How to Grow Alocasia Black Velvet

Alocasia black velvet is a tropical plant that is known for its striking black foliage. It is a relatively easy plant to care for indoors, but it does require some specific conditions in order to thrive. Beginner plant parents do take a bit of caution before bringing this plant home. Read below to get the full growing guide.

Light

The Alocasia Black Velvet does best in Indirect light. So place this plant within a few feet of a window. This Alocasia is an understory plant which means in it’s natural habitat it lives under bigger plants and receives shade and indirect lighting. Some direct light is ok but be careful of the intensity of the light. Artificial light can be helpful in those dark corners of the house that need plants.

Water

It’s a good habit to check your Alocasia weekly to see if it needs water during the spring and summer. If the soil looks dry, dig around to see if its dry an inch or two down. If it is, you can give it some water. This Plant is also very forgiving should you forget to water or want to go longer between waterings like during winter.

In the winter months your plant may need less water depending on how dry your home is and if the plant has gone dormant. Our winters are cold and dry so I base my watering on how dry the soil is as opposed to how long its been since I watered it last.

For winter houseplant care tips read this!

Humidity

Alocasias will need a bit of extra humidity. They thrive in humid environments and will perform much better if you provide extra moisture. You are able to group plants together for extra humidity if you don’t want to add a humidifier to your home.

Soil

The Alocasia Black Velvet loves a well draining soil mix. Take a bag of potting soil and combine it with Orchid Bark and Perlite. That will give you the perfect well draining mix that will keep your plant happy.

Fertilizing

This Plant loves to be fed during the growing season and isn’t particular about what fertilizer you use. Organic fertilizer tend to be my go to for all plants with my favorite being fish emulsion. Fertilize once every two weeks during the growing season and give an extremely diluted amount during winter.

Repotting Alocasia

Alocasia black velvet are fast growers and may need to be repotted every year or two. Repot your plant in the spring, using a pot that is one size larger than its current pot.

Propagation

Alocasias can be propagated by division or by corm propagation.

To propagate by division, remove your plant from its pot and gently divide the rhizome (underground stem) into two or more pieces. Make sure that each piece has at least one root and one leaf. Repot the divisions in individual pots and water them well.

To propagate by corm propagation, remove the corms (small tubers) from the rhizome of your plant. Plant the corms in individual pots filled with moist potting mix. Water the pots well and place them in a warm, humid location. The corms should sprout within a few weeks.

Troubleshooting Alocasias:

Common Alocasia Alack Velvet problems include:

• Brown leaf tips: This can be caused by low humidity or overwatering.
• Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiency.
• Leaf drop: This can be caused by stress from sudden temperature changes, drafts, or overwatering.

If you notice any of these problems, adjust your care routine accordingly.

Here are some additional safety guidelines to keep in mind when growing Alocasia Black Velvet indoors:

• Keep the plant out of reach of children and pets. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested.
• Wear gloves when handling the plant, as its sap can irritate the skin.
• Be careful not to overwater the plant, as this can lead to root rot and rotting of the Rhizome.
• If you are using a grow light, make sure that it is placed at a safe distance from the plant to avoid burning the leaves.

Alocasias are some of the most beautiful Elephant Ear Plants that you can easily grow indoors. They can grow very large if you provide the proper care. Be sure to provide this plant a prime viewing location in your home because it’s a showstopper!

Happy Gardening