Alocasia infernalis has glossy, near-black leaves that look lacquered, with a deep red sheen when light catches them at an angle.
It is one of the darkest plants in cultivation, and one of the more difficult Alocasia to keep in an ordinary room.
Light
Alocasia infernalis grows best in medium to bright indirect light. The red sheen shows most strongly in good indirect light.
Too much light
The dark glossy surface scorches, and dry bleached patches show up starkly.
Too little light
The red sheen disappears and growth stops.
Watering
Water when the top 3cm (1 inch) is dry, erring dry. The corm is small and rots readily.
On average:
- Spring & summer: once a week
- Autumn & winter: once every 2-3 weeks
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves yellow and drop suddenly
- Stalks soften at soil level
- Soil stays wet for days
Signs of underwatering
- Leaves droop and stalks bend
- Leaf edges curl
Humidity and temperature
Humidity of 70% or above. This is a cabinet or terrarium plant for most people.
Keep it between 20°C and 28°C (68-82°F). It stops growing below about 18°C (64°F).
Soil and repotting
Soil
Very free-draining. Pure sphagnum moss or semi-hydro suits it better than a soil mix.
Repotting
Rarely, and only in spring.
Feeding
Quarter-strength balanced fertiliser once a month in spring and summer. Nothing in winter.
Pruning and grooming
Remove fully yellowed leaves at the base. The glossy surface can be wiped gently with a damp cloth, unlike the velvet Alocasia.
Dormancy
It drops leaves readily and can sit as a bare corm for months. Keep barely damp and warm and wait.
Common problems
Loss of the red sheen
Not enough light.
Scorched patches
Direct sun.
Sudden leaf loss
Dormancy or rot. Check the corm.
No growth for long periods
Normal for this species, especially outside summer.