Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth' – Striking Foliage and Care Guide
Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth' is a captivating cultivar of Alocasia longiloba Miq., renowned for its dramatic foliage. This tuberous, herbaceous species features elongated, deeply lobed leaves that can reach up to 60 cm in length. The leaf fronts are a deep, dark green — almost black — with striking silver-white margins, midribs, and primary veins. The undersides display a rich eggplant purple, adding to its exotic allure.
Distinctive Features of Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth'



 
Elongated, deeply lobed leaves with dark green to black surfaces.
 
Silver-white margins, midribs, and primary veins creating a striking contrast.
 
Eggplant purple coloration on the leaf undersides.

Essential Information About Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth'


Native to Southeast Asia, Alocasia longiloba thrives in warm, humid environments with filtered sunlight. It typically grows under the canopy of tropical forests, receiving dappled light and consistent moisture.

 
Growth Habit: Upright with broad, structured foliage.
 
Indoor Size: Typically grows between 60–90 cm in height.
 
Toxicity: Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic to pets and humans if ingested.

How to Care for Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth'



 
Placement: Prefers a bright location with indirect sunlight; avoid direct sun exposure.
 
Light Requirements: Thrives in bright, filtered light; too little light may slow growth.
 
Watering: Keep soil slightly moist but avoid waterlogging; allow the top layer to dry between waterings. :
 
Humidity: Prefers high humidity levels (above 60%) for optimal growth.
 
Temperature: Ideal range is 20–28°C; protect from cold drafts.
 
Soil: Well-draining, aerated mix with organic matter and perlite for root health.
 
Repotting: Every 1–2 years or when roots outgrow the pot.
 
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth.
 
Propagation: Best propagated through division when repotting.
 
Hydroponics: Can adapt to semi-hydroponic growing conditions using inert substrates.
 
Pruning: Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to encourage new growth.

Common Issues and Solutions



 
Yellowing Leaves: Overwatering can cause root rot; let soil dry slightly before watering. 
 
Brown Leaf Tips: Often caused by low humidity; increasing ambient moisture can help.
 
Pests: Watch for spider mites, thrips, and mealybugs; treat with neem oil, or use beneficial insects if needed.

Additional Considerations


Due to its unique foliage, Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth' requires consistent care to maintain its health. Ensuring proper humidity, lighting, and watering will help support the development of its distinctive leaves.
Etymology and Botanical Background


The genus Alocasia derives from the Greek words 'a', meaning "without," and Colocasia, a closely related genus. The specific epithet 'longiloba' refers to the plant's long-lobed leaves, while the cultivar name 'Dragon's Tooth' highlights the sharp, tooth-like appearance of its foliage.
Frequently Asked Questions



 
Why are my Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon’s Tooth' leaves curling?
Leaf curling can indicate underwatering, sudden temperature changes, or excessive direct light. Ensure stable conditions and keep the soil evenly moist.
 
What should I do if my Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon’s Tooth' gets root rot?
Remove the plant from its pot, trim affected roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce watering frequency to prevent recurrence.
 
Does Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon’s Tooth' go dormant?
It may slow growth or drop leaves in winter if temperatures drop or light levels decrease. Keep it warm and maintain a steady care routine to prevent dormancy.

Order your Alocasia longiloba 'Dragon's Tooth' today and enjoy its exotic, vibrant foliage in your home!