Origin and Natural Habitat
Alocasia as a genus is indigenous to eastern parts of Australia, as well as tropical regions of Asia.
Plant Characteristics
This rare and special Alocasia variety has dark green, almost black and soft velvety leaves with white striations, hence its cultivar name ‘Black Velvet’.
Care Guide
Light
This variety prefers bright, indirect light if kept indoors. It will also grow well under 80% shade cloth if grown in an outdoor greenhouse.
Soil
Alocasia need a gritty and well draining but organic soil medium. Use coco peat as a base medium, and add plenty of milled bark, perlite, or pumice to assist drainage.
Water
Soak the soil of your Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ completely until water drains from the bottom of the pot. Let the top layer of soil dry somewhat before watering again. It is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not wet, as Alocasia are sensitive to overwatering. Usually, watering once per week is sufficient. Reduce watering in autumn and winter. Some specimens may be sensitive to tap water with higher levels of chlorine, so if your plant starts growing spots or pockmarks on its leaves, switch to distilled water.
Pot size
This variety can grow up to 90-100cm tall, so a large pot is preferred to accommodate new growth.
Temperature
This cultivars’ ideal temperature ranges between 20 – 29°C. It is completely intolerant to frost.
Humidity
Alocasia are tropical plants and enjoy high levels of humidity, preferably between 80-90%. They prefer less airflow as this will disperse latent humidity.
Fertilizing
Use a diluted general liquid fertilizer twice per month, only during the growing season.
Growing Season
Alocasia grow actively in spring and summer, but their growth slows down in autumn and winter.
Propagation
Alocasia are best propagated from stem cuttings.
Stem propagation: Using a sharp, sterile knife, cut one of the stems of the Alocasia from the main stem. Place directly into clean water and keep in indirect light. The cut part of the stem must be submerged under the water. Change the water every 3 days. Once roots start to form, transfer the cutting into fresh, moist soil medium. Keep moist until roots have fully formed.