Alocasia Black Velvet – Best Care Tips

Alocasia black velvet is an irresistible plant to add to your collection due to its velvety, dark green foliage. Apart from its interesting appearance, this indoor plant can be quite manageable – it is easier than other Alocasia. 

Here are quick facts about Alocasia black velvet:

Read also: How to Care for Alocasia Jackylin

How do you care for alocasia black velvet?

How Much Light Does the Alocasia Black Velvet Need?

Alocasia black velvet is not a lover of light like some other aroids. Nonetheless, this does not mean it does not enjoy being in the dark. If handled as an indoor plant, alocasia black velvet requires bright indirect light to do well.

Avoid exposing it to direct sun at all costs, since it might scorch the fragile foliage. On the flip side, their dark leaf colouration means that they can survive with minimal light levels to some extent.

For guaranteed indirect light, North-facing windows are best. Nonetheless, east-facing windows can work as well as the morning sunshine is not too bright.

Read also: How to Care for Alocasia Azlanii

Temperature and Humidity for Alocasia Black Velvet

This plant does well in a temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The Alocasia reginula is not very hardy during the winter. Therefore, consider relocating it to a warm location before the onset of winter.

Your plant may go dormant if the temperature drops too low. 

For proper Alocasia Black velvet care, high humidity is needed – around 60 – 70%. This plant does well in a steamy atmosphere. 

You can use a humidifier or put your plant in the bathroom or anywhere else in the house where the humidity is slightly higher than the rest. Also, you can use a pebble tray to meet your plant’s humidity requirements.

Do not soak the leaves for long periods. Leaf rot and fungus may develop as a consequence of this.

Best Soil/Substrate for Alocasia Black Velvet

It is important to use a substrate with good drainage. This helps in preventing the plant from developing root rot. The good news is that most tropical mixes are made to do just that (e.g. ABG mix).

Using a granular mix rich in orchid bark and sand will aid in providing the necessary drainage and root aeration. You can supplement it with additional vermiculite or perlite as needed.

Since you will not need as much water retention with Alocasia Black Velvet, it is recommended that you reduce the coco coir and sphagnum moss content from your tropical mix.

Read also: How to Care for Alocasia Zebrina

Propagation

Alocasia black velvet is one of the best plants when it comes to rhizome division. This plant is ready for propagation during its growing seasons (summer and spring).

You can follow the following steps to propagate your plant:

• Remove your plant from its pot and gently shake off any excess soil around the roots. Check the plant’s root system to see if it is healthy.
• Check the rhizome system and cut those that resemble ginger. To get the rhizome of your choosing, use a clean knife and ensure you are wearing gloves.
• Prepare the potting mix that will offer the ideal environment for the new plant to thrive. A smart choice to combine ordinary potting soil with coco coir.
• Put your rhizome in the soil and give it a soft drink once it is ready. Put your new plant in a place where it will get bright yet indirect light. 

Fertilizer

This plant is a light feeder that thrives with only a little fertilizer. You will need to supply your plant with a negligible amount of fertilizer if your garden soil/potting soil is fertile.

If you opt for feeding your plant, do so with a balanced fertilizer once a month. 

Avoid using too much fertilizer to safeguard your plant leaves from fertilizer burn.

You can use organic fertilizer once monthly or whenever you observe new growth. This will help you avoid overfertilizing your plant while still ensuring that it gets all the nutrients it needs.

How Fast Does Alocasia Black Velvet Grow?

Alocasia black velvet grows at a slow rate and remains pretty compact even when fully mature.

Even when it is fully grown, this plant will only be over a foot tall.

From observation, this plant will often allow its older leaves to fall off in favour of creating new ones. This can really slow down the whole growth process too.

A few organic fertilizers such as earthworm castings can aid in getting your Alocasia off to a good start. Nonetheless, they will unlikely require any further supplementation.

Is Alocasia Black Velvet Toxic?

Yes, this plant is toxic both to humans and animals. It has needle-shaped calcium oxalate crystals that might irritate the digestive tract and mouth. 

Why Are My Alocasia Black Velvet Leaves Turning Yellow?

The leaves of your plant are turning yellow because of stress, which can be caused by root rot. Alocasia prefers a dry period between waterings and does not do well in wet soil. It is rare for Alocasia leaves to turn yellow since it is a drought-resistant plant. However, the yellowing could be caused by extended dry spells.