Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' leaf close-up on white background.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 2.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 3.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 4.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 5.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' potted houseplant in nursery pot on white background, product photo 6.

Araceae

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' lives up to its name with small, near-black, mirror-gloss leaves on a compact plant. One of those dark jewels that makes everything planted around it look brighter.

Full guide to Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

€10,00

VAT included · plus

Size:

Baby (XS)

Variant

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' at a glance:

Alocasia infernalis ‘Black Magic’ is one of the darkest jewel Alocasias in cultivation, with compact glossy leaves that shift from violet-purple in youth to near-black once mature. The surface is reflective and smooth rather than velvety, so the plant can look almost lacquered under bright filtered light. It generally stays between 30 and 60 cm indoors, making it suitable for cabinets, shelves, and smaller displays where detail matters.

Because the foliage is dark and compact, it pairs especially well with silver or chartreuse plants that throw its colour into sharper relief. Keep it warm, humid, and in a very airy substrate, watering when the upper portion has dried slightly so the roots never sit wet for long. It is ideal for growers who want a plant with unmistakably dramatic dark foliage.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

Quick Care Guide

Light

Bright indirect • approx. 10,000–20,000 lux

Water

Water when ~40–60% dry

Substrate

Aerated • Moisture-buffered • Balanced organic + mineral • Medium

Temperature

Ideal: 18–29 °C • Avoid below: 15 °C

Humidity

Humid 60–80 % +

Growth habit

small terrestrial herb

Support

not needed

Growth speed

Slow

Max size indoors

Max. height: 60 cm • Max. spread: 40 cm

Toxicity & safety

Toxic

Origin & habitat

Cultivar of Alocasia infernalis

How to read these metrics

These metrics are standardised reference points. We compile them by reviewing and cross-checking multiple botanical and horticultural references, then refining them through real-world growing experience. Source links: Plant Care Resources.

Please use the values as guidance. Conditions vary by home, so the same plant can respond differently. For plant-specific context, read the full product description and browse our Plant Care Guides.

Light: level + approximate lux at leaf level;
Watering: “% dry” is the trigger before watering again; lower % stays more evenly moist.
Potting mix: one-line profile (structure/drainage • moisture buffer • base • particle size).
Temperature: “Ideal” comfort range; “Avoid below” marks higher stress risk.
Humidity: target bands (Normal/Moist/Humid); consistency usually matters most.

Growth habit: growth form (rosette, trailing, climbing) for placement and training.
Support: needed/optional/none — whether stake, pole, or trellis improves structure and size.
Growth speed: fast/average/slow under decent indoor conditions—expectations, not a promise.
Max size indoors: realistic long-term potential; format differs for climbers vs. trailers.
Toxicity & safety: chemical irritants/toxicity and physical hazards (spines, bristles).
Origin & habitat: native region + typical biome/habitat as context.

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' – Exotic Foliage and Care Guide

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' is a premium jewel Alocasia from Borneo, celebrated for its deep metallic foliage that shimmers between violet and near-black tones. A compact tropical aroid discovered by botanist P.C. Boyce, this rare species has become a collector’s treasure for its mysterious coloration, glossy texture, and elegant dwarf habit. Perfect for terraria, modern interiors, or curated plant displays, Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' adds striking contrast and tropical sophistication. Learn more about the genus in our Alocasia guide.

Distinctive Features of Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

Foliage: Glossy, metallic leaves that transition from violet-purple in youth to dark, mirror-black at maturity.
Growth habit: Dwarf, upright form reaching 30–60 cm indoors with thick, clustered petioles.
Collector appeal: Rare Bornean Alocasia prized for its reflective surface and unique, infernal coloration.
Adaptability: Compact structure ideal for display shelves or small interior spaces.

Natural Habitat and Growth Characteristics

Alocasia infernalis originates from Sarawak, Malaysia, where it grows under dense forest canopy on rich, humid soils. In nature, it occupies shaded rainforest floors, adapting to low-light, high-humidity environments. Indoors, its compact habit makes it perfectly suited to warm, bright rooms with consistent moisture and airflow.

How to Care for Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

This Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' care guide ensures you maintain its rich color and compact growth all year round.

Light: Provide bright, indirect light to preserve its metallic sheen; avoid strong midday sun.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but never soggy; water when the top 20 % feels dry (watering guide).
Humidity: Aim for ≥70 % RH; steady moisture preserves the glossy texture and prevents crisping (humidity guide).
Soil mix: Use a well-draining substrate rich in organic matter and aeration components such as bark and perlite blend.
Fertilising: Apply diluted, balanced liquid fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during active growth; reduce in cooler months.
Temperature: Keep between 20–28 °C; avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts.
Repotting: Refresh substrate every 1–2 years or once roots fill the pot; always provide drainage.
Propagation: Divide rhizomes or offsets during repotting; ensure each has roots and a viable node.

Common Issues and Solutions – Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

Crisping leaves: Low humidity or excessive heat; stabilize ambient moisture and shade slightly.
Yellowing: Caused by overwatering; allow partial drying before rewatering and ensure drainage holes.
Pests: Monitor for mites or thrips; wipe foliage regularly and treat early if needed.
Slow growth: Common in cooler seasons – resume fertilising when temperatures rise.

Botanical Background and Etymology

The genus Alocasia derives from the related Colocasia, a nod to their shared taro ancestry. The species epithet infernalis means “of the underworld,” describing its dark, mystical tones. The cultivar name ‘Black Magic’ references its glossy, otherworldly leaves that gleam like obsidian under indirect light.

Bring Home Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

Bring home Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' – a rare jewel Alocasia from Borneo with glossy, near-black foliage, compact form, and mysterious metallic shimmer that elevates any interior plant collection.

Plant Care Basics:

Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic'

€10,00

FAQs about Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' – black colour, warmth, and cabinet growing

Why is Alocasia infernalis 'Black Magic' not looking as black as expected?

The deepest tones usually show in strong filtered light with steady warmth. In lower light or after stress, the plant can look greener and less dramatic.

Does it need warmer conditions than larger Alocasias?

Usually yes. It tends to respond badly to cold and performs best when kept consistently warm. Sudden dips can stall growth quickly.

Is 'Black Magic' better in a cabinet than on an open shelf?

Often yes, especially if your room is dry. High humidity helps it keep the glossy, dark finish that makes this cultivar so desirable.