Alocasia reginula'Black Velvet' is one of the most visually striking compact plants you can grow indoors. Its small, near-black leaves have a deep, plush velvet texture and are traced with a fine network of bright white veins, creating a contrast that looks almost artificial. Unlike most Alocasias, which grow large and demand space, 'Black Velvet' stays genuinely compact, making it ideal for shelves, desks, and terrariums. It grows slowly and deliberately, and each new leaf is a small event. This is a plant for people who enjoy looking closely.
Live Arrival Guarantee
All plants are covered by our 7-day live arrival guarantee. We pack every order in protective, sustainable packaging designed to keep your plants safe in transit, and every plant is checked before it ships. On the rare occasion something is not right on arrival, we will make it good, provided the plant is still in its original nursery pot.
Your quick reference for choosing the right plant size. We group our plants by the diameter of their nursery pots which gives you a consistent way to understand scale.
5–8cm
Mini
Small but full of charm. These compact plants are perfect for desks, windowsills, and small shelves, or for building out a collection over time. Ideal if you enjoy watching your plants grow from the beginning. Approx. height: 10–20cm
9–11cm
Small
A step up in presence, great for side tables, shelves, or styling in clusters. Easy to move around and perfect for adding greenery without taking up too much space. Approx. height: 25–35cm
12–14cm
Medium
Our most versatile size. Works beautifully on shelves, desks, and plant stands, offering a fuller look without dominating a space. A great balance between impact and flexibility. Approx. height: 25–50cm
15–18cm
Large
More established plants with fuller foliage and stronger structure. Ideal for creating soft focal points in a room. Great for corners, beside furniture, or as standalone features. Approx. height: 40–70cm
19+cm
Extra Large
Big, impactful plants designed for floors and open spaces. These are your statement pieces and are perfect for anchoring a room or transforming a corner with instant greenery. Approx. height: 60cm–1.3m
Pots that fit this plant
We recommend
How to care for Alocasia Reginula
Give me bright light out of the midday sun and water me when the top of my soil feels dry.
In their words
What our customers say
EP
Emily P.
Arrived just like the photos - maybe even fuller. Healthy, well-acclimated, and straight into my collection with no issues.
JR
James R.
Flawless leaves, stunning variegation, and clearly cared for by experts. It’s already a talking point in my home office.
SL
Sophie L.
Hard to find rare plants that are pet-safe. Ours arrived in perfect condition and looks amazing without any worry.
Get to know me
About Alocasia Reginula
Alocasia 'Black Velvet' is a houseplant that takes a little effort. It needs bright indirect light, watering once the top 2 to 3cm of compost has dried out, high humidity and a minimum temperature of 16°C. It is harmful to pets and small children if eaten.
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in bright, indirect light or dappled shade. Keep it away from direct sun, which can scorch its delicate leaves. For healthy growth and vibrant foliage, place it near a north-facing or east-facing window where it will receive plenty of filtered light.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.Read moreShow less
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water your plant when the top 1/3 to 1/2 of the soil feels slightly dry, and always ensure the pot has good drainage. Avoid soggy soil or standing water, and do not let the plant dry out completely, as steady moisture is essential for healthy growth.
Humidity
Average homeHigh humidity
Needs high humidity
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.Read moreShow less
This plant will tolerate normal household humidity, but performs best with slightly higher levels. Like all tropical plants, good humidity levels help support healthy growth and keep the foliage healthy. If you have a particularly dry home, grouping plants together can help to increase humidity.
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.Read moreShow less
This plant grows best in warm temperatures between 18°C and 26°C. Keep it away from cold draughts and avoid temperatures below 15°C, as cooler conditions can stress the plant and affect healthy growth.
Feeding
Feed monthly with a balanced fertiliser from spring to autumn, and let it rest over winter.
Soil & Substrate
Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet' has a small root system and is highly sensitive to overwatering. It needs a substrate that drains quickly and thoroughly, with plenty of air around the roots. Our Alocasia Potting Mix is fast-draining, and formulated to prevent the waterlogging that this species is particularly susceptible to.
Harmful if chewed or swallowed. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children, and wash your hands after pruning.
Origins
Alocasia reginula is native to the tropical rainforests of Borneo, where it grows as an understorey plant in warm, humid, shaded environments. In the wild, it experiences consistent warmth, high ambient humidity, and heavily dappled light beneath the forest canopy.
No, this plant isn't pet safe. It can be harmful or cause irritation if chewed, so keep it out of reach of cats and dogs. If you think your pet has eaten any, ring your vet straight away.
We aim to avoid using pesticides where possible, but we can't control the whole supply chain.
If the plant is going into a vivarium, terrarium or aquarium with live animals, rinse the leaves and roots well, remove any soil and let the plant dry out before adding it. We'd also suggest keeping it away from animals for a month first.
Can I see a photo of the exact plant I'll receive?
We're not able to send photos of individual plants or let you choose a specific one, as plants are selected by our team when your order is packed. Our photos show the variety and the kind of plant you can expect, and yours may vary a little in height, shape or fullness.
If a size has a code next to it, such as 9cm / B2, you're buying the exact plant pictured.
Does my plant come with a pot?
Your plant will arrive in its nursery grow pot — the plastic pot it's been growing in. We don't include a decorative pot as standard, and there's a good reason for that: it means you get to choose one that fits your space and style, rather than being stuck with something that doesn't suit your home.
It also means you're not paying extra for a pot you might not want. The nursery pot is perfectly fine to keep your plant in for a while, just pop it inside a decorative cover pot or cache pot and you're good to go. When you're ready to repot (usually after a growing season or when roots start poking out the bottom), you can move it into something more permanent with fresh soil.
If you're not sure what size cover pot to go for, check the pot selector tool listed above, you'll want a decorative pot that's a centimetre or two wider than that to give it a comfortable fit.
How big will my plant be when it arrives?
Every plant on our site includes the pot size (e.g. 12cm) and, where possible, an approximate height. That's the most reliable way to set your expectations, photos can sometimes make a plant look larger or smaller than it really is.
If you're thinking "that sounds quite small for the price," here's something worth knowing: younger, smaller plants almost always adapt better to your home than larger ones. They adjust faster to your light and humidity, put out new growth more quickly, and tend to establish stronger root systems long-term. A plant that grows into your space will usually outperform one that was already big when it arrived.
That said, every plant is an individual. The one you receive may vary slightly in height, shape, or fullness compared to the photo, that's the nature of living things, not a quality issue. We select healthy, well-established specimens, and if you ever feel your plant doesn't match what you were expecting, just get in touch and we'll take a look.
What makes your plants different from the supermarket or garden centre?
There's a big difference between a plant that's been sitting under on a retail shelf and one that's been looked after and cared for by people who specialise in exactly this.
Our plants are grown in house or sourced from specialist nurseries, many of them varieties you simply won't find at your local garden centre or supermarket. Before anything leaves us, it's checked over by our horticultural team to make sure it's healthy, well-rooted, and ready to thrive in your home. We're not shifting volume off a pallet, we're choosing plants we'd want to keep ourselves.
When you buy from a supermarket, you get a plant and a generic care label. When you buy from us, you get the knowledge that comes with it, detailed care guidance, a team you can actually contact if something isn't going right, and the confidence that what's arriving has been looked after properly from the moment it was grown to the moment it reaches your door.
We're a specialist nursery first, not a retailer that happens to sell plants. That's the difference, and you'll see it the moment you open the box.
What should I do when my plant arrives?
First things first, unbox it as soon as you can. Plants don't love being in dark boxes any more than you would, and the sooner yours is out and breathing, the better.
Remove all the packaging carefully, give the soil a check with your finger, and water lightly if it feels dry. Then find it a spot with appropriate light, but avoid putting it straight into harsh direct sun or next to a radiator. Think of it like arriving somewhere new after a long journey: it needs a moment to adjust.
It's completely normal for your plant to look a little tired or droopy after transit. This is called transit stress, and most plants bounce back within a week or two. You might see a yellow leaf or some drooping, don't panic, and resist the urge to overwater or start repotting straight away.
Our advice for the first couple of weeks: leave it in its nursery pot, water it only when the top layer of soil feels dry, and let it acclimatise to your home's light, temperature, and humidity. Once it's settled in and showing signs of new growth, you can think about repotting or moving it to its permanent spot.
Every plant we sell comes with a care guide on the product page so you'll know exactly what it needs going forward. And if anything doesn't look right, get in touch with our team, we're always happy to help.
Will my plant survive being shipped?
Yes! and we go to serious lengths to make sure of it. Every plant is hand-packed by our team with protective wrapping and secure, custom-designed boxes to keep it stable and safe in transit. We've shipped hundreds of thousands of plants across the UK and our packaging methods have been refined over years to handle the bumps and jolts of delivery.
During colder months, we monitor weather forecasts and offer heat packs where needed to protect against frost. In extreme conditions, we may hold your order for a day or two rather than risk sending it out, we'd rather you wait an extra day than receive a stressed plant.
That said, plants are living things, and the occasional transit wobble can happen. If your plant arrives damaged or isn't in the condition you'd expect, just get in touch within 7 days with a photo, and we'll make it right, whether that's a replacement or a full refund. No fuss.
The short version: we treat every box like it's going to someone who really cares about what's inside, because it is.
Alocasia are some of the most striking houseplants you can grow. Bold, architectural leaves on slender stems that immediately draw the eye. They're native to tropical and subtropical forests across Southeast Asia, where they grow on the forest floor in warm...
Every order is hand-packed in eco-friendly, protective packaging - refined through thousands of deliveries to ensure your plant arrives healthy, hydrated, and looking its best.
Backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Perfect for Gifting
From rare collector’s pieces to easy-care favourites, our plants arrive fully potted and ready to enjoy. Add a personalised note at checkout for a thoughtful finishing touch.
Delivered fresh, beautiful, and gift-ready.
Sustainability at Heart
All plants are ethically sourced from trusted growers, never wild-collected. Every order ships carbon-neutral in minimal-waste packaging.
Good for your home - and the planet.
Verified reviews
Rated by real customers
Customers praised this stunning houseplant for its "velvety" dark leaves with bright veins and unique sensory texture. Most received healthy, well-packaged specimens showing new growth. A few noted minor leaf damage or yellowing tips, and one mentioned bare-root delivery. Some desired care instruction labels.
Beautiful plant. I love the texture, it's a proper sensory experience!
So beautiful. It really does look and feel like velvet.
Gorgeous leaves. The colour really pops. Very high quality.
5 stars: 70 (91%)
4 stars: 6 (8%)
3 stars: 1 (1%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)
M
Miriam Miriam (United Kingdom)
It's a beautiful plant. I love the texture it has, it doesn't feel like a leaf when you touch it. It's a proper sensory experience! I love the shape of this plant and I can't wait to see it grow. Definitely recommend it
M
Muhammad W.
Quality
Amazing plant very good morning quality
S
Sanda N.
Best
Stunning plants
K
Kerry R.
Amazing!
Such a stunning little baby!
I am so impressed by how well these guys were packaged!
It’s such a happy little baby, I let them settle and have since repot into the alocasia mix! Thank you!
S
Stephen M.
Plants arrived very carefully packaged
Plants arrived very carefully packaged and looked absolutely stunning once unwrapped, looking forward to watching them grow.
D
Diana B.
Great
Great little plant. Tip of the leaves are a bit yellow but I understand they are quite dramatic
D
Danielle E.
Love them
Got 3 baby plants in 1 order. I'm new to plants so hopefully I'm caring for them properly but they all seem happy today, 1 month later.
S
Steven C.
New plants
Great company ,what u ordered came very quickly and in excellent order. I will be using again
C
Claire F.
Gorgoues black velvet
This was stunning. Glossy thick leaves, healthy roots and well packed. No complaints at all!
L
Lily Fox
Stunning and worth it
Such a cute and beautiful plant! Totally worth it! :laughing:
K
Katherine D.
Amazing alocasia
Gorgeous leaves. The colour really pops. Brilliantly packaged. Very high quality.
S
Selina
Wonderful
Such a cute little plant! Arrived perfect and healthy
E
Emma N.
Another beauty
Absolutely perfect quality. Stunning leaves! On point as always!
C
Colin C.
So cute
Gorgeous dark leaves, with a velvety quality. So cute at this baby stage.
R
Richard T.
Nice healthy plant :ok_hand:
Nice healthy plant :ok_hand:
L
Linda Linda (United Kingdom)
11cm
Really nice plant great addition to my collection
K
Keira
Super cute small plant, looks very healthy, it was free with my order! ❤️
J
Jayne
Beautiful plant. Well packaged and arrived safely.
J
Jayne
Beautiful plant. Well packaged and arrived safely.
S
Sophie O.
So beautiful
Arrived today. So beautiful. It really does look and feel lile velet. Basically alocasia but one of my favourites. Cant wait to watch her grow
S
Sakile S.
Absolute queen
Ahhh im obsessed. Literally my dream plant for ages and it was on offer what more can I say? The leaves are gorgeous it looks amazing in perfect condition absolutely thriving
O
Oskar
Came alive and without pests and is a gorgeous little plant
O
Oskar
Came alive and without pests and is a gorgeous little plant
A
Amanda R.
Really happy with my new
Really happy with my new Alocasia. Very healthy baby plant to add to my collection.
K
Kamila
Delivered perfectly packaged, no damage to the plant. Lovely healthy plant in my collection.
There are may more on my wish list for future purchases.
The only thing I’d love to see is adding a small label with care instructions, as I have so many plants I keep forgeting how to give them best care.
K
Kamila
Delivered perfectly packaged, no damage to the plant. Lovely healthy plant in my collection.
There are may more on my wish list for future purchases.
The only thing I’d love to see is adding a small label with care instructions, as I have so many plants I keep forgeting how to give them best care.
