BLACK VELVET
BLACK VELVET
Product Description:
Houseplants are 1 year old and are ready to ship now. Plants are in 3 ½ inch pots. Order early for best availability. Detailed growing instructions are included with each order and may be obtained below. Available only within the contiguous US.
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Key Features:
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Key Features:
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Black Velvet Alocasia is a dwarf or Jewel Alocasia.
It is very important to unbox the plant immediately upon arrival. Test the soil, and if it is dry to the touch, water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain off. Never allow the plant to sit in water.
Light Exposure
Provide a location indoors with bright, indirect light. Avoid a location with direct, hot afternoon sun especially in summer. If your plant develops long, drooping stems, increase its light exposure.
Irrigation
Alocasia prefer infrequent, moderate watering. Watering frequency may change depending on the plant’s light exposure, ambient temperature, humidity, and day length, so test the soil moisture with your finger and water when the soil is dry to the touch! Your alocasia will appreciate high humidity, so misting the leaves, providing a humidifier or setting the pot in a tray or dish of moistened pebbles will help achiever this.
Fertilization
Use an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer monthly during the growing season. Follow the label directions.
Repotting
Alocasias are content being slightly root bound and grow fairly slowly, so don’t expect it will require repotting very often. If the plant is sending heavy roots out of the drainage holes, it may be good to give it more room. Choose a larger container and use a well-draining potting soil for indoor plants.
Common Problems
Insects—Spider Mites can be a problem with alocasia. These appear as tiny white or tan specks on the underside of the leaves. Serious infestations will be accompanied fine webbing. The best defense is maintaining the optimum health of the plant, so its immune system will help ward off pests. Humidity is also a good defense against spider mites. Application of neem oil as a treatment or at least monthly for a preventative measure.
Leaves curling—may be a sign of too much light.
Yellowing leaves—Can be indicative of under or over watering. Since Alocasia are prone to overwatering, unless you’ve been very sparing with the water, it’s probably a sign of too much moisture.
Losing leaves—If your plant is losing its outer or lowest leaves and producing new leaves, then the lost leaves are a normal part of the plant’s development.
Brown leaf tips—Fertilizer burn or underwatering may cause brown leaf tips. If the tips are dry and crispy, it’s likely underwatering.