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Alocasia Regal Shields Elephant Ear for Sale Online
Alocasia 'Regal Shields'
If you’re looking for a plant that transforms a room just by being there, Alocasia Regal Shield is your showstopper. Those enormous, dark, shield-like leaves with purple undersides bring instant drama to corners, stair landings, and patios, while the compact, upright habit fits beautifully in large floor pots. Give it bright, indirect light, consistent moisture, and a bit of humidity, and it will reward you with a rotating display of bold new leaves all season long. Regal Shield is the kind of plant that makes a simple space feel curated and lush.
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Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’: Dark, Dramatic Foliage for Bold Spaces
Regal, Shield-Like Leaves with a Purple Glow
Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ is a hybrid elephant ear that lives up to its royal name. Massive, shield-shaped leaves unfurl a deep, velvety green on top with a subtle purple cast, while the undersides glow in rich plum tones traced by bright green veins.
Held on sturdy, upright stems, each leaf reads like a living piece of art. Whether you tuck it into a bright corner indoors or spotlight it on a shaded patio, Regal Shield instantly creates a lush, tropical vibe with minimal effort beyond the basics.
Upright, Architectural, and Container-Friendly
‘Regal Shields’ was bred to be compact and strong compared to older elephant ear types, with thick, durable leaves and a tidy, upright habit.
In containers, plants typically reach about 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide at maturity, with younger plants staying in the 18–30 inch range.
As the plant ages, it develops a short, trunk-like base that lifts the foliage higher, giving it a dramatic, architectural presence. This scale is perfect for large floor pots indoors, flanking entryways, or anchoring patio groupings where you want height, texture, and mood in one plant.
Thrives in Bright Indirect Light, Even Moisture, and Humidity
Alocasia Regal Shield thrives in bright, indirect light—think near an east-facing window, a few feet back from a bright south- or west-facing window, or on a patio with morning sun and afternoon shade. Direct, harsh sun can scorch the leaves, while very low light leads to stretching and smaller foliage.
Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy by watering when the top inch or so feels dry, then allowing excess water to drain away. Regal Shield also appreciates higher humidity, especially indoors. Grouping plants, adding a pebble tray, or running a small humidifier nearby will help keep leaves looking their best. In cooler months, the plant may slow down or partially die back as it enters a light dormancy.
Statement Plant Indoors and Out
In the landscape, Regal Shield shines in containers. Outdoors in warm weather, use it as a focal point on shaded patios, porches, or pool decks, where its dark leaves contrast beautifully with lighter companions. In frost-free zones (roughly USDA 9–11), it can also be planted in the ground in rich, well-drained soil with dappled light.
Indoors, it’s a natural statement plant for living rooms, foyers, and bright bathrooms—anywhere you want height and drama without committing to a tree. Pair it with trailing pothos, ferns, or lighter green foliage to highlight its moody, jewel-tone leaves, or let a single plant command the spotlight in a large, simple pot.
| Hardiness Zone: | Typically grown in pots; outdoors year-round in Zones 9–11 (with protection) |
|---|---|
| Mature Height: | Approx. 3–4 ft tall |
| Mature Width: | 2–3 ft wide in containers |
| Classification: | Tropical foliage houseplant / patio plant |
| Sunlight: | Bright, indirect light or dappled shade; avoid strong midday sun |
| Flower: | Occasional aroid-type blooms; grown primarily for dramatic foliage |
| Soil Condition: | Rich, well-draining potting mix with added organic matter |
| Water Requirements: | Keep evenly moist; water when top 1" is dry; never let sit in soggy soil |
| Uses: | Large indoor floor plant, patio container, shade garden accent in warm zones |
How to Care for Alocasia ‘Regal Shields’ (Regal Shield Elephant Ear)
Before you buy a Alocasia Regal Shields Elephant Ear, make sure to read about the recommended care instructions to keep this plant healthy and thriving.
How should I plant Alocasia Regal Shield?
To plant Alocasia Regal Shield, start with a sturdy container that has drainage holes and is large enough to support its eventual size—usually 12–16 inches wide for a mature specimen. Fill it with a rich, well-draining potting mix; you can blend standard indoor potting soil with extra compost and a bit of perlite for better aeration. Gently remove the plant from its grower pot, loosen any circling roots, and set the root ball so the top sits level with the surrounding soil line. Backfill, firm lightly, and avoid burying the base of the stems too deeply. After planting, water thoroughly until moisture drains from the bottom, then let the pot finish dripping before returning it to its saucer or cachepot. Place Regal Shield in bright, indirect light—near a window with filtered sun or on a shaded patio. If you’re planting in the ground in a warm climate, choose a spot with rich soil, good drainage, and morning sun with afternoon shade. A thin layer of mulch can help retain moisture outdoors, but keep it pulled back from the stems to avoid rot.
How often should I water Alocasia Regal Shield after planting?
Right after planting, give your Alocasia a deep drink to settle the soil around the roots. Going forward, water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, then water slowly until excess drains from the pot. Regal Shield likes consistent moisture but not constant saturation—allow the upper layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings so the roots have access to both air and water. In warm, bright conditions, this may mean watering every 5–7 days indoors or more often in outdoor containers, especially in summer heat. In cooler months or lower light, the soil will dry more slowly, so stretch out the schedule and always test before you water. If the plant begins to slow down or drop a few leaves in fall and winter, that’s often a sign it’s entering a light dormancy; reduce watering further and never let it sit in cold, wet soil.
When should I fertilize Alocasia Regal Shield?
Fertilize Regal Shield during the active growing season—from spring through late summer—when it’s pushing out new leaves. Use a balanced, water-soluble or slow-release fertilizer formulated for foliage plants at half the label rate every 4–6 weeks. This steady, gentle feeding supports lush, dark foliage without causing weak, over-fertilized growth. If you prefer a more organic approach, you can top-dress with a thin layer of compost or worm castings in spring and supplement with a diluted organic liquid feed once a month. Always apply fertilizer to moist soil to avoid root burn. Hold fertilizer in late fall and winter when growth slows or the plant is resting; resume feeding when longer days and warmer temperatures kickstart new growth again.
When and how should I prune Alocasia Regal Shield?
Alocasia Regal Shield doesn’t require heavy pruning, but regular grooming keeps it looking sharp. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners to remove any yellowing, torn, or damaged leaves at their base whenever you notice them. Cutting these older leaves encourages the plant to focus energy on fresh, healthy foliage. If your Regal Shield becomes lopsided or over-leaning toward a light source, rotate the pot a quarter turn every week or two to encourage even growth. Over time, older stems near the base may naturally die back—simply cut them off cleanly. The best time for any more noticeable cleanup is spring and early summer, when the plant is actively growing and can quickly replace lost foliage.
