Alocasia reginula, the velvet-leaved Alocasia

With its velvety, contrasting foliage, Alocasia reginula could have come out of a botanist's laboratory or a jeweller's workshop. Not so. This plant of the Araceae family is the work of Mother Nature and grows in Borneo.

How do you recognize Alocasia reginula?

An herbaceous, rhizomatous plant with an upright habit, Alocasia reginula reaches a height of 40 centimetres.

The short stems grow from a tuberous rhizome. They are extended by a long, fleshy stalk.

Coriaceous, velvety leaf blades open out at the tip. Oval or elliptical, they measure up to 15 cm long and 10 cm wide. The color of the foliage varies from one variety to another. The botanical variety, Alocasia reginula, has dark green leaves with pale green, almost white veins. Their lighter underside can turn purple. But in alocasia 'Black Velvet, one of the most widespread cultivars, the leaves are almost black.

Alocasia reginula blooms in summer. A spathe appears, containing a spadix lined with white flowers.

The sap of Alocasia reginula contains calcium oxalate crystals. This substance is highly toxic to pets (especially cats) if ingested. It can also cause skin irritation in humans.

Our maintenance tips

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

Spray

Your Alocasia reginula 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 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 reginula, 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 reginula with green plant fertilizer.

Cleaning

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

Remember that alocasia reginula 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 reginula. 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 color
Fruit color