Follow this comprehensive Alocasia Dragon Tooth Care Guide to shower your home with some sheer tropical vibes!
With its unique foliage and compact size, the Alocasia Dragon Tooth adds a touch of tropical elegance to any indoor space. Learn all about nourishing this appealing yet low-maintenance houseplant with our extensive care guide!
- Botanical Name: Alocasia longiloba ‘Dragon’s Tooth’
- Popular as—Alocasia Dragon Tooth Plant, Dragon Tooth Alocasia, Alocasia Dragon’s Tooth
- Typically reaches a maximum height of 1-2 feet indoors
- Thrives in bright, indirect light or partial shade
- Requires a temperature range of 60-80 F or 16-27 C
- Toxic to pets and animals
Check Out Alocasia Bambino Care Guide here
What is Alocasia Dragon Tooth?
Member of the Araceae family, Alocasia Dragon Tooth is a tropical houseplant featuring striking, arrow-shaped leaves in a dark emerald green color highlighted with prominent silver-white veins and borders. The undersides of the foliage exhibit a burgundy tone with a scaly structure that gives the plant its common name.
Standing at a compact height of 8-14 inches, the plant fits well on tabletops, bookshelves, or cabinet tops. Not only does the Dragon Tooth Alocasia contribute to the aesthetics of an indoor environment, but it also aids in purifying the air by removing harmful toxins, making it a functional addition to urban households.
Alocasia Dragon Tooth vs. Alocasia Polly
Hailing from the same family, both tropical beauties share some similarities and are highly loved by plant parents. However, they do differ on certain grounds, such as:
- Leaf Shape: The most noticeable difference between the two plants is the shape of their leaves. Alocasia Dragon Tooth features uniquely shaped leaves with rough edges, resembling the teeth of a dragon. On the other hand, Alocasia Polly has more arrow-shaped leaves with wavy edges.
- Leaf Texture: Alocasia Dragon Tooth foliage have a scaly texture, whereas the ‘Polly’ cultivar exhibits a smooth texture.
- Growth Habit: Dragon Tooth has a more upright growth habit, with the leaves standing more vertically. This gives it a bolder and more dramatic appearance. Alocasia Polly, on the other hand, has a slightly more spreading growth habit, with the leaves arching outward from the center of the plant.
Ideal Pot Size
When selecting a pot for your Alocasia Dragon Tooth, it’s important to consider the plant’s size and growth habits. As this plant typically reaches a height of 1-2 feet, a 4-6 inches pot will easily accommodate a young plant. However, you may need to transplant it to one size bigger pot when the plant outgrows its size. Ensure the pot has enough drainage holes to avoid root rot.
Alocasia Dragon Tooth Propagation
The Alocasia Dragon Tooth can be propagated through division, which involves separating the root into smaller sections and replanting them. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Select a mature and healthy plant that has multiple stems.
- Carefully remove the entire plant from its pot. Gently tap the sides or the bottom of the pot to loosen the root ball.
- Look for a healthy one that has at least one or two leaves, along with its own section of roots.
- Using a clean, sharp knife, carefully cut the identified section away from the main root ball. Make sure to include roots in this division.
- Fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix designed for aroids or indoor plants.
- Place the newly separated plant into the pot, burying the roots under the potting mix.
- Water the plant thoroughly after planting, allowing the water to drain freely from the bottom of the pot.
Place the new plants under bright, indirect sunlight and keep the soil moist to create a suitable growing environment. You’ll notice new growth in a couple of weeks.
Alocasia Dragon Tooth Care
Light
The Alocasia Dragon Tooth Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Place the plant near a north or east-facing window, away from direct sunlight, as excessive sun exposure can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light can result in leggy growth and loss of color intensity, so keep grow lights handy if your home does not receive sunlight at all.
Soil
Use a well-draining soil mix suitable for tropical plants, ideally a mixture of peat moss, perlite, and organic matter works well. The soil should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, ideally ranging between 5.5 and 7.0. You can also opt for a pre-formulated aroid or cactus mix that has all the essential nutrients and also supports good drainage.
Water
Maintain evenly moist soil for the Alocasia Dragon Tooth. Water the plant thoroughly once a week, allowing water to drain from the bottom of the pot. Remember not to let the plant soak in standing water to prevent fungal infestations.
Watering requirements may vary depending on environmental conditions, so check the soil moisture level by inserting a finger into the medium. Water only when it feels dry to the touch. Reduce watering during winter when growth slows down.
Temperature and Humidity
Dragon Tooth Alocasia prefers temperatures between 60-80F or 16-27C with minimal temperature fluctuations. So keep the plant away from Ac or heating vents as well as locations that are prone to drafts.
Maintain moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%, to retain the texture and color of the foliage. On drier days, you can use a humidifier, place the plant on a tray filled with water and pebbles, or group it with other plants.
Fertilizer
Feed the Alocasia Dragon Tooth plant every 4-6 weeks during spring and summer using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Dilute a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 blend to half or quarter strength to avoid overfeeding, as excessive fertilization can damage the plant’s roots. Reduce or cease fertilization during the plant’s dormant period in winter.
Major Troubleshooting Tips
Growing Alocasia Dragon Tooth Indoors might come with certain unpleasant experiences, such as:
- Wilted or Yellow Leaves: It could indicate either overwatering or underwatering. To address this issue, check the moisture level of the soil by inserting your finger about an inch deep. If the soil feels dry, it’s time to water the plant. Also, ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogged conditions. If the soil is consistently wet, reduce watering frequency.
- Curling or Crispy Leaves: Curling or crispy leaves are often a sign of inadequate humidity. Increase the humidity levels around the plant by misting its leaves with tepid water regularly, placing a humidifier nearby, or creating a pebble tray with water. Avoid placing the plant near heating vents or in dry, drafty areas.
- Leggy or Sparse Growth: Leggy or sparse growth may occur when the Alocasia Dragon Tooth doesn’t receive enough light. Ensure the plant is placed in a bright location with indirect sunlight. If needed, provide supplemental lighting using artificial grow lights to encourage compact growth. Regularly rotate the plant to ensure even exposure to light. Pruning can also help promote bushier growth by cutting back leggy stems.
- Pests: To address pest infestations, first isolate the affected plant to prevent the pests from spreading to other plants. Use a mild soapy water solution or neem oil to wash the leaves gently, ensuring thorough coverage.
Where To Buy Alocasia Dragon Tooth?
Visit local nurseries and garden centers in your area. These establishments often carry a variety of plants that allows you to inspect the plant’s health and select one that meets your preferences. Websites such as Etsy, eBay, and Facebook Marketplace can be great platforms to find individual sellers offering Alocasia Dragon Tooth for Sale. Ensure to read seller reviews and check their ratings to ensure reliable transactions. Communicate with the seller to inquire about the plant’s condition, size, and shipping options.
You may also join online plant enthusiast groups or forums where fellow plant lovers may offer the plant. These communities can provide valuable advice and recommendations based on their personal experiences. Inspect the plant carefully, looking for signs of pests, diseases, or any physical damage.
