Alocasia ‘Black Cobra’

Parentage and origin of Alocasia ‘Black Cobra’

Alocasia ‘Black Cobra’ combines Alocasia scabriuscula with ‘Black Dragon’. A. scabriuscula grows from damp Bornean lowland forest to better-drained hill forest. ‘Black Dragon’ also carries Alocasia baginda ancestry from eastern Kalimantan. Its Alocasia reginula parent is believed to come from Borneo, and that species’ exact natural habitat is unknown.

Care for Alocasia ‘Black Cobra’

• Light: Give it plenty of filtered light and keep long periods of intense direct sun off the foliage.
• Watering: Water again as the upper mix starts to dry, before the root ball dries through. Soak the mix until water leaves the drainage holes, let the pot drain fully and empty any water left in the saucer or cover pot.
• Temperature: Keep active growth between 20–28 °C, protect it from cold windows and draughts, and keep it above 15 °C throughout the year.
• Humidity: 60–80% humidity suits it. Keep the plant away from heaters and strong dry airflow; a clean humidifier can help if the room stays dry.
• Potting mix: Use a loose medium that holds light, even moisture while still draining freely.
• Feeding: During active growth, feed moderately with a complete houseplant formula; then taper applications as the plant becomes less active.
• Propagation: Separate a rooted offset with as much of its own root system as possible, pot it on its own and keep it warm while it establishes.
• Repotting: Give the expanding clump a slightly wider pot once roots or new shoots begin to crowd the container.

Stretched stalks, stalled growth in wet mix and mite speckles

• New leaf stalks become longer and weaker and the plant keeps leaning towards the window: Give it brighter indirect light and turn the pot gradually so the light does not come mainly from one side. Existing stalks will not become shorter, so judge the change from the next leaves.
• The newest leaf opens with rough pale channels, scars or black specks: Check inside the folded growth and around the bases of the leaf stalks for thrips. Isolate the plant if you find them. Use a treatment labelled for thrips on indoor ornamental plants, and repeat it only as directed on the label.
• Growth stops for much longer than usual and the pot is taking much longer to dry: Check the roots before adding more fertiliser. If they are dark or soft, deal with the root and watering problem first. If the roots are firm and healthy, check that the plant is warm enough and getting enough bright indirect light, then correct whichever condition is lacking.
• Fine pale speckles become more obvious on older leaves: Check both sides closely for spider mites. Do not wait for heavy webbing to appear. If mites are present, keep the plant separate and use a treatment labelled for spider mites on indoor ornamental plants, repeating it only as directed on the label.

Alocasia ‘Black Cobra’: toxic if chewed

• Pets: This Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs. Keep the plant and any cut pieces where pets cannot chew them.
• Children and handling: Keep it out of reach of children. Sap from damaged tissue can irritate skin and eyes, so wash your hands after pruning and avoid touching your face.
• Why it irritates: Alocasia tissue contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals. Chewing or contact with sensitive tissue can cause immediate local irritation.
• Possible symptoms: Mouth exposure can cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, nausea or vomiting, and difficulty swallowing.
• After exposure: For a pet, contact a veterinarian. For a person, remove any plant material from the mouth and rinse with water; seek medical or poison-control advice if symptoms are significant. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent medical attention.

Names in the parentage of Alocasia ‘Black Cobra’

Its parent names include scabriuscula, meaning “somewhat rough”; baginda, an Indonesian honorific with the sense of “majesty”; and reginula, meaning “little queen”.