How to Grow and Care for Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ (Elephant Ear)

Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ is a popular alocasia hybrid beloved for its large leaves and dramatic dark colors. It’s a hybrid of Alocasia ordora and Alocasia reginula invented by LariAnn Gardner of Aroidia Research and patented in 2007. The tops of its leaves are dark green and glossy, while the undersides are deep shades of purple with striking light green veining.

Gardeners interested in growing this tropical plant should be aware that alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ is not frost-tolerant. It can be treated as an annual or overwintered indoors in northern climates to extend its lifespan. As a part of the araceae family, Regal Shields is also considered mildly toxic to humans and pets if ingested, so exercise caution if you have small children or furry friends in the home.

Alocasia Regal Shield Care

Alocasia Regal Shields is a tropical aroid that, like most alocasias, thrives on warm temperatures and consistent moisture. Here are the general care requirements for this hybrid.

• Choose a location that receives several hours of bright, indirect light.
• Plant in a chunky, well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter.
• Water regularly to moisten the soil, but be cautious of overwatering.
• Provide your alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ with warm temperatures and humid conditions to encourage prolific growth.
  

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Light

Like most Alocasias, ‘Regal Shields’ grows best with several hours of bright, indirect light. However, these plants can also grow well in medium-light conditions. If you are growing ‘Regal Shields’ as a houseplant, it can also tolerate direct light locations indoors since the glass diffuses the harsh sunlight slightly. Outdoors, it’s best to keep this plant away from direct sun to prevent leaf burn.

Soil

Plant your Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ in a well-draining potting mix that retains some water. This plant likes consistent moisture but does not like sitting in wet soil, so a loose potting medium rich in organic matter is ideal. Mixtures designed for aroids work well and can easily be made at home. Add equal parts coco coir, perlite, and orchid bark for a moist but well-draining potting mix your Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ will love.

Water

In their native environment, Alocasias grow in tropical and subtropical regions across Asia, particularly rainforests and riverbanks where water is plentiful. These plants thrive with consistent moisture but are susceptible to root rot if left in wet soil. The soil should be evenly moist but not soaking. Think of the difference between a damp paper towel versus a soaking wet rag.

Temperature and Humidity

Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ grows best in warm, humid conditions. Ideal temperatures are between 65 and 80 degrees F (18 to 27 degrees C), and humidity is above 50%. These plants are not frost-tolerant and can only be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 9 to 11. Otherwise, they should be grown indoors or in containers that can be overwintered.

Fertilizer

Alocasia Regal Shields benefits from regular fertilizing during the growing season. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly from early spring to late summer to encourage strong, healthy growth. Stop fertilizing entirely once temperatures drop and growth slows in the fall.

Pruning

Pruning is not required for alocasias, but tidying up old leaves may be desired. Leaves that are wilted, browning, or suffering from yellow spots can be trimmed off to help redirect the plant’s energy to new growth.

Propagating Alocasia Regal Shield

Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ can be propagated by division and corms. While many growers have experimented with pollinating alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ to produce viable seeds and offspring, there is limited information on whether this hybrid can be successfully grown from seed.

Your plant must have established offshoots growing in the same pot to propagate by division. Then, you can follow these steps.

1. Remove the plant and the offshoots from the pot and lay the plant on its side.
2. Gently remove the soil from around the offshoots and the roots.
3. Pull the offshoot and its root system away from the mother plant, being careful not to break any roots. The offshoot should have its own root system, although the main root may still be attached, which you must break to separate.
4. Pot the divided offshoot in its own container in a loamy, well-draining potting mix and water well.

Established plants can also be propagated by corms, which are small bulb-like growths often found among the roots of mature alocasias. Follow these steps to check your plant for corms and collect them for propagation.

1. Remove the plant from its pot and brush away as much dirt as possible from the roots.
2. Locate and remove corms from the roots and dirt of the plant.
3. Place the corms in a container filled with moistened sphagnum moss and cover with plastic wrap or a lid to create a humid, greenhouse-like environment.
4. Place the container in a warm location that receives bright, indirect light and keep the sphagnum moss evenly moist.
5. Once the corms have sprouted roots and started growing leaves, the plastic wrap or lid can be removed. Once leaves are established, the corms can be transferred to soil.
6. Prepare a small container with a loamy, well-draining potting mix. Then, transfer the small plant to the pot and water it well after planting.
7. Return the plant to a warm, bright spot and keep the soil evenly moist.
   

Potting and Repotting Alocasia Regal Shield

Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ should be repotted once every one to two years or once it has outgrown its potting container. Compacted roots and roots growing from the pot’s drainage holes are signs the plant is ready for a larger container.

Repotting is best done in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Wait until your plant is ready to be watered, as thorough watering is a recommended last step. Choose a pot two to four inches wider than the plant’s current container, and refresh as much of the potting soil as you can during repotting.

Overwintering

Unless you plan to treat them as annuals, Alocasia 'Regal Shields' plants grown outdoors in frost-prone climates will need to be overwintered indoors. Therefore, if you live outside of USDA zones 9 to 11, it's best to grow these alocasias in containers so you can quickly move them indoors.

Plants should be brought inside once nighttime temperatures drop below 60 degrees F (15 degrees C). Regal Shields can be moved back outside in the spring once the last frost date in your area has passed.

Common Pests

Spider mites love alocasias, and ‘Regal Shields’ is no exception. While the official Google Patent for this hybrid notes that ‘Regal Shields’ displays “moderate” resistance to spider mites, these pests are still ones to watch out for.

Besides spider mites, growers should watch for signs of root rot, which can develop due to improper watering or drainage. Early signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilted leaves, and a dramatic loss of foliage.

How to Get Alocasia 'Regal Shield' to Bloom

Alocasias are primarily grown for their stunning foliage, but mature plants can also produce blooms. While the blooms are insignificant, seeing your plant produce flowers can still be exciting.

Blooms usually indicate that your plant is happy and thriving, although stressed plants can produce flowers. The overall health of your plant will indicate whether the former or latter is true.

The best way to encourage an alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ to bloom is to ensure it has the right amount of light and water. It’s also important to know that alocasias don’t bloom until they are at least two to three years old, so don’t wait for your young plant to start flowering in its first year.

Since blooming requires a lot of energy, you’ll notice that foliage growth pauses while the plant is in bloom. For that reason, some gardeners choose to cut the blooms off to redirect the plant's energy to produce more aesthetically pleasing foliage.

Common Problems With Alocasia 'Regal Shield'

Alocasias are known for being high-maintenance and finicky with their growing requirements, and the ‘Regal Shields’ is no exception. Here are a few common problems you may run into when growing this tropical aroid at home.

Yellowing, Wilted Leaves

Yellowing, wilted leaves can indicate too little light, water, or humidity. To prevent this common problem, ensure your plant receives adequate light, the soil is evenly moist, and it is kept away from dry locations and drafty areas.

Yellowing Leaves with Webs

Spider mite infestations will eventually cause your plant’s leaves to yellow and wilt, and webs are a telltale sign these pests are present. Remove affected leaves from your plant, isolate it from other plants, and treat the plant with an insecticide.

Dry Brown Spots or Edges

Dry brown spots or edges usually indicate that your alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ is not getting enough water or humidity. Ensure your alocasia does not dry out between waterings and avoid dry locations in your home (e.g., directly above or beside a heating vent).

If your water and humidity levels are good, brown spots can also indicate leaf burn from the plant getting too much light.

From: thespruce