Black Velvet Alocasia

Black Velvet Alocasia (Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet') is a small foliage plant with soft, heart-shaped leaves so dark they look almost black, each one crossed by sharp white veins. It grows to about 45cm tall and 30cm wide, a neat size for a bench, shelf or pot, and it brings more drama per square centimetre than most houseplants.

Why you'll love it

• Velvet-soft leaves. The large, heart-shaped leaves have a soft, velvety finish that catches the light and invites a second look.
• Dramatic contrast. White veins stand out against near black foliage, so the plant reads clearly across a room.
• A neat, compact size. Reaching 30 to 45cm tall and about 30cm wide, it suits small spaces and tidy displays.
• Happy in the shade. It grows in a shaded spot or dappled light, so it suits positions that many plants avoid.
• Indoors or out. It looks just as good in a pot inside as it does tucked into a tropical garden bed, provided the climate is warm and humid.

Where it works best

Indoor display. Set it on a bench or shelf in bright, filtered light and pick a brightly coloured pot to balance the dark leaves. Keep it away from hot afternoon sun.

Tropical garden underplanting. In a shaded, frost-free bed, plant 40cm apart beneath larger plants for a velvety ground layer. It likes humidity but dislikes being overwatered, so make sure the bed drains well.

Growing Black Velvet Alocasia in Australia

Position and climate. Shade or dappled light suits it. Outdoors it suits tropical gardens and sheltered, frost-free subtropical ones, where it may rest over the cooler months. In cooler climates grow it indoors and protect it from frost.

Soil. Free draining soil or potting mix. Alocasias thrive when the water can run through, so check that every pot has good drainage.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first three months, then give light, regular waterings that keep the mix lightly moist but never soggy. Feed at half strength every four weeks and spritz indoor plants daily. Leaves may die back in the cooler months while the plant rests, so hold off feeding and heavy watering until new growth appears.

Pruning and repotting. Cut off old leaves at the base. Repot in spring only if the plant has outgrown its pot, which is also the time to split off young shoots.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Black Velvet Alocasia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small, with only a few leaves, and the velvet texture and white veining deepen as new growth unfurls. Pot it up into a free draining mix and keep it warm and out of direct sun while it settles. Our grower supplies the tube stock, and supply is not constant. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at that moment, and the notify button on the page emails you the day it returns.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Elephant ears and alocasias to compare
• Low light indoor plants
• Caring for elephant ears in Australian conditions
• How to keep your indoor plants alive

Common questions

Why do the leaves look dull or droop?

Usually the mix is too wet or too dry, or the light is too low. Aim for lightly moist, never soggy, with bright filtered light and a drainage hole in the pot.

Can it live outdoors?

Yes in warm, humid, frost-free gardens, in shade. In cooler climates keep it inside, because frost damages it.

Is it toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. Like other alocasias it is toxic if chewed, and the sap can irritate. Place it where pets and small children cannot reach it.