Alocasia reginula 'Ninja' – Rare Jewel Alocasia with Deep Velvet Leaves

Alocasia reginula 'Ninja', also known as 'Black Ninja', is a dark, compact variety of Alocasia reginula A.Hay that emerged on the market around 2020. Native to Borneo, this jewel Alocasia features near-black, velvety foliage with refined silver veins and a dense growth form that stays perfectly proportioned for shelves, desks, and terrariums. Explore more related species and cultivars in our Alocasia Collection.

● Distinctive Traits of Alocasia reginula 'Ninja'

Velvety Darkness: Deep matte leaves with subtle silver veining, soft to the touch.
Compact Structure: Stays below 25 cm, perfect for tight indoor spaces and glass enclosures.
Unique Leaf Detail: Double marginal veins give a sculptural, shadowed appearance unlike any other Alocasia reginula form.
Collector Status: Rare and sought-after among Alocasia enthusiasts for its dramatic tone and limited availability.

● Care Guide – Growing Alocasia reginula 'Ninja'

Light: Prefers bright, filtered light or gentle morning sun. Avoid direct midday exposure. Learn about positioning in our indoor light guide.
Watering: Allow 30–40 % of the substrate to dry before watering again. Never keep the soil saturated — detailed help in root rot prevention tips.
Humidity: 60–75 % ideal; consistent moisture encourages dense growth.
Temperature: Maintain between 18 – 27 °C. Avoid exposure below 15 °C.
Soil: Use a loose aroid substrate of perlite, bark, and coco coir; find ratio examples in our aroid substrate guide.
Feeding: Apply a mild, balanced fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing period.
Propagation: Divide offsets when present; patience is key, as not every plant produces them readily.
Semi-Hydro Setup: Performs well in mineral or semi-hydro substrates with steady nutrient control.

● Troubleshooting and Common Issues

Yellowing Leaves: Indicates overwatering — increase drying intervals.
Leaf Curling: Linked to low humidity or inconsistent watering. Raise moisture levels and stabilize conditions.
Brown Tips: Often caused by strong sun or fertilizer buildup — flush substrate occasionally.
Slow Growth: Common in cooler seasons; adjust temperature or light intensity.
Pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites and mealybugs. Treat promptly with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

● Collector Appeal and Styling Ideas

Alocasia reginula 'Ninja' blends perfectly with pale variegated foliage and ceramic planters. Its rich black tone anchors plant groupings and adds texture to minimalist or terrarium setups. Despite its exotic look, this compact Borneo Alocasia remains easy to manage once light, humidity, and substrate are balanced.

● Botanical and Name Background

The species name reginula means “little queen” in Latin — a fitting description for this compact, regal plant. The cultivar name ‘Ninja’ reflects its dark, stealthy appearance and smooth surface texture. This form differs from Alocasia reginula 'Black Velvet' by its deeper coloration and more structured venation, giving it a distinct identity among jewel Alocasias.

● Bring Home Alocasia 'Ninja' – The Shadow Queen of Jewel Aroids

Alocasia reginula 'Ninja' is a rare, semi-hydro compatible jewel Alocasia with unmatched dark elegance. Ideal for collectors seeking compact foliage drama in small spaces. Order your Black Ninja Alocasia today and let this understated gem become the centrepiece of your tropical collection.

Alocasia reginula 'Ninja'

From €10.50

VAT Included

Quantity

Alocasia reginula 'Ninja' comes in following sizes:

Plug (Starter Plant) – ⌀ 2 cm and is approximately 8 cm tall

Baby Plant – is approximately 10 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 6 cm pot

M – is approximately 25 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot
Name: Alocasia reginula 'Ninja' – a cultivar of Alocasia reginula A.Hay, characterized by its compact size and dark, velvety leaves.

Type: Tuberous aroid; stores nutrients and water in underground organs.

Form: Hemicryptophyte; perennial with buds located at or slightly above ground level.

Family: Araceae (Arum family); known for ornamental foliage and diverse leaf forms.

Native Range: Borneo (Sarawak), although not confirmed in the wild.

Zone: USDA hardiness zones 10–12; suitable for indoor cultivation in temperate climates.

Habitat: Shaded understory of tropical rainforests with high humidity and well-draining soil.

Height: Reaches 15–30 cm indoors; compact and manageable size.

Spread: Can spread up to 30 cm; forms a dense clump with age.

Growth Habit: Compact, low-growing with a rosette of small, heart-shaped, dark green to nearly black leaves.

Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 2–3 cm of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Humidity: Thrives in humidity levels above 60%; high humidity is essential for healthy growth.

Temperature: Optimal temperatures between 18–27°C; sensitive to temperatures below 15°C.

Soil: Well-draining, rich potting mix; use a mix with peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark for aeration and moisture retention.

Water: Regular watering to maintain evenly moist soil; avoid letting soil dry out completely.

Maintenance: Low to moderate; requires minimal pruning and occasional removal of damaged leaves.

Foliage: Small, velvety, dark green to almost black leaves with a subtle sheen; compact and visually striking.

Tolerance: Sensitive to overwatering, low humidity, and cold drafts; requires stable conditions for optimal growth.

Fertilizing: Feed monthly during the growing season with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half strength.

Propagation: Propagate via division of rhizomes or offsets during repotting.

Common Pests: Susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects; inspect regularly and treat promptly.

Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors; primarily grown for its attractive foliage.

Growth Rate: Slow to moderate growth under optimal conditions; maintains a compact size indoors.

Toxicity: Toxic to pets and humans if ingested; contains calcium oxalate crystals—handle with care.

Ideal Placement: Place in a warm area with bright, indirect light and high humidity; avoid cold drafts and direct sun.

Repotting: Repot every 1–2 years or when root-bound; use a shallow container with well-draining soil to accommodate its growth habit.

Special Care: Maintain high humidity and stable temperatures; avoid overwatering and provide good airflow to prevent fungal issues.
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.