Alocasia infernalis
Alocasia infernalis (Black Magic Alocasia) Care Guide
Featured photoalocasia-infernalis.jpgAlocasia infernalis, sold as Black Magic Alocasia, is a Southeast Asian aroid kept indoors for its dramatic arrow-shaped or shield-like leaves. A Borneo endemic named infernalis for its near-black foliage, with arrow-shaped leaves so darkly pigmented they appear black under most lighting and a compact rosette habit. Alocasia want bright filtered light, a chunky mix that drains immediately, and humidity above 60 percent — they are notorious for sulking and dropping leaves when conditions are off.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- Temperature
- 18–27 °C
- Soil
- Chunky aroid mix of orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir for excellent aeration.
- Toxicity
- Toxic if ingested. Sap and leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe oral irritation and burning. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA. Ingestion causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. (pets)
- Origin
- Tropical and subtropical regions of southern and southeast Asia, with secondary diversity in Australia.
- Mature size
- 30 cm to 1.5 m tall depending on species, similar spread.
Overview
Alocasia infernalis belongs to Alocasia, a genus of about 80 Asian aroids known horticulturally as elephant ears. A Borneo endemic named infernalis for its near-black foliage, with arrow-shaped leaves so darkly pigmented they appear black under most lighting and a compact rosette habit. Most species grow from a corm or tuber that survives leafless dormancy, an adaptation to seasonal monsoon climates.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light, never direct midday sun.
- Chunky aroid mix with orchid bark and perlite — sat-wet roots rot quickly.
- Humidity above 60 percent; below 50 percent leaves curl and brown at edges.
- Keep above 18 °C; cool drafts trigger dormancy.
- Don't panic about leaf drop in winter — most Alocasia recover from the corm in spring.
Common Problems
Yellow leaves with mushy stems mean overwatering or compacted mix. Brown crispy edges signal low humidity. Leaves dropping rapidly in winter is usually dormancy — keep the corm slightly moist and warm and growth resumes in spring.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Why is Alocasia infernalis so dark?
The near-black colour comes from extremely high anthocyanin pigment levels in the leaf epidermis. The pigment intensifies in bright indirect light; in shade the leaves drift toward dark green-purple.
Why is my Alocasia dropping all its leaves?
Leaf drop in autumn or winter is usually seasonal dormancy — the corm survives and re-sprouts in spring. Sudden leaf loss in summer points at root rot, cold drafts, or rapid temperature change.
Is Alocasia toxic to pets?
Yes — Alocasia is listed as toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. The high concentration of calcium oxalate crystals causes severe oral irritation and drooling. Keep out of reach of pets that chew leaves.
