Which One Is for You? Alocasia are known for their bold, tropical leaves and maybe two of the most well-known cultivars among collectors would be Alocasia Borneo Giant and Alocasia Regal Shields. Both are showy plants that brighten up any indoor or outdoor garden space, but their distinct traits and nurturing needs may play a role in your decision. In this article, we will compare these two magnificent cultivars including characteristics and growth habits as well as their maintenance so that you can find the ideal one for your space and style of living. From the oversized foliage from Borneo Giant to the refined elegance of Regal Shields, this guide covers everything you need to make an informed choice.
1. Alocasia Borneo Giant & Regal Shields – The Gods of the Tropics: An Introduction
The Alocasia Borneo Giant and the Regal Shields are both part of the Araceae family, which also have amazing foliage and are tropical as well. But they look so different, are a different size and need to be cared for very differently.
2. Origin and Natural Habitat
Borneo Giant : Found in Southeast Asia, this plant loves hot and moist climates as well as space to grow.
Regal Shields (Hybrid) Closely related to Alocasia odora and reginula, this hybrid showcases the best traits of both these parents: hardiness and beauty.
3. Morphology of the Leaves: Size and Color
Borneo Giant has large, heart-shaped green leaves (can reach the size of a 6 foot man ) and is great for an open space.
Regal Shields: This variety has a slight velvety texture as well as dark green, shield-shaped leaves and a purple underside that adds both compactness and elegance.
4. Growth Habit and Size
Borneo Giant: Grows 12′ tall outdoors; more suited to large gardens or enormous interiors.
Regal Shields Ideal for home/office displays, this variety grows 3–4 feet high indoors, which works well in smaller spaces or as a tabletop plant.
5. Light Requirements
They both prefer bright, indirect light but with subtle differences.
Borneo Giant: Indoor light/Partial shade outdoors
Regal Shields: Only does well in filtered light but might become leaf-scorched in direct sunlight.
6. Watering Needs
PROS: Borneo Giant: Prefers regularly wet soil, but can endure a bit of drought.
Regal Shields: Water a bit less often, letting the top 1″ of soil dry between watering.
7. Soil Preferences
Borneo Giant: Grows best in rich, well-drained soils with high organic material content
Regal shields: Prefers a combination of potting soil, perlite and peat moss to keep it aerated and well-draining.
8. Humidity Requirements
Both plants do love high humidity levels (60-80% is ideal), but:
Borneo Giant: Prefers low to moderate humidity outdoors
Regal Shields: A humidifier or frequent misting when grown indoors in dry climates.
9. Temperature Tolerance
Borneo Giant: Prefers warm temperatures in the 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C) range but is more tolerant of somewhat hotter outside heat.
Regal Shield: Likes stable temp in this same range, is more prone to extreme heat or cold.
10. Fertilization Needs
Borneo Giant: Benefits from titled placing in daily feeding with a balanced fertilizer throughout the part growing season.
Need to fertilize Regal Shields every month with diluted, water-soluble fertilizer to prevent foliage from losing its fullness.
11. Pruning and Maintenance
Borneo Giant: Needs the least amount of pruning just some yellow or other damaged leaves.
Regal Shields: Needs leaf cleaning on a regular to transfer that luxurious feel and looks.
12. Pest Susceptibility
Spider mites and mealybugs are common pests for both plants. It also needs to be monitored regularly and treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap as soon as it appears.
13. Repotting Frequency
NO 13 Borneo Giant: Requires all new soil every couple of years because it grows quickly.
Regal Shields: One needs to re-pot and repot every 1–2 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.
14. Best Uses and Display
Borneo Giant: Best suited for outdoor gardens, large indoor areas or use alone in exotic landscapes
Regal Shields Best for small indoor spaces, office decoration, or if you need a pop of elegance added to your plant collection.
15. Which One Should You Choose?
It all depends on your space, habits, and preferences:
If you have a lot of space and want an impressive, tall plant, go for Borneo Giant.
If you want a smaller, beautiful plant with different colours, stick with Regal Shields.
Conclusion
The Alocasia Borneo Giant vs Regal Shields are two beautiful choices for plant lovers, with each providing different features and advantages. Be a confident outdoor focal point or the fine indoor accent, you must know the differences so that you can pick which variety that suits your collection place. Both can flourish with the right care and add a tropical touch to your house.
