Alocasia 'Black Cobra' – Upright Elegance with Dark Petioles

Alocasia 'Black Cobra' is a bold, architectural plant featuring deep green arrow-shaped leaves and dramatic near-black petioles. Its upright, clump-forming habit and sleek closed leaf sinus create a refined silhouette, making it perfect for spaces where strong vertical lines and compact growth are key. Unlike sprawling elephant ear types, this cultivar stays manageable indoors while still delivering maximum visual impact.

● What Makes Alocasia 'Black Cobra' Special

Dark, almost black petioles contrasted by deep green, leathery foliage
Compact, upright growth ideal for medium to large containers
Closed leaf sinus for a sleek, sculptural profile
Produces basal offshoots, forming dense clumps over time
Thrives in stable indoor conditions with warmth and humidity

● Botanical Notes

Alocasia 'Black Cobra' likely has odora-type parentage, based on its moderate size, upright growth, and closed sinus. While the exact origin is unverified, it aligns with dark-stemmed hybrids bred for contrast and structure. The name remains unregistered and is used as a trade term.

● Care Guide

Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct midday sun
Watering: Water when the top 15-20% of soil is dry; never let roots sit in water
Humidity: Best at 60 – 80%; maintain even moisture
Temperature: Keep between 18 – 28 °C for optimal growth
Soil: Use a mineral-rich, well-aerated aroid mix
Fertilizer: Apply a balanced liquid feed monthly during growth
Repotting: Every 12 months or when roots crowd the pot
Propagation: Divide mature basal offshoots during repotting
Maintenance: Remove yellow or damaged leaves at the base and wipe foliage clean

● Common Issues

Yellow leaves: Usually from overwatering or compacted soil
Drooping foliage: Caused by low humidity, cold, or root disturbance
Pests: Check regularly for spider mites and mealybugs; treat promptly
Root rot: Avoid waterlogged substrates; ensure good drainage

● Toxicity

Contains calcium oxalate crystals; toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

● Best Placement

Position in bright, indirect light with stable humidity. Ideal for interior corners or statement planters where its upright form enhances the space.

● Extra Tips

Support early growth with a slim stake if needed. Use terracotta or breathable pots with drainage holes to maintain healthy root conditions.

● Etymology

The genus name Alocasia derives from Greek “a-” (not) and Colocasia, marking its distinction from taro relatives. The trade name 'Black Cobra' references the upright, poised form and dark petioles resembling a cobra’s stance.

● FAQs – Alocasia 'Black Cobra'

Is it the same as 'Black Stem'?No. 'Black Stem' refers to macrorrhizos types with open sinuses and larger spread, while 'Black Cobra' has a compact, closed sinus form.

How tall does it get?Up to 150 cm tall and about 100 cm wide in ideal conditions.

Does it bloom indoors?Rarely; if it does, expect a pale spadix and spathe typical of aroids.

Can it grow outdoors?Only in frost-free climates. Indoors, it thrives in bright, stable conditions.

Is it safe for pets?No; all Alocasias are toxic if ingested.

Add Alocasia 'Black Cobra' to your collection today for a dramatic, sculptural plant with bold, dark petioles and refined foliage structure.

Alocasia 'Black Cobra'

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Alocasia 'Black Cobra' is approximately 60 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 14 cm pot
Name: Alocasia 'Black Cobra' (cultivar, likely odora hybrid origin)

Growth and habit: Herbaceous plant

Form: Cryptophyte (Corm geophyte)

Family: Araceae

Native Range: Cultivated hybrid, likely derived from tropical Asian species like Alocasia odora

Hardiness Zone: Suitable for indoor cultivation, not frost-tolerant

Height: Up to 150 cm

Spread: 80–100 cm

Humidity: 60–80%

Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid strong midday sun

Temperature: 18–28 °C

Soil: Loose, mineral-rich aroid mix with excellent drainage

Watering: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feel dry

Pruning and Maintenance: Remove dead or yellow leaves at base

Foliage: Deep green, arrow-shaped leaves with a fully closed sinus

Growth Rate: Moderate under stable humidity and warmth

Root Structure and Repotting: Compact corm with basal offsets; repot annually or when pot-bound

Fertilizing: Feed monthly with balanced liquid fertilizer

Tolerance: Sensitive to cold, drafts, and low humidity

Adaptability: Adapts well to stable indoor conditions with consistent care

Propagation: Division of basal offsets

Common Pests: Spider mites, mealybugs; inspect regularly

Fungal Issues: Root rot in poorly draining soil; ensure airflow

Flowering: Rare indoors; produces typical aroid spathe and spadix

Longevity: Several years with proper care; long-term container plant

Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested

Ideal Placement: Bright, draft-free, humid location

Special Care: May benefit from a support stake in early stages

Leaf Maintenance: Wipe with damp cloth to remove dust

Stress Signs: Drooping or yellow leaves signal root or humidity issues

Pot Material: Terracotta or breathable plastic with drainage holes
Plant Care Help – Start Here

Plant Care After Purchase – Unpacking, first placement, and the crucial first week.

Acclimatization – What plants go through after shipping and how to support recovery.

Light – Practical light principles for predictable indoor growth.

Watering – Frequency, volume, and signs of over- vs. underwatering.

Substrates – Mix structure, particle size, and drainage for strong roots.

Humidity – Managing ambient moisture indoors without gimmicks.

Fertilizing – Nutrients, EC, and how to avoid salt stress.

Semi-Hydro – Inert/mineral substrates, wicks, and reservoir management.

Pest Control – Identification, treatment cycles, and prevention that works.
Please Note:

Curated Selection: Every plant is hand-picked for quality and visual appeal, ensuring you receive a healthy, well-established specimen.

Representative Image: Product photos serve as reference. Each plant is unique — differences in leaf number, shape, or variegation are natural.

Size Details: Sizes refer to pot diameter and overall height (from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem).

Specific Listings: If a product is a ‘Get What You See’ item, this will be stated clearly in the size section.

Individual Photos: Photos of single plants are not available unless explicitly mentioned in the size section. For details on each plant’s unique traits or minor quirks, please read the full product description.