Alocasia reginula

Common Names

Black Velvet, Little Queen, Jewel Alocasia, Alocasia Black Velvet, Black Velvet Alocasia, Black Velvet Elephant Ear

Summary

Alocasia reginula, commonly Black Velvet or Little Queen, is a compact tropical plant native to Sabah, Malaysia, growing on shaded forest floors. It features heart-shaped, velvety dark-green leaves with pale silver veins and reddish undersides, forming a small clump typically about 12–18 inches tall with leaves roughly 6–8 inches long.

Suitable for indoor display, including terrariums, it prefers bright indirect light, protection from direct sun, and high humidity (60–80%). Temperatures range from about 60–80°F (15–27°C); keep soil evenly moist but not soggy, using a well-draining aroid mix and watering when the top 2 inches dry. Propagation is by division, repotting every 2–3 years, and fertilizing with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 4 weeks during the growing season; the plant is toxic to humans and pets, so keep away from children and animals, and monitor for leaf spots from soggy soil or pests like spider mites and aphids.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-24 inches

Spread

10-18 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10a-11b

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade; bright indirect light; avoid direct sunlight.

Soil Type

Well-draining, organic-rich soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil that stays moist but not waterlogged

Soil pH

5.5-6.5, slightly acidic soil

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Velvety, nearly black foliage with silver veins.

Fall Foliage Color

Black

Leaf Lifecycle

Semi-deciduous

Growth Rate

Slow growth; reaches up to about 2 feet tall and takes 2-5 years to mature.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer, Fall and Winter

Propagation Methods

Division (offset separation), rhizome cuttings