Velvet that absorbs light
A matt, textured surface limits reflections and makes deep green read as nearly black.
1
Alocasia 'black velvet' 12cm
Normal price
€15,00
What does the legal guarantee mean for plants?
The legal guarantee concerns the plant’s conformity at delivery. It is not a guarantee of survival or growth for two years. Each issue is assessed taking into account the nature of the plant, its care and the conditions in which it is kept. Your statutory rights remain unaffected.
Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’
Velvet, silver and absolutely no need to shout
- Araceae
- Velvety foliage
- Bright indirect light
- Careful watering
- Compact growth
Alocasia reginula ‘Black Velvet’ pairs an almost black velvety surface with silver veins that appear illuminated from within. Short broad blades keep the composition low and dense, delivering dramatic contrast on a very small scale.
It does not rely on size for impact; texture and graphic venation do all the work. A close-view position is ideal, where each leaf can be read like a small relief object.
What makes it distinctive
Deep light absorption, silver structure and a compact habit create an Alocasia unlike its large upright relatives.
Veins drawn in silver
A pale network of primary veins maps every blade and stays legible even at a distance.
An unusually compact Alocasia
Short spacing and low petioles build a collector form suited to limited space.
Why you will love it: it carries the intensity of a precious material without shine, and each new leaf resembles a separate piece of dark cloth embroidered in silver.
In your space Placement & plant pairings Where it looks its best and which plants complement it
Where it looks its best
Use an eye-level shelf, small table or bright plant cabinet away from direct sun. Matt black, stone, brushed metal or soft grey planters emphasise texture and let the silver veins lead.
Plants that set it off
Choose companions with clean pale or glossy surfaces, allowing velvet to stand apart while warmth and airy-substrate needs remain compatible.
- Scindapsus treubii ‘Moonlight’ — satin silver-green foliage brightens the dark composition.
- Anthurium crystallinum — larger heart-shaped venation creates a dialogue of textures within Araceae.
- Philodendron hederaceum ‘Lemon Lime’ — a luminous trailing line supplies strong but clean contrast.
Care at a glance
Light
Abundant bright indirect light. Gentle morning sun only after gradual acclimation.
Water
Water when the top 2–4 cm dries, maintaining rhythm without permanent moisture around the corm.
Atmosphere
Keep at 18–27°C with moderate to raised humidity and complete protection from cold and draughts.
Pets
Not pet-safe. Aroid tissues contain irritating insoluble calcium oxalate crystals.
Selected for this plant
Substrate & nutrition
Detailed careComplete care guideLight, watering, humidity, substrate and nutrition in detail
Light and orientation
Provide abundant bright indirect light near an east-facing or filtered south-facing window. Turn the pot slightly each week for balanced growth and acclimate gradually before any gentle direct sun.
Water without saturation
Water when the top 2–4 cm dries, wetting the whole root ball evenly. Drain fully; permanent saturation around roots and corm raises the risk of rot.
Humidity and airflow
Moderate to raised humidity helps a new leaf unfurl smoothly. Pair it with gentle airflow and clean foliage rather than keeping the blades continually wet.
Temperature and winter pace
Keep ideally at 18–27°C and never below 16°C for long. Growth may slow or leaves may be lost in lower light; reduce water accordingly without keeping the mix permanently wet.
Substrate and repotting
Use a chunky, airy aroid mix in a pot with immediate drainage. Move up by only one pot size and do not bury the corm deeper than its previous level.
Nutrition and repotting
During active growth, use Liquid Gold Leaf, a complete NPK feed with calcium and magnesium, at the label rate and on lightly moist mix. Reduce or pause feeding when growth slows, and do not combine it indiscriminately with another complete fertilizer.
Botanical identityOrigin & taxonomic identityThe species, origin and cultivated selection
Species Alocasia reginula
Alocasia reginula is an accepted species in Araceae. Its name was published in 1998, relatively recently for a plant that had already attracted collector interest.
Origin in Borneo
Current botanical documentation places its origin probably in Borneo and associates the species with the wet tropical biome.
The name ‘Black Velvet’
‘Black Velvet’ is a cultivated trade name describing its dark matt texture. It is not a separate accepted species from A. reginula.
Greenleaf for Plant NerdsScientific details nobody asked forBotanical detail for anyone who likes to look beyond the surface
Dark does not mean chlorophyll-free
The blade still photosynthesises. Its near-black appearance results from chlorophyll, other pigments and the microstructure of the surface working together.
Velvet is an optical tissue effect
Microscopic relief in the epidermis scatters light differently from a smooth glossy leaf. Texture is therefore visible before it is ever touched.
Venation is mechanical infrastructure
Pale primary veins transport water and sugars, while also supporting the thick blade like an integrated frame.
The underground corm retains renewal points
Even after stress-related leaf loss, a healthy firm corm can initiate new growth when warmth, light and correct moisture return.
Frequently asked questions
Practical answers about behaviour, common signs and correct care for this plant.
01 Can I wipe the velvety leaves with a cloth?
Avoid pressure and repeated rubbing. Use a soft brush for dust, or a barely damp cloth with the lightest touch only when necessary, then let the leaf dry promptly.
02 When exactly should I water?
Check the top 2–4 cm and the pot's weight. Water once the surface has dried but the root ball is not bone dry, then drain fully without leaving water in the outer pot.
03 Why is a new blade much lighter?
New foliage often opens greener and glossier, then darkens as it matures and hardens. Judge the final colour after several weeks, not on the first day of unfurling.
04 Why is one leaf yellowing and dropping?
An old leaf may be retired as a new one opens. Several yellow leaves, soft petioles or constantly wet mix mean watering, temperature, light and roots all need checking.
05 Does it go dormant in winter?
In lower light and temperature it can slow sharply or lose some foliage. Do not water as though it were growing in summer; keep the corm warm and match water to the actual growth rate.
06 Is it safe around cats, dogs and young children?
Not for chewing or ingestion. Insoluble calcium oxalate crystals can cause oral pain, drooling and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach and contact a vet or doctor if exposure occurs.
📦 Your plant travels protected
Every order is prepared with care so your plant arrives upright, secure and safe.
Individual protection
Plants in pots with a capacity of 3 litres or more are placed in individual boxes that hold the pot securely and reduce the risk of tipping over.
Sturdy packaging
We use reinforced cardboard designed to protect against impacts and vibration during transport.