Alocasia Reginula 'Black Velvet'

Description: Alocasia 'Black Velvet' is coveted for its lush, velvety leaves that are a deep, dark green, almost black, with striking white or silver veins. This plant's luxurious texture and compact size make it a unique and attractive addition to any indoor plant collection.

🌿 Botanical Name: Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet'

🐾 Pet Warning: Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and lips, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. It's strongly advised to keep this plant out of reach of pets.

💧 Care Level: Moderate. Alocasia 'Black Velvet' requires specific care in terms of humidity, watering, and light, making it a suitable choice for those who are willing to give it a bit more attention.

📏 Approximate Size: Alocasia 'Black Velvet' is a compact variety, typically reaching about 1-2 feet (30-60 cm) in height and width. Its small stature makes it an ideal choice for desktops, shelves, or small spaces.

🌞 Light: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch its delicate leaves, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and a loss of leaf coloration.

💧 Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch of soil begins to dry out, using distilled or rainwater to prevent leaf spotting and mineral buildup from tap water.

💦 Humidity: Requires high humidity levels to thrive. Use a humidifier, mist the plant regularly, or place it on a pebble tray with water to increase ambient humidity around the plant.

🌡️ Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions, with ideal temperatures ranging from 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Protect from temperatures below 60°F (15°C), as cold can cause damage to the plant.

❄️ Hardiness: Not frost-tolerant and best grown as an indoor plant in most climates, or outdoors in tropical climates with appropriate care.

🌱 Fertilizing: Fertilize every 4 to 6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half the recommended strength. Reduce fertilizing during the winter months.

🔄 Re-potting: Re-pot in the spring every 1 to 2 years, using a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one, as 'Black Velvet' prefers not to be too root-bound.

🌱 Propagation: Propagate through division during repotting. Ensure each division includes at least one growth point for successful propagation. Be careful to maintain the health of both the parent and new plants.