Alocasia reginula (Alocasia reginula)

The Alocasia reginula, also known as black velvet, is a unique species of flowering cormous aroid, which falls under the Araceae family. It is indigenous to the Sabah realm in Malaysia. Between the period of 2018 to 2020, this species, nicknamed as one of the 'jewel' Alocasias amongst several other mini Alocasia species, saw an escalated interest from plant enthusiasts. Up until 2021, there was limited information about the plant and its roots. Initially identified from cultivation, the plant, often marketed as “Alocasia 'Black Velvet'” is not a contemporary hybrid or cultivar; it's a separate species known as A. reginula. It thrives in the dry, deeply shaded limestone cliffs of Tabin Wildlife Reserve. It can be grown as a houseplant as long as there's sharp drainage, otherwise, it's at risk of rotting. Numerous plant sellers tend to use excessive dense potting media for houseplants. The advised method would be to momentarily remove the plant to improve the substrate and enhance permeability and drainage. Suitable substrate enhancements for all types of Alocasia can be perlite, pumice, small to medium orchid bark, coconut coir and chips, sphagnum moss, LECA, or a variation of some or all. Alternatively, some plant growers have noted prosperous growth when the corms are planted exclusively in sphagnum moss.