Alocasia Regal Shield Care UK Guide: Alocasia Regal Shield is a beloved plant that will fill rooms with its massive heart-shaped leaves. It’s easy to grow, and you can witness it increase to six feet tall, with leaves reaching 20 inches in diameter. If you have an open, large space that you would like to fill, then this is the plant to choose.
Check out this article to learn about the correct care guidelines for this incredible plant.
Quick Overview On Alocasia Regal Shield
Table of Contents
Here’s a helpful chart of the requirements for this plant.
| Requirements | Alocasia Regal Shield |
| Light | A well-lit and well-lit room is required with lots of filtered sunlight or growing light |
| Water | Every day in spring and summer months; water at least once per week in the winter and fall |
| Soil | Enjoys well-drained, rich soils, particularly those that have an acidity between 5.5 and 7. |
| Temperature | Temperatures range from 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, tending towards 80 |
| Humidity | A high humidity level of greater than 80 percent |
| Fertilizer | A high-quality, typical fertilizer for houseplants every month throughout the summer and spring |
What Is Alocasia Regal Shield?
Regal Shield Regal Shield is a tropical perennial with huge dark-green leaves which almost appear black. It is an ancestor of the Araceae family within the Genus Alocasia, a cultivar that is part of the Alocasia Odora The X and Alocasia Reginula. Alocasia Reginula. The huge leaves are situated on large, sturdy stalks connecting at the plant’s bottom.
– Where Does it Originate?
Alocasia is an exotic plant that is native to Eastern Australia and Asia. But The Regal Shield is a cultivar of the Odora that comes from Southeast Asia and China. The Reginula is the second cultivar of two different Alocasias originating from Borneo.
– Other Names for the Alocasia Regal Shield
A variety of different names is also called the Alocasia Regal Shield. A few of them are:
- Elephant Ears Plant
- Regal Shield Alocasia
- Regal plant
- Black Beauty
- Black Velvet
Alocasia Regal Shield Care
The care of Alocasia Regal Shieldis is not tricky. If you provide the plant with some water, plenty of sun filtered, and a small amount of fertilizer, you’ll be blessed with a healthy, happy plant to look after. We’ll provide details of what you need to do to take care of your beautiful tropical plant.
– Light Requirements
Alocasia Regal Shield Alocasia Regal Shield needs a well-lit space with plenty of sun-filtered light or growing light. A great place to place your plant is in east or north-facing window. It is necessary to periodically turn it around, as it will start growing towards the sun.
A lot of direct sunlight could be scorching or burning the enormous ears, which is one of the significant benefits of this Alocasia Regal Shield and why it’s also known as the Elephant Ears Plant. If you need to put it in a location that receives direct sunlight, you could utilize a shade cloth to protect it from being burned.
– Water Requirements
The need to water Alocasia Regal Shieldonce or every two weeks is usually enough to stay happy and healthy, but it is contingent on the pot’s size, kind of pot, the time of the year, and the humidity of your home. Ensure to water it only when the soil’s top inch has dried; however, take care not to overwater it.
In the summer and spring, you might need to keep the Elephant Ears Plant daily, but in the winter and the fall, it is possible that you only need to water your plant once a month or so if your plant goes dormant. Be sure not to allow it to dry completely.
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– Soil
Like many tropical plants like most tropical plants, the Alocasia Regal Shield loves fertile and well-drained soil. Any soil that is quick drying is beneficial for the plant, especially those with a pH of between 5.5 and seven. They typically do not thrive in sandy or rocky soil.
– Temperature
Your plants need to be kept warm by maintaining a temperature of between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it is recommended to lean towards 80 degrees. It’s a tropical plant that requires warmth to thrive and flourish. If temperatures fall below 55°F for too long, your Alocasia could become dormant forever.
– Humidity Requirements
Like its needs for heat, tropical plants such as the Regal Shield of Alocasia also require high humidity levels. The ideal humidity should be greater than 80 percent to ensure the best health and growth. However, this isn’t easy to keep. It may be necessary to mist it daily to keep it moist and healthy.
Another option is using an air humidifier to ensure that your Alocasia is kept humid. You can place a warm air humidifier close to your plant or use pebbles on the bottom of the pot.
– Feeding
You can apply a common household plant fertilizer to your Alocasia Regal Shield during the spring and summer months once a month. Be sure to use an excellent brand as the less expensive brands contain a high salt content which can harm your plant. Don’t feed your plants in the winter and fall seasons.
Alocasia Regal Shield Propagation
Alocasia Regal Shield propagation is simple with the rhizome (root) division. Before beginning, you must prepare the new pots filled with fresh soil and ready to be used for those new rhizomes. Use fertile, well-drained soil as you did in the first pot.
The soil should be loosened around the root zone until you can discern the root ball. Then remove it with care. Divide the crown, then cut it in half, so there are four Rhizomes. Make sure to sterilize the shears or knife you’ll be using by rubbing alcohol before you use it.
Replant each rhizome within its container, placing it as deep as half its width. For instance, If you have a rhizome two inches wide, bury it one centimeter below the ground. Please keep it in a damp, cool area lit by indirect light, exactly like the plant you first planted.
Alocasia Regal Shield Repotting
You’ll know when it’s time to repot Alocasia Regal Shield when the roots are sprouting out of the drainage holes or when it appears leggy. Of course, it is not just about the pot. Alocasia Regal Shield’s growth rate depends more than the pot you place it in.
If your plant appears to have stopped growing, although you’re still providing it with food and water and the correct lighting and humidity, Then you might need to plant it again.
Growing the Alocasia Regal Shield Outdoors Care
Since the Alocasia Regal Shield needs warm and humid conditions, it’s best to keep it inside most of the time. If you live in a warm climate, such as zones 9b-11, You can put it outside in a spot that receives moderate indirect sun. Be aware that you must keep it moist and well-watered throughout the year.
– For Those in Other Zones
If you reside in zones 4a-9b, it is possible to take your plant outside during the summer and spring seasons, but keep the pot in place so that you can move it inside when temperatures drop less than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you take care of your plant and do not leave it outside in the direct sun or in a location that is likely too dry and unsuitable for Alocasia Regal Shield.
Problems
All you need to do is glance over. All you have to do is look at your Alocasia Regal Shield leaves to determine their health. You can tell if there is something wrong with the texture, color, and health of your plant’s leaves. The presence of dry, crisp, or even yellowed leaves indicates trouble.
– Brown Spots or Brown Edges
The plant might not receive enough moisture or humidity when the edges of your leaves are brown or if you see brown spots on the leaves. The Alocasia requires high humidity levels and plenty of water to stop drying. If you notice brown spots on the leaves, examine the soil right away.
– Yellow Leaves
However, If you give your Alocasia Regal Shield too much water, the leaves will likely become yellow. A small amount in the form of yellow spots tends to be caused by insects; however, if the entire leaf leaves have turned yellow, you must dry root systems. Remove the root ball from the soil and allow it to dry before planting it back in clean, fresh, dry ground.
Common Pests
Alocasia Regal Shields might not be so common to become infested by bugs like garden plants, but it happens. Certain bugs are more frequently found on these plants than others, and they can be found in infested soil bags or even from an unclosed door or window.
Neem oils and insecticidal soaps are commonly used to repel insects. Repellents. They can be purchased at any gardening store; build yourself with a mixture of one teaspoon mild dish soap and 1/4 cups vegetable oil into a spray bottle and fill the remainder with water.
In this part, we’ll look at the most commonly encountered insects within the Alocasia Regal Shield plant.
– Aphids
If you spot many fat bugs that are black, red, brown, or light green, it could mean that your plant has Aphids. They generally sit under the leaves and suck all the sap from the plant. If they consume the sap, they release honeydew, a sugary compound that attracts ants.
To rid your home of these nuisance pests:
- Spray or clean the affected areas using a combination of water and a small bit of mild dish soap.
- Apply Neem oil and insecticidal soap to rid the plant of any remaining stragglers.
- Continue spraying the plant daily for a few months to stop their return.
– Fungus Gnats
These tiny bugs are a nuisance and fly all over the plant, depositing eggs within the soil, where their larvae will develop. As they grow, they absorb every nutrient from the Alocasia Regal Shield’s roots and cause them to appear unhealthy and wilted.
The best way to eliminate these insects includes removing the top 2 up to 3 inches of soil to free any larvae and any eggs that haven’t yet laid eggs. After that, spray the bottom of the plant with insecticide soap or Neem oil. It is also recommended to add diatomaceous earth, a food-grade powder, to the soil after you replace what you have removed.
– Spider Mites
The Alocasia Regal Shield may have an infestation of spiders if you notice dense nets of white on a leaf on your plants. Don’t be concerned; these spiders don’t bite humans or plants; they only bite plants. But, they can cause damage to your plant, so be sure to eliminate them as soon as possible.
If the problem is severe and you cannot simply scrape off the webs with an emollient cloth or alcohol-based spray, you’ll need to get rid of the leaves with evidence that spider mites are present. Please place them in a plastic baggie to stop them from spreading and infesting your plant again. Then, spray your plant with Neem oil or any other insecticidal soap.
– Mealybugs
The mealybug is a small and round brown or yellow bug that has a white powdery wax coating. They reside on your plant’s stems and leaves which eat up all nutrients from your beautiful tropical plant to turn dull and yellow. If you don’t eliminate them as quickly as possible, they’ll kill your Alocasia Regal Shield.
Take any leaves that are plagued by insects and dump them into the garbage in a secure plastic bag. Do not place the leaves in a compost heap or a garden area because the insects will be spread onto other plant species. In the next step, spray the insects with a powerful blast of water and then soak the plant in the neem oil and insecticidal soap.
– Scale Bugs
Scale bugs are available in two forms: hard shell and soft shell, but they’re both harmful to plants because they take all nutrients from your plant, leaving your plant looking sick.
They can be challenging to recognize as they appear like a part of the plant, as they’re light brown or deep green, which blends into; however, if there are plenty of them, you’ll be able to see them on the branches at the leaf’s base.
If the problem isn’t enough, you may take advantage of an older toothbrush or Q-tip that has been soaked in 70% ruby alcohol to remove them. It kills them. However, you may need to scrub off the hard shells to be able to access the soft insect beneath because the shells protect them.
Once you have eliminated the bug that started it all, keeps applying neem oil or insecticide soap every couple of days for approximately one month to avoid repeat infestation.
Different Varieties of the Alocasia Genus
The hoya genus is home to an estimated 97 species. The most popular ones apart from that of Regal Shield include:
- Alocasia Robusta is one of the most sought-after species of plants and is the biggest and longest leaf, which can extend as high as 12 feet in length with an average size of 20 feet on the ground. However, they can’t grow that big in the indoor environment, but they are among the biggest houseplants you’ll discover, with a height of around 15 feet and leaves about 6 feet in length.
- Alocasia Odora, also known as the Night Scented Lily, is another very popular Alocasia with leaves that reach up to 2 feet long and are approximately 8 feet tall. These flowers appear pale in color and also have an appealing scent during the night.
- Alocasia Augustana is a low-growing species from New Guinea with lime-green leaves with dark-green veins. They’re not widely distributed. However, you might be able to locate one on the internet.
- Alocasia Macrorrhizos is often referred to as the Giant Taro, typically 12 ‘ tall with leaves around 5 feet in length. It is similar to Robusta; however, it is the appearance of a yellowish-green flower.
- Alocasia cuprea is a gorgeous plant known as”the Jewel or Mirror Plant ” because of its shining purple or red leaves. The tropical beauty is smaller than other species, standing around 3 feet tall, with 20-inch leaves.
- Alocasia Brisbanensis can reach 5 feet tall and has bright green leaves around 2 feet in length. They produce flowers of a cream color that smell like a flowering lily.
- Alocasia Fornicata is another short plant that grows only about 3 to 4 feet and has leaves that are as tall as the plant. They can cultivate small white flowers with a fruity scent.
Toxicity
The plants of the Alocasia family are toxic due to their raphide crystals that contain calcium Oxalate found in their systems, as well as other irritants such as proteases which can cause swelling and numbness to the tongue and pharynx.
This could result in sharp pains inside the jaw and throat and difficulties breathing. The lower portions of the plant are home to the highest levels of these toxic substances.
Conclusion On Alocasia Regal Shield Care UK Guide
Everyone would like to know all is possible regarding the plant they purchase, particularly for beautiful plants like Alocasia Regal Shield. Alocasia Regal Shield. Here are a few highlights of this article.
- The Alocasia Regal Shield is an extremely popular tropical plant belonging to the Araceae family. It is characterized by huge green leaves that resemble elephant ears.
- Your Alocasia originates from Eastern Australia, Asia, China, or Borneo.
- Other names for other names of Alocasia Regal Shield include Elephant Ears Plant, Regal Shield Alocasia, Regal Plant, Black Beauty, and Black Velvet.
- The plant requires a full day of sun-filtered light to stay strong and lush.
- It is important to keep the Alocasia Regal Shield also needs to be kept well-watered. But don’t overwater it, or it might develop root rot. It is only necessary to water the plant when it is dry in the first inch. The dirt is dry.
- Your plant will require a rich, well-draining soil designed for indoor plants with acidity between 5.5 and 7.
- Since it is an exotic plant, It is a tropical plant, so your Alocasia Regal Shield needs temperatures to flourish. Maintain it between 55 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
- It also must be kept moist. You can mist it every day or utilize a pebble tray and a humidifier that keeps it moist.
- Use premium fertilizer for your houseplant every month in the summer and spring. It doesn’t require any fertilizer in winter or autumn.
- It is possible to quickly propagate Alocasia by removal of the root ball and separating the rhizomes so that you can produce more plants.
- If you’d like for your garden to remain outdoors, it should be between 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It is not able to receive enough direct light. It is ideal for placing your plant in pots to allow you to return it indoors when it becomes cold.
- The condition of the Alocasia Regal Shield can be determined by its leaves. If they’re in a different shade, look dry or droopy, your plant might suffer from root rot, require more water, or suffer due to too much sunlight or lack of humidity.
- The plant may even be affected by Aphids mealybugs, fungus gnats, spider mites, and scale bugs.
- The Alocasia Genus contains 98 species; however, the most well-known ones aside from that of Regal Shield include the Robusta, Odora, Augustana, Macrorrhizos Cuprea, Brisbanensis, and Fornicata.
- Most plants belonging to the Alocasia Genus are harmful to the skin and are extremely hazardous if consumed by pets or children.
No matter if you own one Alocasia Regal Shield or 21, You can be confident in knowing how to care for the beautiful plants. Their massive leaves and impressive size are sure to be a stunning addition to your garden throughout the year.
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