Alocasia 'Black Ninja' in pot

Alocasia 'Black Ninja', foliage full of mystery

Alocasia 'Black Ninja' is the subject of much debate. While all gardeners praise the beauty of its black and white foliage, specialists disagree on its origin. Some consider it a spontaneous mutation of alocasia 'Black Velvet. Others maintain that the two plants are identical.

How to recognize Alocasia 'Black Ninja'?

Alocasia 'Black Ninja' rarely exceeds 30 centimetres in height. It is an upright, compact perennial.

The green stems have an almost woody base. They emerge from an underground rhizome. They are extended by long petioles, also green.

The thick, heart-shaped leaves are at the tip. Darker than those of alocasia 'Ninja they are almost black. Their brilliant color is enhanced by white margins, veins and veins.

When Alocasia flowers, it develops a two-part inflorescence. A spathe, often green, surrounds a cream or white spadix. This phenomenon is rare for hybrid varieties grown in pots and indoors. Round or oval berries then appear.

Alocasia 'Black Ninja' may not have a katana or nunchaku, but it's a real danger. The plant is toxic to humans and animals. It can cause swelling of the lips and tongue, and breathing difficulties when ingested. It also causes skin irritation.

Our maintenance tips

Alocasia 'Black Ninja are not plants to be placed in everyone's hands. They need light, rich soil, a little knowledge and a lot of attention.

Watering

In the wild alocasia 'Black Ninja benefit from high humidity. In pots, water when the surface of the substrate is dry, over a centimetre or so.

Water from the top with room-temperature rainwater. If you don't have any, you can use filtered water. Avoid mains water, which is often too hard.

Your Alocasia 'Black Ninja likes humidity, but hates having its roots immersed in water. After watering, empty any stagnant water from the cup or planter.

Spray

Your Alocasia 'Black Ninja is a tropical plant. It appreciates a high degree of humidity. To keep it happy, mist its foliage with non-calcareous water, such as rainwater or filtered water.

Fogging isn't just good for humidity. It also prevents pest attacks and cleans the leaves.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Alocasia reginula ‘Black Ninja’ to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

In a pierced pot, pour clay balls or small pebbles to optimize drainage. Then pour in a layer of ordinary potting soil enriched with a little perlite or river sand. Plant your Alocasia 'Black Ninja, fill in with substrate and tamp.

Water to eliminate air bubbles and improve contact between roots and soil.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Stimulate the growth of your Alocasia 'Black Ninja with green plant fertilizer.

Cleaning

Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Alocasia 'Black Ninja growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.

Remember that alocasia 'Black Ninja are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Take the shoots that form at the base of your Alocasia 'Black Ninja. The larger they are, the greater the chances of success. Choose shoots with several leaves.

Cut off the new plant and its roots with a clean, sharp blade.

Prepare buckets with potting soil similar to that used for adult plants. Translucent pots are best. You'll be able to monitor root growth.

Place the bulbils on the surface, flat side down and pointed side up. Water and then place your bulbils in a greenhouse or transparent crate.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybug, accompanied by ants for its honeydew.

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Alocasia - Alocasia
Species	Alocasia reginula - Alocasia reginula
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tag	Toxic
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower colors