Full Specimen Plate
Alocasia reginula
Black Velvet Alocasia
Quick Facts
Aroid Atlas Price Guide
Community estimate — limited market data
See full auction data ↓Morphology
About
Alocasia reginula, almost always sold under its trade name 'Black Velvet', is one of the smallest and most distinctive jewel Alocasia species — a dwarf rosette of near-black, matte-velvety leaves with pale silvery-green venation. Its compact size, staying well under 30cm, makes it one of the more apartment-friendly jewel Alocasias, though it shares the group's demand for high humidity. The 'Pink Albo Variegata' form layers unstable pink and cream-white sectoring over this same near-black baseline, making it considerably more fragile and expensive than the plain species.
Native Range
Borneo
Collector Popularity Review
Aroid Atlas Collector Review: Alocasia reginula (Black Velvet Alocasia) is ranked as Uncommon rarity on the market. Rating is calculated based on overall cultivation difficulty, aesthetic appeal, and search popularity among active collectors.
Market Analysis
Auction History & Retail Data
Historical eBay auction metrics and live retailer listings updated weekly.
No eBay auction history available yet. Data is collected automatically as sales appear on eBay UK.
Before You Buy
Species-specific things to check when evaluating a listing
- Check the corm/base is firm, not soft or foul-smelling
- Some seasonal leaf loss is normal — a bare corm with a visible growth point isn't necessarily dead
- For 'Pink Albo Variegata', confirm variegation percentage in photos — heavily sectored cuttings are more fragile
- Inspect leaf undersides for spider mite webbing before buying
Propagation Guide
Growing More Plants
2-4 months
Cultivar character is preserved through vegetative cuttings
Slow to offset compared to larger jewel Alocasias. Divide only once a pup has its own independent root system.
Care Guide
Growing Conditions
Chunky, fast-draining aroid mix: 40% orchid bark, 30% perlite, 20% potting compost, 10% charcoal.
Allow the top 2-3cm of substrate to dry between waterings. Reduce significantly in winter dormancy.
65-85%. A humidity tent or cabinet is strongly recommended for consistent results.
Balanced liquid fertiliser at quarter strength every 3-4 weeks during active growth.
Every 12-18 months, using a shallow, wide pot suited to the dwarf clumping habit.
Common Problems
Sudden leaf loss / dormancy
Natural seasonal response — normal for jewel Alocasias
Reduce watering and wait for new growth in spring
Root/corm rot
Overwatering combined with dense substrate
Repot into fresh dry chunky mix and reduce watering
Spider mites
Low humidity, still air
Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap
