About

Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret' is a tender perennial that can reach a height of approximately 80 cm. Its leaves, which can grow up to 60 cm in length, are glossy and oval-shaped. The young foliage exhibits a reddish tint, transitioning to a dark green and coppery bronze as it matures. The undersides of the leaves are dark red, and they feature a rippled texture with pronounced, indented veins. This plant may occasionally produce pairs of white spathe flowers.

About the genus

Alocasia consists of sturdy, evergreen perennials that develop rhizomes or tubers. They feature large, typically peltate leaves marked by prominent veins. While their flowers are somewhat inconspicuous, they can give rise to orange-red fruits.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H1A

Plant details

Plant type

Houseplants, Conservatory Greenhouse

Habit

Bushy

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Houseplants, Sub-tropical

Toxicity

TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, filtered or indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 18°C. See Alocasia for further advice

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or summer, or by stem cuttings in spring

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free