Alocasia reginula ‘Ninja’
If you don’t grab it, it will vanish in a puff of smoke. 🥷💨
Family: Araceae • Pot diameter: 10 cm
Dark, “velvety” foliage with silver veins; compact size and dark-tropical attitude for shelves, cabinets and Alocasia collections.
Araceae Evergreen Partial shade Intermediate care Velvet foliage
Light
🌤️ Indirect
filtered light, no direct sun
Watering
💧 Gentle
small, shared doses — no water on the leaves
Temperature
🌡️ >18°C
sensitive to cold
Substrate
🌱 Airy
peat/compost + perlite/bark
What makes it special
- 🖤 Deep green-black foliage with a silver network of veins.
- 🧵 Velvet-like texture — a premium feel up close.
- 📏 Compact habit — ideal for shelves and small cachepots.
Ideal uses
- 🌑 Dark jungle corners and black-plant collections.
- 🪟 Display/greenhouse cabinets with controlled humidity.
- 🧱 Minimal glass arrangements with dramatic contrast.
Where to place it
In a bright spot with indirect light (partial shade) and good air circulation. Use a light, well-draining substrate and a pot with a drainage hole. Water when the top 2–3 cm of the mix have dried out; avoid wetting the leaves to prevent spotting.
Planting companions
- Philodendron micans — velvety green for texture-on-texture combinations.
- Calathea orbifolia — broad variegation for strong scale contrast.
- Monstera adansonii — perforated foliage next to the “dark queen”.
Variety origin click to read
Taxonomic basis: Alocasia reginula — a species native to northern Borneo (Sabah/Sarawak), in the understorey of tropical forests with filtered light, high humidity and organic, well-draining soils.
‘Ninja’ cultivar line: A selected dark-form variant with a more compact rosette, higher vein contrast and leaves with a satin/velvet appearance. It belongs to the newer generation of collectible dark Alocasias stabilised through selective cultivation.
Ecology & physiology: Shade-tolerant tropical C3 plant with thick blades and a high concentration of anthocyanins. Sensitive to prolonged root wetness — prefers an aerated substrate and carefully regulated watering.
Distinction from related plants: Darker and more compact than other mini Alocasia (e.g. ‘Black Velvet’), with sharper silver venation and less tendency to stretch under lower light.
Propagation: Division of rhizomes or separation of side pups. A warm, bright-but-indirect environment is ideal for quick recovery after division.
1) Substrate: 60–70% peat/compost + 30–40% perlite/bark for aeration and drainage. A thin layer of pumice on the surface helps stabilise moisture.
2) Watering: Small, regular doses when the top 2–3 cm of the mix are dry. Avoid excess water and never leave water sitting in the saucer.
3) Light/Temperature: Indirect/filtered light, >18°C. During its “winter rest” reduce watering and keep light levels stable.
💡 Tip: If it drops a leaf in winter, it’s just “resting”. Reduce watering, keep steady indirect light — it will return with even more dramatic leaves.
🤔 Did you know? The dramatic reactions of Alocasia to environmental changes earned them the nickname “drama queens” — not without reason.
Why you’ll love it info
- 🖤 Almost black, velvety foliage.
- ✨ Silver veins that really catch the light.
- 📏 Mini size — perfect for shelves and display cabinets.
🧠 Greenleaf for nerds — scientific facts no one asked for geek
- 🧬 High anthocyanin content → intense dark colours.
- 🧵 Velvety texture thanks to micro hairs and reduced transpiration.
- 🌱 Propagation from rhizome division and side pups.
- 💧 Sensitive to waterlogging — needs an aerated, well-draining substrate.
How much light does it need? light
Bright indirect light/partial shade. Avoid direct sun that can burn the velvety leaves.
How should I water it correctly? watering
Small doses when the top 2–3 cm of the mix are dry. Never leave water standing in the saucer.
What substrate does it prefer? soil
Light, well-draining mix (peat/compost + perlite/bark). Always in a pot with a drainage hole.
Is it safe for pets? pets
No — it contains calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it out of reach of children and pets.
© Original plant description by Greenleaf Garden Center. All rights reserved. | This text is original material. Copying is prohibited (Law 2121/1993).
🔎 Note: Due to the natural variability of plants, the plant you receive may differ slightly from the one in the photo. Form, size and colouring depend on the season, growing conditions and the nature of each plant.
