Alocasia Black Velvet, known for its striking, dark, velvety foliage and prominent silver veins, is a popular houseplant that adds a dramatic touch to indoor spaces. A natural part of its growth cycle involves the production of corms, which are underground storage organs. These corms offer a reliable method for propagating new plants and expanding your collection. This guide provides information on understanding, harvesting, preparing, growing, and storing Alocasia Black Velvet corms.
What Are Alocasia Black Velvet Corms?
Alocasia Black Velvet corms are specialized underground structures that function as nutrient and energy reservoirs, allowing the plant to endure adverse conditions like dormancy. They are solid, bulb-like formations, distinct from true bulbs or tubers, and are important for the plant’s survival and propagation.
Corms form at the base of the main stem, often near or within the root ball of the mother plant. They appear as small, rounded, usually dark brown structures, and can range in size.
Harvesting Alocasia Black Velvet Corms
The best time to harvest Alocasia Black Velvet corms is during repotting, as this allows easy access to the root system. Spring, after the plant has emerged from any dormancy, is an ideal period. Wear gloves, as Alocasia plants can cause skin irritation.
Gently remove the Alocasia Black Velvet plant from its pot, carefully shaking off excess soil to expose the roots and any attached corms. If corms are still attached, use a clean, sharp knife or snips to detach them at their base, minimizing damage to both the corm and the parent plant. Select larger, firmer corms for propagation, leaving very small ones to continue developing on the mother plant.
Preparing and Planting Alocasia Black Velvet Corms
Once harvested, rinse the corms to remove any soil debris. Allow them to air dry for a few hours to prevent rot.
For planting, select a well-draining, airy medium, as Alocasia Black Velvet is prone to root rot in soggy conditions. Options include sphagnum moss, perlite, or a mix containing potting soil, orchid bark, and horticultural charcoal. Plant the corms in small pots, ensuring the pointed end or “eye,” where new growth will emerge, faces upwards. The corm should be planted just beneath the surface.
Initial watering should thoroughly moisten the medium without oversaturating it. Creating a humid and warm environment is important for successful sprouting. This can be achieved by placing the pots in a propagation box, covering them with a clear plastic dome, or placing them inside a clear plastic bag to trap humidity. Provide bright, indirect light and maintain consistent warmth, above 70°F (21°C).
Caring for New Corm Shoots
Sprouting can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Once roots and leaves emerge, adjust care. Maintain consistent moisture in the planting medium; the soil should remain damp but never waterlogged.
Continue to provide bright, indirect light and high humidity, which supports healthy leaf development. A heat mat can help maintain warm temperatures for consistent growth. As the first leaves unfurl and the plant establishes a small root system, it can be gradually acclimated to slightly lower humidity. Once the new plant has developed two to three leaves and a robust root system, it can be transitioned into a slightly larger pot with a well-draining Alocasia-specific potting mix.
Storing Alocasia Black Velvet Corms
Storing Alocasia Black Velvet corms is a practical approach if immediate planting is not desired or if the parent plant enters dormancy, especially in cooler climates. Before storage, ensure the corms are thoroughly cleaned and completely dry to prevent fungal issues and rot. Any moisture can lead to spoilage during storage.
Choose a suitable storage medium that offers good air circulation and some moisture regulation:
Dry sphagnum moss
Perlite
Vermiculite
Newspaper in a cardboard box
Place the corms without overcrowding them, allowing air to circulate freely around each one. Storage conditions should be cool, dark, and well-ventilated, with temperatures between 40-50°F (4-10°C). Periodic checks are advisable to monitor for any signs of rot or premature sprouting. Healthy corms should remain firm; discard any that feel soft or mushy. Stored properly, Alocasia corms can remain viable for several months over the winter dormancy period.