Alocasia scalprum
Best tropical foliage for experienced plant owners without pets.
Discover the Alocasia scalprum, also known as the Samar Shield, a stunning tropical houseplant native to the Philippines. This foliage plant thrives in bright, indirect light, which is crucial for its vibrant leaf coloration. Maintain consistent soil moisture, allowing the top inch to dry before watering. Fertilize monthly during spring and summer for optimal health. Please note, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs due to calcium oxalate crystals. It requires periodic repotting and leaf dusting for continued growth and vitality.
$28.00
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
6174
/ 10298
#6174 in Potted Houseplants
Price vs Category Average
-46%
Below average
Scientific Name
Alocasia scalprum
/ Alocasia scalprum
Who it's for
- Collectors seeking unique tactile foliage for their indoor displays
- Apartment dwellers needing compact plants for shelves and tabletops
- Designers looking for dark, moody foliage to provide visual contrast
Who should skip it
- Casual gardeners unable to maintain consistent high humidity levels
- Busy owners who struggle with frequent pest monitoring and care
- Families with curious pets or small children prone to ingestion
Performance breakdown
Foliage Visual Impact
The unique, deep-veined leaves offer a striking architectural aesthetic for interiors.
Care Accessibility
Intermediate care requirements demand consistent attention to humidity and soil moisture.
Environmental Adaptability
Strict temperature and humidity needs limit placement options in typical homes.
Pet Safety
Calcium oxalate crystals pose a significant toxicity risk to household pets.
Growth Potential
Steady medium growth rate rewards owners with consistent, healthy leaf production.
Maintenance Effort
Regular repotting and leaf dusting are essential for long-term plant vitality.
Key Specs
Scientific Name
Alocasia scalprum
Common Name
Samar Shield, Scalprum Alocasia
Native Region
Samar, Philippines
Light Requirement
Bright Indirect Light
Minimum Temperature
60°F (16°C)
USDA Hardiness Zone
10-11
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals)
Pot Included
Yes
Features
- Striking foliage coloration
- Promotes healthy photosynthesis
- Requires periodic repotting
- Thrives in bright, indirect light
- Native to Samar Island, Philippines
- Toxic to common household pets
- Requires high humidity
What customers say
Enthusiasts consistently praise the striking design of the Alocasia scalprum, noting its unique textured foliage as a standout feature. Reviews emphasize the exceptional quality of the plants received. Customers frequently mention the robust health and the careful, secure packaging. This attention to detail ensures the plant arrives ready to thrive, confirming its strong value for serious collectors. The overall sentiment focuses on superior quality and impressive aesthetics.
Know before you buy
This plant requires bright, indirect light to maintain its deep, vibrant foliage color. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves, or in low-light corners where growth will stall.
No, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation or swelling if ingested, so it is best kept in a location inaccessible to curious pets.
Maintain consistent soil moisture by watering when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Because this plant is not drought-tolerant, it is important to monitor the soil regularly rather than sticking to a rigid calendar schedule.
Yes, the Alocasia scalprum thrives in high-humidity environments and prefers temperatures above 60°F (16°C). If your home is dry, consider using a humidifier or a pebble tray to help it maintain its vitality.
You should repot your Alocasia scalprum periodically as it grows to ensure it has enough space for its root system. Look for signs like roots growing out of the drainage holes or the plant becoming top-heavy, which indicate it has outgrown its current container.
It is classified as an intermediate-level plant. While it is rewarding to grow, it requires specific attention to humidity, light, and watering habits that may be challenging for someone entirely new to indoor gardening.
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$28