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Illustration pending
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 7 days
Humidity 60–80%
Temp. 18–28 °C
Habit Upright
Growth Medium
Care Challenging
Height 30–60 cm
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collector_form Araceae ◈ Community
Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet Pink'
Black Velvet Alocasia Pink · Pink Alocasia Black Velvet
(al-oh-KAY-see-uh mik-oh-lit-zee-AH-nuh)
At a Glance
Light Bright indirect
Water Every 7 days
Humidity 60–80%
Temp. 18–28 °C
Habit Upright
Growth Medium
Care Challenging
Height 30–60 cm
Add to your collection
Origin & Habitat
Base species likely native to Borneo
Botanical Notes
Alocasia black velvet pink. Also sold as Alocasia Black Velvet Pink Variegated / Alocasia 'Black Velvet Pink'.
Care Guide
Prefers bright indirect light and consistently moist (not waterlogged) substrate. High humidity (60–80%) is essential; mist regularly or use a pebble tray. Keep away from cold drafts and sudden temperature drops, which trigger leaf drop.
Repotting
Aroid mix: 50% orchid bark, 30% coco coir, 20% perlite. Ensure excellent drainage. Repot every 12–18 months in spring when roots circle the pot. Black Velvet cultivars prefer a slightly snug pot but will decline rapidly if severely root-bound.
Feeding
Bi-weekly during growing season (spring–summer)
Common Problems
- Highly sensitive to overwatering and root rot; yellowing leaves often indicate poor drainage or inconsistent watering. Spider mites and mealybugs in low humidity; brown leaf tips from low humidity or tap water minerals. Leaves may pale or drop in insufficient light or cold conditions.
Notes & Curiosities
- The 'Black Velvet' line is prized for its deep, velvety-textured foliage with striking contrasts—some individuals show pink or red petioles and undersides, making 'Pink' a particularly ornamental variant.
- Alocasia micholitziana is considerably smaller and more compact than A. maharani or A. sanderiana, making it popular for shelf and terrarium displays.
- The genus Alocasia was named from the Greek 'alos' (salt) and 'akasia' (remedy), though the etymology remains debated among botanists.
⚠ Toxicity: toxic to pets, toxic to humans. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals. Ingestion causes mouth and throat irritation, difficulty swallowing, and drooling in pets and humans.