Given just how many different plant species there are in the world, you may be wondering about all of the differences between alocasia dragon scale vs silver dragon. Are these plants the same, or are they different? And what things separate them from each other, making them unique and special house plant species?
In this article, we will compare and contrast two different types of alocasia plants so that you can determine which one is best for your home. We will go over the physical differences of both the alocasia dragon scale and the alocasia silver dragon so that you can tell them apart upon first glance. Let’s get started and talk all about the beautiful alocasia plant now!
Comparing Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon
| Alocasia Dragon Scale | Alocasia Silver Dragon | |
|---|---|---|
| Classification | Alocasia baginda ‘Dragon Scale’ | Alocasia baginda ‘Silver Dragon’ |
| Description | Deep green leaves covered in a unique scaly texture. Reaches up to 3 feet tall and almost as wide, with shovel-shaped leaves. Deep veins and texture often highlighted in gray or black colors | Light green and gray leaves covered in veins that give it its unique coloration. Reaches up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, with heart-shaped leaves. Beautiful markings in ashy gray or silver make this plant unique |
| Uses | A rare and prized houseplant for its unique texture, appearance, and size | Fantastic and small houseplant for those looking for a statement piece, but difficult to maintain |
| Origin and Growing Preferences | Originated in Borneo; prefers indirect light and well-draining soil, preferably a mix of other materials | Originated in Borneo; prefers dappled light but not too shady. Soil should be a mixture of dirt and other materials |
| Special Features and Fun Facts | Delicate and striking, the dragon scale works great in terrariums! | Rare and difficult to find, the silver dragon is prized by alocasia plant collectors! |
Key Differences Between Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon
The silver dragon is considered more rare compared to the dragon scale plant.
©Andriana Syvanych/Shutterstock.com
There are a few key differences between alocasia dragon scale and alocasia silver dragon. For example, the leaves of the dragon scale are darker in color compared to the leaves of the silver dragon. In addition, the silver dragon has slightly less texture to its leaves compared to the ribbed dragon scale leaves. Finally, the silver dragon is considered more rare compared to the dragon scale plant.
Let’s address all of these differences in more detail now.
Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon: Classification
While it may come as a surprise given their distinct leaf colorations, the alocasia dragon scale and the alocasia silver dragon are directly related to one another. They are both varieties of the same alocasia plant species, known as alocasia baginda. This technically makes the dragon scale and silver dragon sibling plants, as they are both descended from the alocasia baginda.
Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon: Description
The veins of the dragon scale plant are black or dark in color, while the silver dragon plant remains lighter overall.
©Pnuar006/Shutterstock.com
You can easily tell the difference between an alocasia dragon scale and an alocasia silver dragon based on their leaves. However, both of these plants are nearly identical in almost all other ways. For example, the dragon scale reaches up to three feet in height, as does the silver dragon. They both have unique heart-shaped leaves that grow quite large for their size.
However, the leaves of the alocasia dragon scale have a more unique texture compared to the leaves of the alocasia silver dragon. In addition, the alocasia silver dragon has light gray or green leaves with silver or white markings, while the dragon scale has leaves that are a rich, dark green. The veins of the dragon scale plant are black or dark in color, while the silver dragon plant remains lighter overall.
Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon: Uses
The alocasia silver dragon has light gray or green leaves with silver or white markings, while the dragon scale has leaves that are a rich, dark green.
©Rum Chuchaisangrat/Shutterstock.com
Both the alocasia dragon scale and the alocasia silver dragon have identical uses. They are both prized by alocasia plant enthusiasts for their beautiful and unique colors. They also reach a small enough size that you can plant them in a variety of ways, including keeping them in your small home. You can grow both of these plants indoors, though they aren’t for the beginning gardener or houseplant owner. Let’s talk about how to best care for these plants now.
Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon: Origin and How to Grow
Both the alocasia dragon scale and the silver dragon plant originated in Borneo. Growing along the filtered forest floors, both of these alocasia varieties prefer dappled or indirect light, though they will also both reach for sunlight if they aren’t getting enough. In addition, both the dragon scale and the silver dragon prefer a planting medium made up of many different, well-draining ingredients.
Alocasia Dragon Scale vs Silver Dragon: Special Features
The leaves of the alocasia dragon scale have a more unique texture compared to the leaves of the alocasia silver dragon.
©FON’s Fasai/Shutterstock.com
As you can no doubt tell, both the dragon scale and silver dragon varieties of alocasia plant are popular, for a number of reasons. Both of these varieties are special and highly prized, though the silver dragon may indeed be a rarer variety compared to the dragon scale. Given the competition surrounding these plants, they often have a high price tag. However, given the fact that they thrive in humid environments, purchasing a small dragon scale or silver dragon plant for your terrarium is guaranteed to liven it up!
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Rum Chuchaisangrat/Shutterstock.com
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