Cadadium Black Velvet

Unlike most Alocasias, Black Velvet has an interesting branched, rhizomatous structure that is usually about 30 to 40 centimeters high but its stem can produce plants as wide as 18 inches. It is thick but its leaves are brittle and look like beautiful ovals that resemble the shape of a heart. The leaves are black and velvety on top, have a purplish undersurface, and a very light, almost grey- silver, colored venation giving it a stunning, elegant overall look.

The reason this plant is so attractively black is that the leaves absorb light energy across the visible spectra. This means that they do not reflect any light. Interestingly, the veins of this plant reflect almost all of the visible spectra producing the black on white contrast of the leaves.

Alocasia Black velvet’s care involves an average amount of water along with dry, well-drained soil. It is advised to wait for the soil to dry before watering it again. Sunlight requirements are minimal when it comes to Alocasia black velvet’s indoor care. It can be kept under bright lights but should not be put under direct sunlight. Speaking of humidity, the little queen prefers a highly humid environment. It is also a fairly hungry plant and needs to be fertilized very often.