Black velvet is much more slow-growing and smaller than many in the genus.
It’s sometimes referred to as a jewel alocasia because it’s a diminutive gem.
You won’t be growing this plant for the flowers.
The Spruce / Missy Schrott
It rarely blooms, and the white inflorescence is fairly inconspicuous when it does.
Alocasia Black Velvet is toxic to humans and pets.
A north or east-facing window works well, providing the morning light isn’t too intense.
The Spruce / Missy Schrott
It’s best to avoid those high in absorbent peat moss or coco coir.
Getting the watering schedule wrong is one of the main reasons these plants die.
Overwatering and wet feet invariably result in root rot.
The Spruce / Missy Schrott
Don’t make the mistake of thinking they need as frequent watering as the larger Alocasia species.
Drafty, cold winter rooms and dry, air-conditioned environments are not this plant’s friends.
They grow best when temperatures are over 70 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in temperatures as low as 60.
The Spruce / Missy Schrott
However, regular but not heavy feeding does sometimes benefit this plant.
Unlike with the larger Alocasia species, supplemental feeding isn’t required in every case.
Pruning
There are no onerous pruning requirements with this plant.
Doing this helps to direct the nutrients to the new leaves more effectively.
Alocasia Black Velvet rarely flower and, when they do, the blooms are not impressive.
If you do see flowers appearing, removing them helps to divert the energy to the main eventthe foliage.
However, these plantsspread by rhizomes(underground horizontal stems).
The rhizomes produce new upward growing shoots that give the plant a clump-forming habit.
These don’t tend to propagate well in soil because of the lack of appropriate humidity.
Overwintering
Since Alocasia Black Velvet is a houseplant, it does not need to be overwintered.
Common Pests and Plant Diseases
Alocasia Black Velvet can suffer fromspider mite infestations.
These plants are generally not bothered by diseases.
They can, however, develop root rot if they are overwatered and the soil is not properly drained.
If you spot leaves crinkling at the edges, try moving to a spot with more dappled light.
Watch out for letting your plant get overly dry too.
Too much fertilizer can burn leaf tips too.
These mini jewels are much more slow-growing than their bigger Alocasia counterparts.
It can take two to five years for them to reach maturity.
Even when fully grown, they rarely grow taller than 18 inches.
Native to Borneo, this plant is rarely found in the wild.
Thanks to its growing popularity, more specialist nurseries are now cultivating Alocasia Black Velvet for the commercial market.
However, it’s still pretty rare to find the plant in standard garden centers.
Are Plants in the Alocasia Genus Poisonous?Poison Control.
