Dragon's scale generally resists disease well and tends to have relatively few insect pests. Its care is considered difficult, since it needs a consistently moist environment and frequent watering. At the same time, the roots are susceptible to rotting if the plant is overwatered or kept in poorly ventilated conditions. Dragon's scale is best suited to people with some growing experience, and many growers can keep it alive for a period of time. However, it may struggle to truly thrive, and its leaves can dry out and become less healthy as time passes.
How to keep Elaphoglossum Piloselloides.
Light
Dragon's scale does well in sheltered conditions and needs only limited light, reflecting its natural preference for shady, protected environments. Too much light can alter its leaf color, while too little light can hinder its growth.
Temperature
Dragon's scale comes from tropical areas, where the weather is generally warm and humid. As a result, it is well-suited to high heat and moisture. It dislikes abrupt temperature changes and prefers a steady temperature, so it's important to avoid indoor temperature swings. It generally cannot tolerate cold and needs warmer conditions to grow. If the surrounding temperature falls too low, the plant may stop growing or even die.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Fern
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Elaphoglossum
- Family
- Polypodiaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 3 cm to 5 cm
- Mature Spread
- 30 cm to 61 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn
- Native Area
- India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Bangladesh, Laos, Thailand, China