Alocasia 'Black Velvet' has the darkest foliage in the genus. Thick, heart-shaped leaves in near-black green, with a matte velvet surface and bright silver veins running through it.
It is a selection of Alocasia reginula, and like the species it stays small. This is a desk plant, not a floor plant.
Light
Alocasia 'Black Velvet' grows best in medium to bright indirect light. The velvet surface scatters light instead of reflecting it, which is why it burns so readily in direct sun.
Too much light
The velvet goes dull and dry bleached patches appear.
Too little light
Growth stops and the leaf stalks stretch and lean.
Watering
This is the whole job. A small corm and fine roots mean it rots faster than any of the larger Alocasia.
Water when the top 3cm (1 inch) is dry, and err on the dry side.
On average:
- Spring & summer: once a week
- Autumn & winter: once every 2-3 weeks
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves yellow and drop suddenly
- Stalks go soft and translucent at soil level
- Soil stays wet for more than a few days
Signs of underwatering
- Leaves droop and the stalks bend over
- Leaf edges curl
Humidity and temperature
Humidity of 60% or above, and higher is better. This is why 'Black Velvet' does so well in a cabinet or a terrarium and struggles on an open shelf.
Keep it between 18°C and 27°C (65-80°F).
Soil and repotting
Soil
Very free-draining. Heavy on perlite and bark with little compost. Many growers use pure sphagnum moss or semi-hydro instead, purely for the drainage.
Repotting
Rarely, and only in spring. The root system is small and disturbance sets it back.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced fertiliser once a month through spring and summer. Nothing in winter. It is small and slow and burns easily.
Pruning and grooming
Remove fully yellowed leaves at the base.
Do not wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Water leaves permanent marks on the velvet surface. Use a soft dry brush.
Dormancy
'Black Velvet' goes dormant readily, often losing every leaf through winter. This is normal and not a failure.
Keep the soil barely damp, stop feeding, and keep it warm. Check the corm before giving up: firm means alive, soft and hollow means gone.
Common problems
Sudden total leaf loss
Dormancy, most of the time. Check the corm.
Yellow leaves with soft stalks
Overwatering.
Dull patches on the velvet
Direct light, or water marks from wiping.
Fine webbing under the leaves
Spider mites, which find this plant easily in dry air.