Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon: Fan Favorite Vs The Antique
Alocasias are a popular genus of tropical plants known for their large, dramatic foliage. Two of the most sought-after Alocasia varieties are the Alocasia Dragon Scale and the Alocasia Silver Dragon. At first glance, these two plants look quite similar, but there are some key differences between them.
What are the differences between the Alocasia Dragon Scale and Silver Dragon? It’s mostly on leaves and tolerance. Dragon scales have dark green leaves, Silver dragon has uniform green leaves. The temperature tolerance of the Dragon Scale is more than the Silver Dragon. For the light adjustment, the Dragon scale is again more competitive. However, Silver Dragon has some serious value as it is rare!
I’ll come up with all the possible comparison traits between these two plants. Let’s check all these out and decide which one to go for.
Table of Contents
Alocasia Dragon Scale in A Nutshell
The Alocasia Dragon Scale, also known as Alocasia Baginda ‘Dragon Scale,’ is a cultivar of the Alocasia Baginda species. It is native to the tropical forests of Borneo and is characterized by its distinctly mottled leaves.
The leaves of the Alocasia Dragon Scale have a leathery texture and can grow up to 16 inches long. They are oval in shape and have wavy, uplifted edges.
The most striking feature of this plant is its foliage coloration – the leaves are a beautiful gray-green with dark green, almost black, veining concentrated around the central vein and radiating outward.
When new leaves emerge, they have a bright, lime-green color that darkens as the plant matures. The contrast between the dark veining and lighter leaf surface gives the Alocasia Dragon Scale an eye-catching, reptilian look, reminiscent of a dragon’s scales. This is how it earned its name.
How Big Does Alocasia Dragon Scale Get?
In its native tropical habitat, the Alocasia Dragon Scale can reach heights of 5-6 feet. When grown as a houseplant, it typically stays a bit smaller, reaching 2-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide. The plant has an upright habit, with new leaves unfurling upright before arching outward as they mature.
Alocasia Dragon Scale Care
Caring for the Alocasia Dragon Scale requires replicating the warm, humid conditions of its tropical origins:
- Light – Bright, indirect light is ideal. Some partial sun is tolerated, but direct hot sun will scorch the leaves.
- Water – Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow to partially dry between waterings. High humidity helps prevent leaf tip burn.
- Temperature – Average room temperatures of 65-80°F are suitable. Avoid cold drafts.
- Soil – Rich, well-draining potting mix. Prefers slightly acidic soil.
- Fertilizer – Feed monthly during spring and summer with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength.
- Humidity – Maintain 50-60% humidity. Group plants together, use a humidifier, or place pots on a pebble tray.
With the right care, Alocasia Dragon Scale makes an exotic statement plant for any indoor jungle enthusiast!
For a more in-depth view of this matter, watch this video below:
Alocasia Silver Dragon in A Nutshell
The Alocasia Silver Dragon is another unique cultivar in the Alocasia genus. It is a hybrid plant developed in Asia by crossing Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana.
Like the Dragon Scale, the Silver Dragon boasts stunning foliage, but its leaves have a distinctive silvery-green color. The large, glossy leaves are a rounded arrowhead shape and deeply lobed. They can grow over 12 inches long on mature plants.
The eye-catching silver hue comes from a dense covering of silvery hairs on the leaf surface. This gives the foliage a velvety texture and sheen, resembling the scales of a dragon. The leaf margins are wavy and there is darker green veining throughout.
How Big Does Alocasia Silver Dragon Get?
In home growing conditions, the Alocasia Silver Dragon reaches about 2-3 feet tall and spreads 1-2 feet wide. The plant has an upright habit with new leaves uncurling toward the sky. More mature leaves will eventually point outward and droop down.
Alocasia Silver Dragon Care
Alocasia Silver Dragon thrives in very similar conditions as the Dragon Scale:
- Light – Bright, filtered light is essential to maintain the silver coloring on the leaves. Direct sun will cause fading.
- Water – Keep soil consistently moist but not saturated. Let the top inch dry out between waterings. Mist frequently.
- Temperature – Thrive in average room temps of 70-80°F. Cannot tolerate cold drafts.
- Soil – Rich, well-draining potting mix. Keep slightly acidic.
- Fertilizer – Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength during growing season.
- Humidity – Prefers 60% humidity or higher. Group with other plants and use a humidifier.
Meeting its exact care needs will keep your Alocasia Silver Dragon growing strong!
Related article: Alocasia Propagation Methods
What’s the Difference Between Dragon Scale and Silver Dragon?
Now that we’ve covered the basics of each plant, let’s directly compare some of the key similarities and differences between the Alocasia Dragon Scale and Silver Dragon:
Leaf Coloration
The most obvious difference is the coloring of the leaves. Dragon Scale has darker green, almost black venation against a gray-green background. Silver Dragon’s leaves are uniformly silvery-green in hue.
Leaf Texture
Both plants have large, velvety leaves, but the Dragon Scale is slightly more textured and ribbed. Silver Dragon leaves have very fine, dense hairs that give them an ultra-smooth, satiny feel.
Rarity
Of the two, Alocasia Silver Dragon is harder to find and more expensive to acquire. It was meticulously developed through selective breeding and is still quite rare compared to other Alocasia cultivars. Dragon Scale is much more common and affordable.
Growth Habit
These hybrid Alocasias have similar upright growth habits, but Dragon Scale grows a bit larger and taller than Silver Dragon on average. Mature Dragon Scales may have an imposing presence over 3 feet tall.
Light Requirements
Both need bright, indirect light but have slightly different tolerances. Dragon Scale can handle a bit more direct sun compared to Silver Dragon, whose delicate leaves are prone to fading and burning without filtered light.
Temperature Tolerance
Dragon Scale is a little more forgiving of temperature fluctuations. Silver Dragon really thrives in steady, warm conditions around 70-80°F and is impacted more negatively by cold drafts.
Humidity Needs
While both demand high humidity, the Silver Dragon is especially sensitive to low moisture levels. Dry air can quickly lead to tip and edge browning. Dragon Scale is a bit more resilient.
Soil Preferences
Dragon Scale can tolerate more moisture in the soil whereas Silver Dragon is fussier about overly wet roots. Allowing the Silver Dragon to partially dry out more between waterings prevents root rot.
Availability
Due to its widespread popularity, Dragon Scale is easier to find at local nurseries and big box stores. Silver Dragon is often limited to specialty growers because it is not mass-produced.
Recommended articles: Alocasia Ivory Coast vs Pink Dragon
Do Both the Plants Require Similar Care?
Despite some differences, the Alocasia Dragon Scale and Silver Dragon have very similar fundamental care needs as tropical understory plants. Let’s take a look.
- Warm temperatures between 70-80°F
- High humidity around 60% or more
- Bright, filtered light
- Loose, well-draining potting mix
- Regular moisture and fertilization during growth periods
- Protection from direct sun, cold drafts, and hot, dry air
If you can provide the above growing requirements, either one of these striking Alocasia varieties can thrive in your indoor plant collection!
To have an extensive list of Alocasia plants, read: 82 Different Types of Alocasia
Let’s Find A Suitable Match
Choosing between these two dramatic statement plants comes down to your personal preferences. So, it’s really difficult to say, what to choose, and what not.
However, here are some points that might help you figure out an ideal choice for you.
- If you like bold, dark-colored foliage, the Alocasia Dragon Scale is striking with its deep green veining.
- But for softer preference and lighter-colored leaves, Alocasia Silver Dragon’s unusual silvery sheen stands out.
- Experienced plant raisers said Dragon Scale is much easier to maintain.
- But you’re looking for a rare, coveted plant? Then Silver Dragon offers intrigue and collectability!
Recommended articles: 10 Low Maintenance Alocasia Plants
Conclusion
You really can’t go wrong with either beauty! Both the Alocasia Dragon Scale and Alocasia Silver Dragon make jaw-dropping additions to any plant lover’s indoor jungle. With their lush, sculptural leaves and tropical allure, they’re sure to be conversation starters.
Whichever you choose, properly caring for these Alocasia divas will allow you to enjoy their exotic, dragon-scale elegance for years to come.