Pink Dragon African Mask Plant

Pink Dragon African Mask Plant (Alocasia baginda 'Pink Dragon') is a compact tropical foliage plant with dark, arrow-shaped leaves, contrasting silver-white veins and pale pink stems. It grows to about 50cm high and wide, which suits a pot on a table or shelf. The leaves stand proud of the pot on long, slender stems, giving it an upright, architectural shape.

Why you'll love it

• Dramatic leaf pattern. Silver-white veins stand out against dark green, arrow-shaped leaves, so the plant has presence without any flowers.
• Pale pink stems. Slender stems in soft pink lift the leaves above the pot and add a second colour.
• Compact size. At about 50cm high and wide it fits a shelf, console table or modest pot.
• Made for pots. It is suited to growing indoors in containers, where you can control light, water and drainage.
• Tropical underplanting. In frost-free tropical gardens it also works beneath larger plants in the shade.

Where it works best

Indoors in pots. Give it plenty of filtered or indirect light in a pot with good drainage. A bright room away from direct sun is ideal, and a daily spritz helps in dry, air-conditioned homes.

Shaded tropical gardens. In a frost-free, shady spot, plant 50cm apart as an underplanting beneath palms and shrubs for a lush ground layer.

Growing Pink Dragon African Mask Plant in Australia

Position and climate. A shaded, frost-free position with filtered light or indirect sun. Outdoors it suits tropical and subtropical gardens only. In cooler climates, grow it as an indoor plant and protect it from frost.

Soil. Free draining soil or a quality potting mix. Check that pots have good drainage holes, because soggy roots are the main way to lose an alocasia.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then give regular light waterings. Apply liquid fertiliser at half strength every four weeks while it is growing. Foliage may die back in cooler months as the plant goes dormant, so ease off feeding and heavy watering until new leaves appear.

Pruning and repotting. Remove old leaves to tidy the plant. Repot in spring only if it is rootbound, and use that time to separate any young shoots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Pink Dragon African Mask Plant as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with a few leaves, and the silver-white veining and pink stems become more striking as it grows. Pot it into a container with good drainage and keep it in bright, indirect light to settle in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Elephant ear plants in Australia: varieties and care
• Indoor exotic plants guide: growing tropical foliage at home
• Browse elephant ears and alocasias
• More indoor plants for the home

Common questions

Why are the leaves dying back in winter?

Alocasias go dormant in the cooler months and may lose foliage. This is normal. Ease off feeding and heavy watering, and the plant will push out new leaves when the weather warms.

Can I grow it outside?

Only in a shaded, frost-free spot, which means tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, keep it in a pot indoors in bright, indirect light and protect it from frost.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Alocasias are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate. Keep it out of reach of pets and children, and wash your hands after handling the leaves.