Alocasia Black Velvet Plant Care

Alocasia Black Velvet (Alocasia reginula) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Alocasia Black Velvet is native to Sabah state in Malaysia. Alocasia Black Velvet is also known as Jewel Alocasia, Black Velvet.

Alocasia Black Velvet displays a compact, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Alocasia Black Velvet produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Alocasia Black Velvet every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Alocasia Black Velvet thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Alocasia Black Velvet in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Alocasia reginula tolerates temperatures of 65–75°F. Alocasia Black Velvet prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Alocasia Black Velvet to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Alocasia Black Velvet every month during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining soil mix. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alocasia Black Velvet is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Alocasia Black Velvet can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Alocasia Black Velvet while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Alocasia Black Velvet is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Alocasia Black Velvet can be propagated through by division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to chinese taro plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Alocasia Black Velvet is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Alocasia Black Velvet grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Alocasia Black Velvet is native to Sabah state in Malaysia. In cooler regions, grow Alocasia Black Velvet as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.