Alocasia Regal Shields
Alocasia,  Plant Care,  Rare Houseplants

Alocasia Regal Shields

We cover all you need to know about the impressive alocasia regal shields, covering care and propaagtion…

Alocasia Regal Shields Care Summary

Light needs:Indirect sunlight.
Watering needs:Check weekly, water if top 50% of soil is dry.
Fertilizer:A  balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks in spring and summer.
Soil:A mix of orchid bark, potting compost and perlite in equal parts.
Humidity:60%.
Temperature:15-30°C (59-86°F).
Where to buy:Try our list of Rare Plant Shops or Etsy.
Common issues:Overwatering and underwatering.

Introduction

The alocasia regal shields is known for its dark, shield shaped leaves. If you are after an ‘elephant ear’ type plant this is one that sticks out due to its dark green / purply hue. It is a hybrid for the alocasia odora and alocasia reginula.

See also: Alocasia Care, Alocasia Azlanii, Alocasia Bambino, Alocasia Tiny Dancer, Alocasia Dark Star, Alocasia California, Alocasia Cuprea Care, Alocasia Maharani, Alocasia Sarian, Alocasia Silver Dragon.

Tip: we recommend Etsy for buying plants. Look for the best rated seller you can, and try to buy as close to your home as possible so the plant does not travel too far.

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Light Needs

Give it plenty of indirect sunlight. But try to avoid direct sun. They grow best with as much light as you can give them but without giving them direct sunlight which can burn them. I would put them off to the side of a south facing window so they do not get the direct sun.

Alocasia Regal Shields close up
Alocasia Regal Shields close up – the leaves are something to behold!

How Often To Water An Alocasia Regal Shields

Check the soil of your alocasia regal shields every week with your finger and only water it if the top 50% of soil is dry.

Tip: keep them moist but not soaking wet. So check them weekly and water if the top half of the soil is dry. Tip out any excess water afterwards to avoid water logging so you keep them moist without drenching.

Fertilizer

Feed your plant a balanced fertilizer every 3 weeks in spring and summer, you do not need to feed it in the winter. I would use a well diluted feed for the first few times you feed them in the season to avoid fertilizer burn.

Soil

A rich well draining potting compost is essential, I would use a mix of orchid bark, potting compost and perlite in equal parts, which will work well. For more on which soil to buy or how to make your own see our guide: Alocasia Soil.

When To Repot

Check them yearly to see if the roots are crowded and pot them up a size if needed. The best time of year to do this is in spring, before they start to grow for the year.

Humidity

60% is ideal, they really like it humid. The leaves can crisp up if not given enough, so at the very least keep them next to other plants which can increase the local humidity.

Tip: Keep them humid, aim for 60% in the day and they’ll be ok with a bit less at night. You can buy a humidity meter (affiliate link) to keep an eye on maximum and minimum levels.

Temperature

A good range is 15-30°C (59-86°F during the day, so they’ll be fine in most homes as long as you don’t let them get too cold. Try to make sure they do not get below 12°C (54°F) too often.

Alocasia Regal Shields Propagation

The best way to propagate an alocasia regal shields is with separation at the roots. You’ll need a plant that has a small pup at the base, and is already dividing into more plants.

Follow these steps to propagate an alocasia regal shields:

  1. Take the plant out of it’s container and get rid of as much soil from the roots as you can, carefully.
  2. Find the pup that you want to separate out, and very carefully pull it away from the plant plan.
  3. It is important to make sure the new plant comes away with it’s own root system. Try to limit damage to the roots as much as you can.
  4. Let the plant’s wounds heal for a few hours.
  5. Plant each plant up separately.
  6. You’re done!

Alocasia Regal Shield Drooping

Both over watering and underwatering can cause drooping. If you water the plant well (check it regularly, but only water it if it needs it) you should avoid both these issues. If the plant is drooping due to root rot, and the soil is wet, take it out of it’s soil, and let the roots dry for half a day, then pot it up in dry soil. If you have any smaller plants growing round the base you can separate them out at this point, in case the root rot takes hold.

Dropping can also be caused due to too much sun, so make sure the plant is not exposed to full sun.

Is It Toxic To Cats?

They are mildly to moderately toxic to cats if eaten, so seek vets advice if you pet consumes any.

Why Is My Alocasia Regal Shield Drooping?

Dropping is due to too much water, or too little, as the leaves can dry up and droop, or droop due to too much. Make sure you are watering them well but no overdoing it, they should be kept slightly moist.

Alocasia Regal Shield Growth Rate

They can grow up to about a meter and a half (5 feet), which takes about 2 years.

Alocasia Regal Shield Size

They can grow up to 2 meters (over 6 feet) in height at maturity.

Alocasia Regal Shield USDA Zone

Zones 10-12.

Alocasia Regal Shield Flower

They do flower if given good care conditions. They put out a spathe and spadix (sheath and blade type flower a bit like a peace lily).

Alocasia Regal Shield Scientific Name

Alocasia odora×Alocasia reginula.

Where To Buy

Try our list of Rare Plant Shops. Or Etsy.

FAQs And Common Problems

Over and underwatering are issues, for an alocasias like this, so heck the plant weekly but only water it if the soil has mostly dried out.

Alocasia Regal Shield Vs Wentii

The alocasia regal shield and wentii are very similar in size and leaf shape but the regal shield has darker color leaves. The wentti leaves are slightly thinner and more elongated.

Alocasia Regal Shield Vs Elephant Ear

The alocasia regal shield is similar to the elephant ear alocasia, as they are related. In fact the regal shield is a hybrid mix of the elephant ear and the alocasia reginula. The elephant ears are much lighter green.

Why Is My Alocasia Regal Shield Drooping?

Drooping is most commonly caused by by overwatering the plant. It can also be due to too little water. You need to check the soil weekly and only water it if needed.

Does Alocasia Regal Shield Go Dormant?

The plants can go dormant in winter and stop growing, be careful not to overwater them during this time. As they’ll need a lot less when dormant.

How Big Do Alocasia Regal Shields Get?

It can grow up to 1.5 meters tall (5 feet).

Alocasia Regal Shields Patent Information

This plant is protected by US Patent. It was granted in 2016 and bred as a hybrid (Alocasia odora×Alocasia reginula) to withstand winters in Florida. More information at Google Patents.

Additional Resources

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Other Articles You Might Like

Hope you found this guide useful, you might also like our other articles: Alocasia Azlanii, Alocasia Tiny Dancer, Alocasia Dark Star, Scindapsus Treubii Moonlight, Jessenia Pothos, Hoya Linearis, Philodendron Camposportoanum Care.

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Alocasia Regal Shields
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