Alocasia 'Dragons Breath'

Description Light/Soil/Water Hardiness The Alocasia 'Dragon's Breath' (a hybrid cultivar of Alocasia baginda) is a rare, compact, rhizomatous perennial belonging to the Araceae family. While 'Dragon's Breath' is a cultivated hybrid, its parent species, Alocasia baginda, is native to the rainforests of Borneo in Southeast Asia. In its natural habitat, it thrives in warm, humid, and shaded environments beneath the forest canopy. The 'Dragon's Breath' is celebrated for its incredible texture and color contrast, making it a dramatic centerpiece. The deep green to blackish leaves are thick, stiff, and heavily corrugated or wrinkled, resembling the thick, textured scales of a dragon. Its texture is dramatically offset by prominent, light silvery-green to pale cream veins, which stand out in high relief against the dark leaf surface. Unlike some larger Alocasias, this plant maintains a relatively compact size, making it suitable for indoor containers and desktops. Bright, indirect light is essential for encouraging robust growth and maintaining the distinct veining and coloration. Avoid direct, harsh sun which can burn the leaves. Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. Do not allow it to completely dry out, but ensure the drainage is excellent. A rich Aroid mix containing potting soil, perlite, coco coir, and orchid bark is necessary.  It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). USDA Zone 9-11 USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)