Alocasia Reginula - Black Velvet

The unforgettable Black Velvet Alocasia (Alocasia reginula), or Little Queen, is exotic and elegant, with silver veins that shine against the broad leaf’s dark, velvety background. The Black Velvet’s standout feature is dark leaves and prominent pale green, white, or silver veins. Its thick, succulent-like leaves are heart-shaped and have a velvety look and stiff texture. The leaves grow about six inches long and two-and-a-half inches wide.

Care

Light: Bright, indirect light is preferable for your black velvet, but is more tolerant of lower light than many other aroids. 

Water: Allow the top two inches of soil to dry before watering, do not let sit in excess water as they are quite prone to root rot. 

Temperature/Humidity: Your velvet darling will not tolerate temperatures lower than 13 Celsius and dislikes both cold and hot drafts. A minimum of 40% humidity is suggested to prevent foliage issues, but your Alocasia will thrive best in 60% to 75% humidity.

Soil/Potting: These babies prefer to be root bound and repotting can be quite traumatic for them. We prefer to use a coarse, free draining soil and typically mix two parts each of perlite and orchid bark to one part potting soil. Feed monthly with a balanced fertilizer.

Care Tips: Humidity and a consistent watering schedule will keep this beauty's sensitive leaves from curling and browning. She is prone to sunburn when offered direct sun, experiment with the Black Velvet's location to find a good balance . Prone to Fungus Gnats and Spider Mites.

*Alocasias are mildly toxic to pets and humans. Typically, ingestion will cause mouth and stomach irritation and possible vomiting. Do not ingest.*

All photos are an indication of the plant species and size reference only.  All plants will have slight variations in coloring and condition.