Alocasia Black Velvet Plant Profile

Instructions

Soil Preference:

1. This plant requires a light well draining soil mix. The black velvet cannot have water compact around the roots.
2. A mix of potting soil, succulent soil mix and orchid soil mix (look for one with a lot of peat and finer bark mix) will keep the roots happiest.
3. Two parts potting soil to two parts succulent mix to two parts orchid bark.
4. A heavy soil potting mix is not recommended for this plant.
5. Due to this alocasias senstivity to over watering LECA growing is recommended. See our LECA Post series here.

Pot Size and Type:

1. This plant needs a pot only an inch or two above the previous pot size. Chooosing too large a pot can encourage root rot.
2. Porous pots will work well for this alocasia. Terra cotta wicks away excess water from the soil. Black velvet plants will enjoy a pot that breathes and keeps their feet dry.
3. Repot every second year or when roots come out the drainage holes on the pot bottom.

Lighting:

1. Alocasia Black velvet requires moderate indirect light.
2. Shield this plant from strong direct light in summer south and west sunny windows. The leaves will burn.
3. Tip: Window sheers or blinds can offset some brief periods of high direct light.

Watering:

These small Jewel Alocasias are VERY easy to overwater.

1. Try a watering schedule of every week. Water thoroughly until the water runs out of the pot.
2. Watering is best done on a regular schedule so the plant is not over or under watered. Both can cause stress on the plant.
3. Never let this plant get wet feet. Jewle Alocasias like the black velvet need to dry out between waterings.
4. They cannot tolerate heavy compacted wet soil. If the soil is compacted the bottom of the soil can remain wet which encourages root rot and fungus gnats.
5. Black Velvet Plants are aroids. They have roots which need a lot of oxygen and will tolerate drier conditions that larger alocasias.
6. These plants are good candiates for growing in semihydroponics like LECA.

Humidity:

1. Alocasias need humidity or 40 to 60% to be happy.
2. TIPS: Set the container on a pebble tray with water under the pot or provide a humidifier to this tropical plant for best growth and happiness.
3. Make sure you are not keeping your plant next to a heat or air vent. This will dramatically lower the humidity level.
4. humidity also improves when you group plants together more closely.
5. If the leaf tips go yellow or the leaves curl under on the edges. suspect humidity is too low.

How to Fertilize:

1. Alocasias require regular fertilizing.
2. Apply a good quality fertilizer (linked in materials) monthly through Spring and summer.
3. Alternately you can use a slow release fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season.
4. Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow the plant to rest through the winter months.

Temperature:

1. Keep this plant at a low of 60 Degrees F. to upward of 85 Degrees F. It enjoys warmth and humidity.

Pests:

1. Alocasias can be attacked by pests
2. Stress by longterm overwatering, poor light, extreme temperatures and soil conditions are contributors to plant stress..
3. Spider mites, mealy bugs, scale, thrips and whitefly are the most common houseplant pests you will see.
4. Read our post on How to get rid of aphids and other pests with our homemade pesticide soap recipe or neems oil.
5. To minimize the possibility of pests be sure to check all nursery plants before bringing them home.
6. Quarantine all new plants until you are sure no pests live in them.

How to Propagate:

1. This plant is easily propagated through rhizome division.
2. Start with a healthy and mature Alocasia plant
3. Divide the rhizomes when repotting the plant
4. Plant new rhizome start into a pot with similar soil mix to the mother plant.
5. Keep the soil moist while the new plant acclimates and matures

Toxicity:

1. This plant is considered toxic. Do not ingest any part of the plant. This plant can also cause mild skin irritation. Keep away from children and pets.