Greetings, human caretaker. I am Alocasia reginula, though you likely know me by my common name, 'Black Velvet.' I am a jewel among foliage plants, prized for my deeply veined, almost black leaves that feel like soft suede to the touch. To help me thrive and show you my full, magnificent potential, please follow this guide crafted from my own botanical perspective.
In my native habitat on the forest floors of Borneo, I live under the dense canopy. This means I crave bright, but indirect, light. Direct sunlight is my enemy; it will scorch my delicate, dark leaves, leaving unsightly brown or yellow patches. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect, where I can bask in the gentle morning sun. A north-facing window also works well. If you only have a south or west window, place me several feet away or use a sheer curtain to filter the harsh rays. As for temperature, I am a creature of the tropics. I prefer a consistently warm environment between 60°F and 80°F (15°C - 27°C). Please keep me away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature drops, as I am very sensitive to the cold.
My watering needs are a delicate dance. I enjoy consistently moist soil, but I absolutely despise sitting in waterlogged conditions. My rhizomatous roots are prone to rot if they are too wet for too long. The best method is to check the top inch of my soil with your finger. When it feels dry to the touch, it is time for a thorough, deep watering. Water me slowly and evenly until water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom of my pot. Most importantly, empty the saucer underneath after a few minutes. I will need less water during the winter when my growth slows down. Overwatering is the most common mistake my caretakers make, so when in doubt, it is safer to err on the side of slightly too dry.
Humidity is non-negotiable for me. The air in modern homes is often too dry for my liking. Low humidity will cause the tips and edges of my beautiful leaves to turn crispy and brown. To keep me happy, aim for a humidity level above 60%. You can achieve this by placing my pot on a pebble tray filled with water (ensure the pot is not sitting directly in the water), grouping me with other plants to create a microclimate, or using a room humidifier. Misting my leaves can provide temporary relief, but it is not a long-term solution and can sometimes lead to fungal issues if water sits on the leaves for too long.
I require a well-aerated, chunky potting mix that drains exceptionally well. A standard potting soil is too dense and will suffocate my roots. A perfect mix for me would be a combination of peat-free potting mix, perlite, orchid bark, and a handful of horticultural charcoal. This blend retains some moisture while allowing excess water to drain away quickly and providing plenty of oxygen to my root system. During my active growing season (spring and summer), I appreciate a light feeding. Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer once a month. Please do not over-fertilize me, as salt buildup can damage my roots. In autumn and winter, I am resting, so you should stop fertilizing altogether.
You may notice I sometimes appear to "sweat" droplets of water from the tips of my leaves. This is called guttation and is a normal process, especially after a heavy watering. It is simply my way of regulating internal water pressure. I am also known to sometimes lose an older leaf when I produce a new one. This is part of my natural growth cycle, especially if I am conserving energy. However, if I am losing multiple leaves or showing signs of distress, please check my watering, light, and humidity conditions first, as these are almost always the cause.
