THANDEKILE [Alocasia 'Black Velvet']

Alocasia Reginula

Name: [Alocasia 'Black Velvet']
Brand: Atrium Plants
Price: 159.0 ZAR
Availability: InStock

R 159.00

This miniature Alocasia is famous for its stunning dark velvety leaves, offset by silvery veins. In the wild this plant is found in the jungles of Borneo where it grows under the dappled shade of trees. Due to its mini size it makes a great terrarium plant! It will maintain its small size, growing up to 20 - 30cm tall and wide.

Comes in a 14cm grow pot. Decorative planters sold separately.

Plant Care

Flat shipping rates apply per order (add more plants & pay the same on shipping). Gauteng R89. Rest of South Africa R139.

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About Plant

Caring for Thandekile

Light

Alocasias do best in bright light and can handle soft morning sun, but may burn if left in direct sun for too long. It's best to place them in a bright room, but away from the window.

Water & humidity

This Alocasia prefers to dry out more than other Alocasias, which usually need consistently moist soil, so try not to let the soil become soggy. Let the top layer dry before watering again. Water less in winter. Alocasias enjoy high temperatures & humidity levels. In winter, if temps drop below 15°C, the plants can go into dormancy, dropping their leaves. But they will come back in spring.

Feeding

Alocasias are used to growing in forests with soil rich in nutrients from decaying leaf matter. Therefore they like regular feeding with organic fertiliser. They will also benefit from added 'Kraal Manure' to the soil.

Re-potting

As heavy feeders Alocasias quickly deplete the nutrients in their soil, and like to be re-potted annually with fresh potting mix. Add peat poss and perlite stones to the mix, this ensures the soil stays evenly moist without becoming dense.

Atrium Top Tip

The trick is to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Watch out for fungal diseases, which usually appear as dark brown or black spots on the leaves, surrounded by a yellowish rim. Cut away any infected leaves and wipe with neem oil. Keep away pests with a monthly spray of warm soapy water.

Quirky plant fact

There are about 70 Alocasia sepcies, which belong to the Araceae plant family (genus), producing flowers on a type of inflorescence called a spadix (think Arum Lily). To keep herbivores away they produce calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth. Keep away from pets & toddlers.

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THANDEKILE [Alocasia 'Black Velvet'] Alocasia Reginula