---
title: "Hey All! I just an Alocasia Black Velvet. The plant app says it’s…"
description: "Hey All! I just an Alocasia Black Velvet. The plant app says it’s hard. Do you guys have any tips for this one? I’ve never had an Alocasia before. Other than…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/64a2142e549141a775d6ba6e"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "Tellie"
published: "2023-07-03T00:19:58.607Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/everythingHousePlants.jpg"
---

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# Hey All! I just an Alocasia Black Velvet. The plant app says it’s…

_Posted by Tellie on 2023-07-03_

Hey All!

I just an Alocasia Black Velvet. The plant app says it’s hard. Do you guys have any tips for this one? I’ve never had an Alocasia before. Other than an African mask it died out no where.

## 8 comments

### Danika commented on 2023-07-03

Here is what I’ve learned about Alocasias:  
Most nurseries \& box stores sell these to you in soil that is completely wrong for the longevity of this plant. Its usually something that is way to dense and peaty or pure coco coir that holds onto moisture for way to long and doesn’t allow enough oxygen to get to Alocasia roots. So the leaves start to yellow and die slowly one by one, somewhat from root rot but also fungal issues arise.  
If this seems true to the plant soil you got, change out the soil asap to an aroid chunky mix and also let soil dry out about 1/3 way down before watering again. You will soon after that stop loosing leaves and instead start growing new ones!  
Also, they need a lot more indirect light than you think. Do not put in a dark corner and think it will thrive. Supplement with a grow light if you can.

#### Cindy Asby replied on 2023-07-03

I just bought one also. I have Happy Frog and Ocean, orchid bark, peat moss and succulent soil. Would any of those work?

#### Cindy Asby replied on 2023-07-03

And perlite

#### Roundshouse Plants replied on 2023-07-03

100% agree. I've had to put a few alocasia in the graveyard. Once I figured out it was the soil, I was able to get one to live. Great advice!

### Tellie commented on 2023-07-03

Thank you!

### Sarah commented on 2023-07-03

No advice here to give but she’s gorgeous!!!

### Plants\&theirMediums commented on 2023-07-03

My diy soil mix is EXTRA chunky. Something that you can mix into the soil is leca believe it or not. It adds lots of air and drainage that black velvets NEED. More things to add would be like extra large perlite, extra large bark, charcoal, etc. Soil is veryyyy important for that plant so make sure you get it right along with the high humidity (60% or higher) and watering needs. Overall, once you figure it out, the plant is relatively easy

### Liz commented on 2023-07-03

I have one of these and it just started flowering (which I will remove, but still cool)! Make sure to use filtered water.

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