Alocasia 'Regal Shields' – Dramatic, Shield-Shaped Foliage for Statement Displays

Alocasia Regal Shields is a modern classic among large-leaf aroids, known for near-black satin foliage, bold venation, and wine-toned undersides that glow in soft light. Developed by LariAnn Garner (Aroidia Research) from Alocasia odora × Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’, this hybrid combines the presence of an outdoor giant with the discipline of an indoor plant — striking, sculptural, and easy to manage for growers wanting visual drama without high maintenance.

● Key Traits of Alocasia Regal Shields

Showpiece leaves: Broad, shield-like blades with pronounced veins; upper surface deep green to almost black, undersides burgundy-purple.
Impressive scale: Indoors typically 30 – 120 cm tall and 60 – 90 cm wide; bold but not overwhelming.
Robust build: Upright growth from a thick rhizome and speckled petioles supporting heavy foliage.
Texture: Smooth, satin-matte surface that reflects ambient light like brushed metal.
Parentage: Verified cross of A. odora × A. reginula ‘Black Velvet’, bred and released by Aroidia Research.

● Complete Indoor Care Guide for Alocasia Regal Shields

Light and Placement

Thrives in bright, indirect light; short morning or late-afternoon sun behind a sheer curtain is acceptable.
Too much direct sun can bronze the edges — adjust distance or diffuse light.
For detailed placement help, see our window-orientation guide.

Watering

Water when the top 10 – 15 % of the mix dries, then drain thoroughly; never allow the root zone to sit in water.
Consistent moisture without saturation keeps Alocasia Regal Shields upright and healthy.
Learn precision watering from our complete watering guide.

Temperature and Humidity

Ideal range: 18 – 27 °C; growth slows below 15 °C.
Maintain RH ≥ 60 % for spotless leaf edges and richer colour.
Cold drafts can dull sheen; read our winter tropical-care article for stability tips.

Substrate and Feeding

Use a free-draining aroid mix of coco coir, perlite, and bark for airflow and even moisture.
Feed monthly at half strength with a balanced fertiliser during active growth; skip extra nitrogen to preserve leaf structure.
For nutrient balance details, see our fertilising guide.

● Growth, Propagation and Flowering

Growth rate: Moderate; Alocasia Regal Shields typically pushes several new leaves per season when kept warm and bright.
Propagation: Divide corms or offsets during repotting; tissue-culture propagation is common for nurseries.
Flowering: Produces spadix/spathe inflorescences in warm months; flowers are mostly sterile and lightly scented.

● Troubleshooting for Alocasia Regal Shields

Yellowing leaves: Often excess moisture — allow deeper drying and check drainage.
Brown edges or tips: Low humidity or irregular watering; stabilise both.
Pale new leaves: Low nutrients or light; adjust before increasing watering.
Pests: Spider mites, thrips or mealybugs can appear in dry air; manage with beneficial insects or natural control.
Root rot: Remove damaged tissue, refresh in airy substrate, water sparingly until recovery.

● Origin and Protected Status

Breeder: LariAnn Garner (Aroidia Research), Florida USA.
Parent species: Alocasia odora × Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’.
Plant patent: US PP27,050 (9 Aug 2016); notes include sterile male flowers and lack of seed set.

● Quick Facts – Alocasia Regal Shields

Growth speed: Moderate; faster in steady warmth and humidity.
Leaf size indoors: Typically 20 – 30 cm, occasionally larger on mature plants.
Outdoor use: Suitable for frost-free climates above 10 °C; otherwise grow in containers and move indoors for winter.
Humidity requirements: Prefers stable air moisture around 60 %; occasional misting is less effective than ambient humidity.
Pet safety: Not pet-safe — contains insoluble calcium oxalates.

Buy Alocasia Regal Shields online — a reliable, bold hybrid that brings architectural presence and deep contrast to any indoor plant collection.

Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

Size

Alocasia 'Regal Shields' comes in following sizes:

Plug (Starter Plant) – ca. 2cm ⌀ , and is approximately 12c, tall

M – is approximately 25 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot.

L – is approximately 55 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 17 cm pot.
Quick Plant Facts and Care – Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

Basic Information

Name: Alocasia 'Regal Shields'

Parentage: Hybrid of Alocasia odora × Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet'

Breeder: Created by LariAnn Garner, Aroidia Research

Leaf Highlight: Large, dark green leaves with purple undersides and strong veining

Size and Growth Behavior

Mature Height: Up to 120 cm indoors

Leaf Span: Can spread to 90 cm in well-lit, warm conditions

Growth Habit: Upright and robust with thick stems and sturdy petioles

Development Speed: Moderate to fast, especially with high humidity

Ideal Environment

Light Requirements: Bright, indirect light preferred; some filtered sun tolerated

Humidity Level: Best at 60% or higher to avoid edge crisping

Temperature Range: Grows well between 18–27 °C; keep above 10 °C at all times

Potting Medium: Coarse, breathable mix with bark, coir, and perlite

Routine Plant Care

Watering: Let top 2–3 cm of soil dry before watering again

Feeding: Fertilize monthly during active growth using a diluted liquid fertilizer

Repotting: Refresh substrate and upsize container every 1–2 years

Propagation: Propagate via corm division — seed propagation not viable due to sterility

Safety and Cultivation Notes

Toxicity: Toxic if ingested; keep away from pets and children

Semi-Hydro Use: Compatible with mineral substrates and passive hydro setups

Container Tips: Use drainage pots — terracotta recommended for moisture control

Leaf Management: Remove aging leaves and clean surfaces to reduce pest risk

Problem-Solving Tips

Yellowing Foliage: Often a sign of overwatering — improve drainage and reduce frequency

Brown Margins: Typically caused by low humidity or hard tap water

Pest Prevention: Inspect regularly for mites and mealybugs — treat early with soap or neem

Drooping: Check for cold stress, inconsistent watering, or repot shock

Fungal Concerns: Allow better airflow and avoid misting directly onto foliage

Looking to fine-tune your setup or handle specific issues? Explore the full description for expanded care tips and expert advice on Alocasia 'Regal Shields'.
Plant Care Help – Start Here

Plant Care After Purchase – Unpacking, first placement, and the crucial first week.

Acclimatization – What plants go through after shipping and how to support recovery.

Light – Practical light principles for predictable indoor growth.

Watering – Frequency, volume, and signs of over- vs. underwatering.

Substrates – Mix structure, particle size, and drainage for strong roots.

Humidity – Managing ambient moisture indoors without gimmicks.

Fertilizing – Nutrients, EC, and how to avoid salt stress.

Semi-Hydro – Inert/mineral substrates, wicks, and reservoir management.

Pest Control – Identification, treatment cycles, and prevention that works.
Please Note:

Curated Selection: Every plant is hand-picked for quality and visual appeal, ensuring you receive a healthy, well-established specimen.

Representative Image: Product photos serve as reference. Each plant is unique — differences in leaf number, shape, or variegation are natural.

Size Details: Sizes refer to pot diameter and overall height (from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem).

Specific Listings: If a product is a ‘Get What You See’ item, this will be stated clearly in the size section.

Individual Photos: Photos of single plants are not available unless explicitly mentioned in the size section. For details on each plant’s unique traits or minor quirks, please read the full product description.