The Alocasia Cuprea is a houseplant plant that originates from temperate regions of Asia to parts of South America. It was brought to Europe by a man named Thomas Lobb in 1850.
The plant is coveted for its unique red hues and large elephant ear leaves. Because of its foliage’s distinctive coloring and sheen, the Alocasia Cuprea also goes by Jewel Alocasia, Red Secret, and Mirror Plant.
Alocasia plants are known for their striking foliage and unique care requirements. If you’re interested in exploring more varieties, check out this NC State University backed database on Alocasia Plants.
Alocasia Cuprea Care
If you own an Alocasia Cuprea, you must know everything about its care if you want it to thrive. From its compact size to watering needs, here is everything there is to know about Jewel Plant care.
Soil
Loose and tilled soil is best for the Jewel Plant. This type of soil will help you avoid overwatering. Soil mixes that include compost, perlite, or peat are great options. For a deeper dive into soil selection and preparation, check out this guide on Starting Your First Vegetable Garden in North Carolina: Best Vegetables for Beginners.
To create the perfect well-draining environment for your Alocasia Cuprea, consider using a high-quality organic potting mix with perlite and peat, such as the Organic Potting Mix with Perlite & Peat. This mix helps maintain moisture balance while preventing root rot.
Lighting
The mirror plant needs bright but indirect lighting. Direct lighting can cause scorched leaves. Low light is also not recommended and will affect the leaves’ pigment due to the loss of chlorophyll. Understanding your plant’s lighting needs is key, and similar principles apply to outdoor gardening. Learn more about optimizing light exposure with this guide on The Ultimate Guide to Year-Round Backyard Vegetable Gardening in North Carolina.
Watering
An Alocasia Cuprea needs water once the soil dries. You can check this by pressing your finger into the soil. Always avoid over saturation as this can harm the plant.
Temperature & Humidity
The Jewel Alocasia thrives in temperatures of 50°F and 85°F or 10°C and 29.4°C. You will want to keep the humidity at 80% for the best results – doing this indoors without equipment is impossible; a humidifier can help you achieve this. Since maintaining an 80% humidity level indoors can be challenging, a Mini Plant Humidifier is a great investment to keep your Alocasia Cuprea thriving, especially in dry climates or during winter months.
Fertilizer
The amount of fertilizer needed for the Cuprea depends on the plant’s health. Generally, you can use a liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength and increase or decrease the use based on the plant’s health.
Different Alocasia varieties may require slight adjustments in fertilization and care. Learn about similar species like the Alocasia Calidora, the robust Alocasia Sarawakensis ‘Yucatan Princess’, and the rare Alocasia x Mortfontanensis.
Propagating
The best way to propagate a Cuprea plant is at the roots. You can do this by using a shaking method or pruning shears. No matter your method, do it carefully to separate the corms. Then, follow that step by placing the separated corm into a pot with soil packed around them.
When propagating your Cuprea, using a pair of Precision Pruning Shears will help you safely separate the corms without damaging the delicate roots.
Diseases & Pests
The mirror plant is susceptible to pests and plant diseases. Some things that may cause these diseases include funguses, bacterium, mycoplasma, nematodes, and parasites. Proper care and maintenance can prevent and mitigate these issues.
Toxicity
Red Secret Alocasia can be toxic to humans and pets if ingested. That is due to oxalate crystals in the plant. If ingested, you may experience mouth pain and vomiting.
Cuprea Types
Cuprea’s come in several varieties and types. Some feature softer leaves, while others have a denser feel that is more resilient to wetter soils. They can also have slight color variations, with some leaning more green than red in their hues.
Size & Growth
The Alocasia Cuprea is small, averaging 12″ – 18″ tall. Although, the Cuprea’s elephant ear leaves can grow beyond that. Every couple of years, you will need to repot the plant into a slightly larger container to accommodate the growing roots.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Alocasia Cuprea Rare?
The beautiful Alocasia Cuprea is considered a rare plant. It scarcely appears in the wild and is not commonly cultivated. The Jewel Cuprea is highly sought after by plant collectors.
Why is my Alocasia Cuprea drooping?
An Alocasia Cuprea often droops when it is overwatered. If you follow the watering protocol, other factors can include pests, lighting, inadequate temperature, and low humidity. Addressing any of these issues should allow your Jewel Plant to recover.