Are Alocasia Black Velvet hard to take care of?

Is Black Velvet Alocasia?

Alocasia Reginula (Black Velvet) is a popular tiny jewel Alocasia with distinctive black leaves and a compact growth habit.

Named for its royal aspect as well as its black velvety leaves, which are attractively contrasted by the piercing white venation. Truly a black jewel of a plant.

Is Black Velvet Alocasia indoor plant?

Black Velvet Alocasia is an excellent houseplant that will stay healthy under many indoor growing conditions.

That being said, this plant is particularly susceptible to spider mites, so it’s worth having hand sprayer of insecticidal soap at the ready if you notice any webbing or white spots on the leaves.

Alocasia Reginula ‘Black Velvet,’ being a regularly planted indoor plant, will thrive in most home circumstances. Having said that, for a tropical species that dislikes too moist soil, a greater humidity and warmth are much appreciated.

Should I mist Alocasia Black Velvet?

Misting is always a nice addition to any indoor plant. However, with the Alocasia Black Velvet, it’s best to mist it early in the morning when the humidity levels are still high and then let it dry before nightfall.

Do not sit this plant next to a warm radiator – this will cause the plant to work too hard and lose too much moisture too quickly.

If the climate is especially arid – arid for the Alocasia meaning any levels less than 60% – the roots will be unable to recover the water lost rapidly enough. Check the humidity levels and adjust as needed. Mist the leaves and make sure the plant is getting enough water.

Why is my Alocasia Black Velvet turning brown?

When it comes to the Alocasia Black Velvet, the most common cause of plant failure is under watering. If your plant is wilting, not looking secure in its pot or soft around the base, then you need to check for over watering.

This cause’s root rot as the water produces an airtight seal over the cut off water absorbers. The low humidity levels on top of this will make it difficult for the plant to recover from this deep long lasting condition.

Fertilizer burn and under watering can induce browning of the plant’s tips. You should keep an eye out for brown patches on your plant’s leaves. Brown stains have also been linked to fungal infections and bugs.

Does Alocasia Black Velvet grow fast?

The Alocasia Black Velvet grows pretty fast compared to most plants. It is, however, still a slow grower for the purposes of indoor environment and can take up to 1-2 years to be ready for transplanting outside.

The Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ yearns for warmth, particularly in the summer. Temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit are therefore optimal.

It likes to be in an environment that is close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. Alocasia Black Velvet enjoys heat as much as you do. They like temperatures ranging from 59oF (15oC) to 80oF (27oC) or greater; the higher the temperature, the faster they develop.

Does Black Velvet Alocasia bloom?

Unfortunately, Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ blooms only occasionally, and not all plants will flower. If you do get a flower then it’s more than likely that the leaves will be affected. Your plant is at risk of losing all its leaves and even dying if the flowers aren’t removed as soon as they start to appear.

Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ grows much better with lower soil moisture. You should reduce watering in the winter and stop altogether when the temperature drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Allow the top inch of soil to dry before watering again.

 How big is black velvet Alocasia?

Alocasia Black Velvet is one of those plants that are hard to say where to put in a pot. It has a habit of growing everywhere and can get very large if not contained in the right container. When grown outdoors, it grows to be about 3 feet tall and often 6 inches wide.

Its leaves grow to be about 8 inches long and 4 inches wide. It has dark green leaves with dark gray spots on the leaf’s underside.

These confine the veins and give the leaf an irregular pattern. In the winter, its leaves start to turn a dull black color.

How do I grow the Alocasia Black Velvet?

Alocasia Black Velvet requires coarse, well-draining soil and careful watering to avoid damp circumstances. It enjoys humidity between 60 and 75 percent, temperatures between 59 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 and 27 degrees Celsius), and moderate indirect light. During the growth season, fertilize sparingly every 4 weeks and repot only seldom.

To grow the Alocasia Black Velvet, place it in partial shade or indirect sunlight. These plants do not do well with too much light. They like a good amount of humidity and should be watered more often than other plants in your home.

During the summer, you should water this plant every five days. In the winter, you should water these plants every two weeks or as needed to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

How often do you water Alocasia Black Velvet?

The Alocasia Black Velvet is susceptible to rotting if it’s kept too moist, therefore you should water it once or twice a week. This plant will also brown easily if kept indoors in a more arid environment and need constant misting – but you also need to be sure it is not overwatered so be careful.

Remember that the amount of water it requires will vary according on the season. Because black velvet Alocasias become dormant in the cooler months, they will use far less water throughout the growth season (spring to summer). You should water it when the soil feels dry approximately one inch down.

 Is Alocasia Black Velvet toxic to cats?

Alocasia Black Velvet is poisonous to cats, dogs and even chinchillas. The variety “Black Velvet” is only toxic to cats and dogs.  Alocasia plants, like other plants in the Araceae family, contain insoluble oxalate crystals.

Chewing or biting on this plant will cause tissue penetration and irritation of the mouth and GI system. Clinical signs can include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and even death.

In addition to the leaves of Alocasia plants, the stems contain oxalic acid crystals that are also irritating to mouth and gastrointestinal tract.

Where do I put Black Velvet Alocasia?

Alocasia Black Velvet loves indirect, strong light but may withstand fairly low light levels. If you’re not sure about your light levels, place this plant near a northern or eastern facing window. You can also place this plant in a shaded area outdoors.

Although the Alocasia Black Velvet loves humidity, it will be okay in an area that is slightly dry. It is necessary to keep the soil moist but don’t allow it to dry too much between watering. This plant does well with temperatures ranging from 59oF to 80oF (15oC to 27oC) and cannot stand freezing at all.

Why is my Alocasia Black Velvet curling?

Alocasia Black Velvet Curling at the tips is a common problem that many people have with the plant. This is due to an inadequate watering schedule, or by topping off the soil with too much water. The roots can be damaged over time and suffer from dry rot, which can cause them to curl as well.

If your Alocasia stays flat throughout its cultivation and blooming stages, but begins curling at the tips in between, you may want to try altering your plant’s light exposure. Place the Alocasia in a darker area for a few days to see if it will change back to its normal shape.

How do I propagate my Black Velvet Alocasia?

The Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ is the most successful in terms of rhizome division. The plant is available for propagation during the growing season (spring or summer). The following is how to propagate the Alocasia’ Black Velvet’ plant:

Remove the Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ carefully from its container and brush off any excess soil around the roots. Examine the plant’s root system to check if it is healthy.

Examine the rhizome system and remove those that appear to be ginger. To extract the rhizome of your choosing, use a clean knife and gloves.

Create the potting mix that will provide the optimum environment for the new plant to thrive in. It’s a good idea to mix ordinary potting soil with coco coir.

Plant your rhizome in soil and give it a gentle drink when it’s ready. Put your new plant in a location that gets both direct and indirect light. Then, just like with the mother plant, repeat the process.

Why is my Black Velvet Alocasia not growing?

Black velvet Alocasia has a tendency to develop a weak stem when cared for poorly. This plant is susceptible to rotting if it’s kept too moist, therefore you should water it once or twice a week. It also browns easily if kept indoors in a more arid environment, and needs constant misting – but you also need to be sure it is not overwatered so be careful.

Alocasia Black Velvet will not grow well if the area where you have planted does not receive enough light. It is necessary to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Otherwise, you may need to water it two or three times a week to make sure it is sufficiently watered.

Why is my Black Velvet Alocasia dying?

The Alocasia Black Velvet plants are very susceptible to root rot when they are overwatered. After the plant has flowered, you will notice that the leaves start to thin out and turn yellow. The symptoms of a dying Alocasia begin with drooping leaves, which will then turn yellow and fall off.

The best way to tell if your plant has root rot is to examine the roots. A healthy root system will have a pinkish red color, whereas a dying Alocasia will have an excessive amount of brown or black roots. Do not attempt to save the dying plant; it may still be having problems from root rot and could cause further damage to the plant.

Humidity plays a major role in the spread of root rot as well. You can prevent Black Velvet Alocasia from dying by watering it once or twice a week. Since roots grow downwards, place the plant in a pot that is at least one foot below the rim of the container. Do not put any water in the bottom of your pot, as this could cause roots to grow out and later rot.

Are Alocasia Black Velvet hard to take care of?

Although these plants are hardy and low maintenance, they do not do well in environments that are extremely wet or too cold.

A lot of growing conditions influence the health of an Alocasia “Black Velvet”, but proper light exposure is the most important.

Try hinting towards a more indirect sunlight. A north facing window would be ideal as it gets light from all sides, but doesn’t get too hot. Avoid placing the Alocasia “Black Velvet” in direct sunlight, as this could lead to sunburn.

Caring for Black Velvet Alocasia is easy as long as you remember to water it every few days and not to let the soil stay soggy.

Although you may think you’re doing your Alocasia a favor by watering it too much, it can actually drown the plant leading to root rot and leaf rot.

Is Alocasia Black Velvet slow growing?

Although Alocasia Black Velvet is slow growing, it can still be a bit of a challenge to keep the plant alive. This particular variety of Alocasia is susceptible to root rot and leaf rot, so you must be careful with your watering routine.

If you are having issues with the growth of your Black Velvet Alocasia, check to see if the soil has started to dry out. If it has, water it until the soil becomes moist again but don’t soak it. Try to water it every day or every other day.

Does Alocasia Black Velvet produce bulbs?

Although Alocasia “Black Velvet’ doesn’t produce bulbs like other varieties, it still produces tiny seeds. These seeds are known as “candle-shaped” and sticking out of the soil. Seed production for Alocasia Black Velvet is incredibly low however, so if you’re looking to grow more of them, is prepared to transplant a few new plants from your existing stock.

Depending on the temperature, Alocasia “Black Velvet” flowers once or twice a year. The flowers of the Black Velvet Alocasia plant are typically 3 to 5 inches in diameter, appearing on a stalk that can be 6 inches tall. These flowers are known for their striking black-purple color and long, curving stamens.

Does Black Velvet Alocasia go dormant?

Hot temperatures might cause Alocasia Black Velvet to fall dormant. It will fall dormant in mild temperatures and remain on the lowest section of the plant’s stem. On warmer days, the humidity rises, causing the leaves to become limp and droop. It will become entirely dormant under excessive temperatures.

During this time, Alocasia Black Velvet may lose its lush foliage, necessitating the return of water if it is to remain healthy.

Alocasia Black Velvet will not require much water at this time and may even be dormant for several months at a time.

Does Alocasia Black Velvet need humidity?

The level of humidity in your house is an important component to check if you have an Alocasia ‘Black Velvet.’ Because this is a tropical plant that thrives in rainforests, it needs high amounts of humidity.

This suggests levels of at least 60% humidity, but ideally the plant is most comfortable at approximately 70% humidity.

This can be difficult for you, especially during the winter months when the air gets rather dry due to the use of radiators.

Place your plant in a more humid setting, such as the bathroom, and shower the leaves on a frequent basis. If it’s having trouble, you might want to think about getting a humidifier.

Does Alocasia Black Velvet have flower?

The flowers of the Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ are highly prized by collectors. They come in a variety of colors, including purple, orange, yellow and sometimes white. It is possible for the flowers to be multi-colored, which are signified by a range of different shades in each flower.

Alocasia ‘Black Velvet’ could even be found with two different colors or patterns on each petal. The Purple Blossom variety is considered to be the most beautiful of all Alocasia ‘Black Velvet.

Alocasia Black Velvet flowers are large and dark purple colored, the flowers, which bloom from late winter to early summer, are bi-colored with large white petals in the center surrounded by 4–8 red petals. Alocasia Black Velvet prefers bright indirect light with temperatures between 55ºF and 85ºF (13°C and 29°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.

Does Alocasia Black Velvet like to be root bound?

Some people like to leave the roots of their Alocasia Black Velvet alone, preferring to let them grow naturally. However, if you want to direct the growth of your plant, you might want to consider repotting it.

During the summer months is a good time for this type of repotting, as most plants will be growing healthily and will be strong enough for transplanting. It is a good idea to examine your plant once a year to determine whether it needs to be repotted.

Even if it doesn’t, it’s a good time to inspect the soil and root system to see whether the plant is becoming crowded. Lift it out gently, and if the roots are constricted or pushing through the drainage, it’s time to move your plant up a container size.