Alocasia 'Regal Shield' - 2.5L / 17cm / Medium
$30.00Alocasia Regal Shield is a bold and statuesque tropical plant known for its broad, velvety green leaves with deep purple undersides and striking, shield-like shape. Each leaf is matte-textured with prominent veins, giving the plant a regal, architectural quality that stands out in both indoor collections and shaded outdoor pots. Originally bred from Alocasia odora and Alocasia reginula, this hybrid combines size with elegance—growing up to 1.2 metres tall in ideal conditions.
Regal Shield is prized for its fast growth, impressive foliage, and ability to adapt to bright interiors or sheltered decks. Its upright form and rich colouring make it a strong focal point in tropical-themed styling.
Toxic if ingested. Irritating sap.
Comprehensive Care Instructions for Alocasia Regal Shield
Lighting Requirements
Indoors: Place in bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh direct sun which may burn the foliage, but too little light can result in leggy growth.
Outdoors: Performs well in bright shade or dappled sun. Ideal for patios, courtyards or under tree cover in warm climates.
Watering Regimen
During the Growing Season (Spring to Early Autumn):
Water when the top 3–5cm of soil feels dry. Keep soil moist but not soggy. Ensure the pot has good drainage.
Dormancy or Cooler Periods:
Water less frequently and allow the soil to dry slightly deeper. Avoid wet conditions during cold spells.
Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in temperatures between 18°C–28°C. Prefers high humidity but adapts to average home levels with occasional misting.
Avoid cold drafts, heaters or temperatures below 12°C.
Fertilizing
Feed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced, diluted liquid fertiliser. Reduce or stop feeding in winter.
Overwintering Alocasia Regal Shield
Alocasia Regal Shield may slow its growth or shed leaves in winter but doesn’t always go fully dormant indoors.
1. Monitor Growth Changes
Cooler temps and shorter days may cause yellowing or dieback. This is normal.
2. Adjust Watering
Let soil dry slightly deeper between waterings to avoid rot during periods of slow growth.
3. Provide Warmth & Light
Move to a warmer, bright spot if growth stalls. Use a humidifier or pebble tray if air becomes dry.
4. Resume Feeding in Spring
When new growth resumes in warmer months, begin feeding again to support fresh foliage.
Repotting & Maintenance
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots crowd the container. Use a chunky, free-draining aroid mix with compost, bark, and perlite.
Wipe leaves regularly to remove dust and support healthy photosynthesis.
Pests & Troubleshooting
Watch for spider mites, aphids and fungus gnats. Keep humidity up and airflow steady. Treat infestations early with neem oil or plant-safe insecticides.
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering or low temperatures.
Important Note: Size & Placement
Alocasia Regal Shield can grow large, so choose a spot with space for its wide canopy. It pairs beautifully with smaller companion plants or as a standalone feature in decorative pots.
Dormancy Notes
In cooler months, Alocasia regal shield may enter dormancy, especially in areas with lower light or temperatures:
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Recognizing Dormancy:
- Growth slows, and some leaves may yellow or die back. This is a natural process, not a sign of plant death.
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Caring During Dormancy:
- Reduce watering significantly but do not let the soil completely dry out.
- Stop fertilizing and avoid repotting.
- Keep the plant in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, even if it’s not actively growing.
Reviving in Spring
As temperatures rise and days grow longer, Alocasia Regal Shield will come out of dormancy. Here's how to help it thrive:
- Gradually increase watering as new growth appears.
- Begin fertilizing again with a diluted liquid fertilizer to support the plant’s recovery and growth.
- If necessary, repot into fresh, nutrient-rich soil in late spring or early summer.
Additional Care Tips
- Regularly clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and promote healthy photosynthesis.
- Watch for common pests such as spider mites and mealybugs, particularly in low-humidity environments.
- If grown outdoors, bring the plant indoors before temperatures drop below 55°F (13°C).
With proper care and attention to its seasonal dormancy, your Alocasia Regal Shield will reward you with dramatic, lush foliage, making it a stunning centerpiece in your home or garden
Toxicity: Mildly toxic to pets and people.
Plant Size Guide
The plant in the photos is an example and an approximate guide only however we try to show an average sized example. Sizes, flowering state and colours change throughout the seasons and variation will occur. In summer & autumn, plants are often larger or the same size as than the example picture but around winter and spring, they can be a little smaller but still at a size similar to the example. We aim to update the pictures to reflect significant differences.
Plant Heights - because the plant's foliage must fit inside our Plant Cartons, the actual height of a plant's central trunk (meristem) will be shorter than the box it fits in.
Small Plants - 14cm wide nursery pot - 1 Litre volume - Plants fit in a 50cm tall box.
Medium Plants - 17cm wide pots either 2L hanging pot or 2.5L nursery pot - Plants fit in a 75cm tall box.
Large Plants - 25cm wide pot, 10L volume. Plants fit in a 100cm tall box.
XL Plants - Plants over 100cm tall in pot sizes specified, 25cm/10L or greater and are hand delivered within Auckland/Northland only.
Dispatch Times
Plant courier orders are processed Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday.
North Island orders are targeted overnight delivery, South Island orders are sent on a 2-day target but these are not a guaranteed delivery timeframe.
Add 1 extra day after a public holiday as well as for rural addresses or remote towns.
Monday - We send orders placed on previous Wednesday, Thursday & Friday.
Tuesday - We send Weekend orders from previous Saturday & Sunday.
Wednesday - We send orders placed from Monday & Tuesday.
XL Plants are delivered only within urban Auckland & Whangarei and this service is for non-urgent orders. This excludes satellite destinations such as Beachlands, Pukekohe, Piha, Helensville etc and Whangarei Heads. We may deliver at any time Sunday, Monday, Wednesday or Thursday in Auckland and you need to have a sheltered accessible position for us to deliver to.
Plants in Transit
Each Small, Medium & Large plant is individually contained within its own protective cardboard Plant Carton which may be joined to other cartons in your order.
Plants typically take just a day or two to arrive, however they are usually fine in their cartons for 1-2 weeks, and many can go longer, so a few extra days are not usually cause for concern.
Whether it takes 1 or 7 days, let your plant recover from its journey by placing in gentle light and adding a little water and it will be back to its best within a couple of days. Let us know if there are any major issues via the contact page.
