Alocasia reginula
Likely Borneo.
First described by Alistair Hay. (1998)
Small dark, near-black velvety leaves with bold pale veins and a thick, slightly leathery texture.
Compact rhizomatous Alocasia forming a low rosette/clump rather than a tall elephant ear.
reginula means little queen.
Accepted Alocasia species. POWO lists the native range as likely Borneo and a wet tropical biome.
Give bright filtered light, warmth, airflow and an airy but moisture-retentive aroid mix. Keep lightly moist while actively growing, but avoid cold wet media.
Repot when roots/corms fill the pot, ideally in warm active growth. Keep the corm/crown firm and not buried too deeply.
Monthly at quarter to half strength during active growth. Reduce or pause feeding if the plant is resting or semi-dormant.
- Spider mites, thrips, leaf yellowing from overwatering, corm/root rot in cold wet mix, crispy edges from low humidity or missed watering.
- The little black-velvet queen: tiny, moody, and disproportionately expensive-looking.