About trees
Alocasia baginda 'Pink Dragon' is a collector's Alocasia in the A. baginda group, distinguished by its leaf pattern and colored petioles. The thick, heart- to arrowhead-shaped leaves are gray-green or silvery green, with dark veins forming a strong framework and a surface reminiscent of scales. Pink to rosy-red petioles are the feature that gives the name Pink Dragon its visual meaning. Leaves emerge as an upright clump from the rhizome, allowing both the leaf pattern and colored petioles to be seen. Its size is better suited to container cultivation than giant Alocasias. Although petiole color varies with age and light, the vein structure and firm leaf texture remain important characteristics of the baginda group.
Provide bright indirect light and maintain warm temperatures. Too little light can cause elongated petioles, while intense direct sun can bleach or scorch the leaf surface. Use an airy, fast-draining medium with a small moisture-retaining component. Water thoroughly when the upper layer begins to dry and never leave the pot standing in water. Moderate to high humidity helps the leaves unfurl, but good air movement is needed to reduce fungal problems. Apply mild fertilizer while new leaves are developing and reduce feeding when growth slows. Wipe the leaf surface gently along the raised veins, and check the undersides for spider mites and the petiole joints for pests. If the plant enters dormancy or drops leaves in cool weather, keep the rhizome only slightly moist until new growth appears, then increase watering.
