Cultivar guide · Alocasia reginula
Alocasia Black Velvet
Compact, dwarf Alocasia with rounded heart-shaped leaves so dark green they appear nearly black. Leaves have a velvety surface and prominent silver-white veining. Stays small — typically under 18 inches tall.
Family
Araceae
Classification
species
Mature size
12–18 inches tall; leaves 4–6 inches
Pet safety
toxic to cats and dogs
Care at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect light; tolerates lower light better than larger Alocasia species
- Water
- Water when top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Sensitive to overwatering — the small root system rots fast.
- Humidity
- 60–80% (highly humidity-sensitive; crispy edges in dry air)
- Temperature
- 65–80°F (18–27°C); goes dormant below 60°F
How to tell it apart from look-alikes
Often confused with Alocasia "Bambino" (smaller version of A. Polly, with similar dark leaves and white veining). Bambino has more arrow-shaped, glossier leaves; Black Velvet has rounded, velvet-textured leaves.
Pet safety: Alocasia Black Velvet is toxic to cats and dogs per the ASPCA. Verify on ASPCA.
Botanical reference: Kew Plants of the World Online — Alocasia reginula
For full care of the parent species, see the Alocasia care guide.
More Alocasia reginula cultivars