You should inspect and take a closer the roots of the Alocasia plant. They should be healthy and white. They should be white and healthy.

You can’t save the plant. Look for plantlets you can save and pot in better soil.

Yellow Leaves

It may begin with the lower leaves, and then spread to the rest of the plant. Salt buildup from over fertilization is one of the most common causes.

Allow the water to drain out completely by watering deeply three or four more times. This will help to remove the salts. This plant is also sensitive to excess chlorine.

Rainwater harvesting is a great way to water your Alocasia Regal Shield garden.

However, most home gardeners do not have this option. You can also put the water in a bucket for two days and then use it to water your Regal Shield.

Webbings that look dusty on the undersides of the leaves

This is what an aphid attack looks like on a plant. Pest control is easy for Alocasia Regal Shield. These tropicals are resistant to pests and are very hardy. Sometimes you might encounter sucking pests, most often aphids.

A strong stream of water is the best way to eliminate aphids. To keep your Regal Shield free from sucking pests, you can use an insecticidal mixture made of neem oil or horticultural soaps.

Alocasia Regal Shield also requires a vinegar solution that has been diluted with three times the amount of water. Spraying the underside of leaves. These actions must be done on a sunny morning.

Leaf edema

You may notice damp, waterlogged, discolored spots on your leaf. This points out that you might have overwatered your plant. Make the soil loose and aerate. Remove diseased plants.

The leaf may have wet brown spots

The symptoms of bacterial leaf spot disease, which is common in Alocasia Regal Shield, can be described as a foul-smelling ooze. You must immediately get rid of affected leaves. Water droplets can spread the bacteria to leaves. Reduce watering and stop letting the leaves get wet.

Regal shield Pests and diseases that you can prevent

Regal Shield is extremely sensitive to cold. It cannot tolerate frost or drafts.

They are however resistant to heat, drought, and wind.

Aphids are the most prevalent pests. However, powdery mildew scales, spider mites, and thrips can also be an issue.

Root rot can be a serious threat. Infections can cause powdery mildew and soot mold.

The following are other common diseases that Regal Shield may be susceptible to:

Like all aroids the plant also contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to humans and pests.

Accidental ingestion can cause irritation to the mouth, indigestion, and even kidney stones.

Growing Alocasia Regal Shield: Tips

Keep the plant in bright, indirect sunlight and continue to turn the pot.
Use soils that are well-drained and have good aeration, and add organic manure to enrich the soil.
These plants like warmth, but they are not frost-tolerant.
Avoid over- or underwatering your plant
To determine the best time to water your plant, you can use its soil. It should be dried partially before watering.
Rainwater or distilled water can be used to prevent soil chlorine buildup
Use a small, breathable terracotta container that is smaller than the plant to limit water loss to the roots.
You should sterilize or disinfect the equipment in your plant
The plant will need to be repotted every two years.

Alocasia Regal Shield uses

The regal shield looks great in every home, it’s also an air purifier that can be used in rooms with a lot of pollution. It can be used as an accent for water elements, ground cover, and edges.

FAQs

Is it possible to propagate Alocasia Regal Shield using water?

Because the roots get the oxygen they require in water, the Alocasia Regal Shield can also be grown in water. The plant should not be kept in direct sunlight, as this can encourage algae growth. Regularly change the water and lightly fertilize the plant twice a month.

Is Alocasia Regal Shield poisonous for pets and humans?

Yes, this is a toxic plant that should not be eaten by humans or pets.

Conclusion

Although I love large tropical plants such as the Alocasia Regal shield, I have to warn you about the practical challenges of growing them in an apartment. If this is you, I fear this plant may not be for you.

Alocasia Cuprea and Alocasia Cucullata are both great indoor growers if you love Alocasias.

Alocasia Regal Shield Care (Best Guide in 2023)