The black velvet (Alocasia reginula) is the most beautiful among alocasia varieties. Thanks to its dark velvety foliage appearances with silver veins. Besides that, the houseplant is less demanding when compared to other alocasia types.
Alocasia black velvet care involves the provision of well-draining soil and scheduled watering to prevent the soggy condition. The alocasia species prefer a humidity of about 60-75% and a temperature range of 59-80oF (15-27oC). Moderate indirect sunlight and light fertilizer application are also important.
This article will show you everything about alocasia black velvet care in detail. Take the time to read through to learn how to grow and care for alocasia black velvet. Besides that, you will know the alocasia black velvet benefits.
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What Does Alocasia Black Velvet Look Like?
The alocasia black velvet (alocasia reginula) is an evergreen perennial that belongs to the Araceae family. It belongs to the rare alocasia varieties despite tissue culture making the plant available.
The alocasia reginula is native to the Southeast Asia jungle floor. The prominent silver, pale green, or white veins in the dark velvety background enable this plant to mark a bold statement.
The indoor plant has broad and thick succulent leaves with a heart shape. The foliages grow up to six inches long and 2.5 inches wide. The velvety appearance stiff texture is a real gem.
The beautiful dark leaves are strategies of trapping adequate light beneath the canopy. Besides that, the pale green or white veins help to reflect excess sunlight waves.
The black velvet also has a rhizomatous root system that stays compact. The rhizome can grow up to eighteen inches long and wide. The plant is active with adequate light and warmth.
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Alocasia Black Velvet Care Details
| Origin | Borneo Forest |
| Family | Araceae |
| Scientific Name | Alocasia Reginula |
| Common Name | Black Velvet |
| Maximum Growth (Approx.) | 30-50 cm Tall |
| Watering Requirement | Needs slightly moist soil. |
| Light Requirement | Bright indirect sunlight. Can also tolerate low light conditions. |
| Soil Requirement | Coarse and well-draining soil. The soil pH should range from 5.5 to 6.0 |
| Temperature Requirement | Temperature range of 59-80oF (15-27oC). |
| Fertilizer Application | Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during summer and spring. |
| Humidity Level | The best range is 60-75%. But average humidity of 40% will still flourish the alocasia species. |
| Flowering | Does not bloom. |
| Pruning and Trimming | To remove dead leaves only. |
| Propagation | Division of rhizomes By seeds Separating offsets |
| Repotting | Once every 2-3 years. |
| Pests | Spider mites |
| Diseases | Fungal leaf spot |
| Toxicity | Poisonous to humans and pets after ingestion. |
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How to Care for Alocasia Black Velvet Plant
How Often Do You Water Black Velvet?
Alocasia black velvet needs a regular watering routine. But the soil moisture content should mimic their natural habitat to avoid overwatering and under-watering issues.
The black velvet has rhizome and succulent leaves that store adequate water. Too much water in the potting soil increases the risk of root rot. Avoid growing the alocasia in a damp environment.
Use a moisture meter to inspect the level of soil dryness. You can alternatively poke the index finger to test the soil moisture content.
Water the black velvet more often in spring and summer due to the active growth. Reduce watering frequency in late fall and winter due to dormancy stage.
Be sure to use either filtered water or rainwater since the houseplant is sensitive to minerals and pollutants. Allow tap water to sit overnight to coagulate the chlorine and fluoride content.
Does Black Velvet Alocasia Like Humidity?
Yes. Humidity is the leading indoor alocasia black velvet care. The condition allows the houseplant to maintain the dark velvet appearance foliages with prominent silver veins.
The average humidity requirement is about 40%. But this indoor plant tends to flourish best at 60-75% humidity level. The range allows the alocasia species to develop healthy foliages.
If the indoor environment is dry, use a digital humidifier (Check Best Deals on Amazon). You can also consider grouping tropical plants together to increase the humidity level.
How Much Light Does Black Velvet Alocasia Need?
The black velvet does not need more light to thrive. But natural sunlight allows the houseplant to grow faster and stay healthy. The strategy also allows the aroid to maintain its dark velvet colors.
Too much direct sunlight scorches the leaves. It can also lighten the leaves to make the houseplant less attractive. Avoid putting the plant to direct light sources.
Too dim light facilitates stunted growth and leggy appearances. I recommend relocating the plant to a region that receives bright indirect sunlight to stimulate healthy growth.
The alocasia black velvet indoor care regarding sunlight exposure is paramount. It helps to prevent alocasia black velvet yellow leaves.
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Black Velvet Alocasia Temperature Requirement
Alocasia black velvet thrives in the heat than other aroids. The best temperature range for black velvet is about 59-80oF (15-27oC). The condition allows the aroid to grow faster.
Temperature is usually high in summer resulting in an unsuitable condition for alocasia black velvet outdoor. I recommend bringing the plant indoors until the season ends.
Keep in mind that black velvet is hardy throughout the year in the USDA zone of 10A and above. Besides that, the houseplant is too sensitive to both hot and cold drafts.
Use a digital thermometer (Check Best Deals on Amazon) to monitor the temperature. Be sure to keep the houseplant away from radiators, air vents, heaters, and windows.
What Soil Is the Best for Alocasia Black Velvet?
Black velvet prefers coarse and well-draining soil to keep the rhizome aerated at all times. The potting soil should also be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.0.
The potting media should be a mixture of peat moss, coco coir, perlite, pumice, bark, coarse sand, and wood chips. It is the best recipe for suitable black velvet soil.
The addition of worms enhances faster decomposition to increase soil fertility and promote microbial population as seen in their natural habitat.
How Do You Fertilize Black Velvet?
Alocasia black velvet is not a heavy feeder though it benefits from moderate fertilizer application during the growing season. The nutrients foster dark velvet foliage background.
Use a dilute balanced fertilizer in spring and summer. It is the season where the houseplant experiences an active growth rate. Stop fertilizer application when the weather is too cool.
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Alocasia Black Velvet Flower
The indoor black velvet does not bloom regardless of providing ultimate care. There is no need to worry after all the flowers are unimpressive.
Outdoor black velvet blooms have a pale yellow spathe with a white spadix spike. I recommend cutting the flowers since they ruin the well-being of the houseplant.
How to Repot Black Velvet Alocasia
Black velvet is less vulnerable to root-bound. It is the reason why the houseplant does better in a snug pot than in large containers. Black velvets have limited roots than other aroids.
Consider repotting due to root rot issue. But normal transplants should be done every two to three years. Spring is the best season to repot black velvet.
Alocasia Black Velvet Propagation
Black velvets can be propagated by seeds, separating offsets, and division of rhizomes. The ultimate care should be exercised to enjoy alocasia black velvet benefits.
- Seeds
Alocasia black velvet seed propagation is too slow and unreliable. The houseplant owner will need to pollinate the seeds to produce a viable berry.
The task is cumbersome and needs a lot of patience. Be sure to remove the seeds from the berry and soaking them in distilled water to promote faster germination.
- Separating Offsets
It is the easiest and reliable alocasia black velvet propagation method. Offsets usually sprout from the rhizomes.
Remove the offsets and plant them in a small shallow pot. Use the fluffy soil where the parent plant is growing for faster establishment.
- Division of Rhizomes
Divide the rhizome and plant the sections in spring or early summer. Ensure each part has a plantlet or growth node.
Use the parent potting media to grow the sections. Be sure to use a sterilized blade for dividing the rhizomes.
Pruning and Trimming
Pruning and trimming involve the removal of dead leaves. The process helps to redirect energy and nutrients to new growths.
Use a sterilized garden pruner (Check Best Deals on Amazon) to prevent infection from commencing. Remember to get rid of older leaves during the trimming process.
Alocasia Black Velvet Varieties
There are over 70 species of alocasia in the world. My favorite species is black velvet though it comes in several cultivars.
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Common Alocasia Black Velvet Problems and Solutions
Pests and Diseases
Black velvets are less vulnerable to pests and diseases. But this does not imply that the houseplant is immune to pest infestations and diseases.
Spider mites are the leading pests attacking the black velvets. These pests usually establish on the plant when the growing condition is dry.
Use a gentle mixture of water and liquid dish soap to treat spider mites on black velvet. Spray the plant more often until the spider mites are eradicated.
Leaf spot is more prevalent on black velvets grown in a moist environment. Trim the affected leaves and discard them safely. Increase air circulation and reduce watering frequency.
Alocasia Black Velvet Root Rot
Root rot occurs due to overwatering issues. Black velvet hates growing in the damp environment due to poor aeration that encourages fungal growth.
Be sure to repot the houseplant in fresh potting media and follow a strict watering schedule. It will help to prevent overwatering problems.
Why Is My Alocasia Black Velvet Dying?
Black velvet dying is a sign of under-watering and overwatering issues. Other possible causes are low humidity, direct sunlight, and high temperatures.
Be sure to identify the exact cause of the problem and provide ultimate alocasia black velvet indoor care for prevention purposes.
Why Is My Black Velvet Alocasia Turning Yellow?
Inconsistent watering habits, too much water, and dim light are responsible for black velvet alocasia turning yellow.
Develop a strict watering program and relocate the houseplant to the region that receives bright indirect sunlight more often.
Why Is My Alocasia Black Velvet Turning Brown?
If your black velvet leaves turning brown along the edges and tips, it is due to low humidity, under-watering, and over-fertilization.
Inspect your alocasia black velvet to identify the exact cause before fixing it. Be sure to use a dilute balanced fertilizer in spring and summer only to the plant.
Is Black Velvet Alocasia Rare?
Yes. Black velvet is a rare dwarf alocasia variety due to its unique colorings and velvet leaves. It is common in the United Kingdom and tends to experience slow growth.
Remember to provide ultimate alocasia black velvet care for healthy growth and stunning foliages appearance. It requires slightly moist potting soil to prevent root rot issues.
Is Alocasia Black Vlevet Poisonous to Pets?
Alocasia black velvet contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause mouth and intestines irritation after ingestion. It is toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. It would be best to keep the plant away from toddlers and pets.
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Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a mini-alocasia, consider the black velvet variety. The plant height and care regime are less demanding when compared to other alocasia varieties.
The black velvet alocasia thrives in high humidity, slightly moist soil, warmth, and indirect sunlight. Other alocasia varieties take up much space making it difficult to integrate with the décor.
Use the above alocasia black velvet care tip to enhance healthy growth. Besides that, remember to use well-draining potting media to avoid water-related issues.
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