Alocasia cuprea, a plant from elsewhere
Alocasia cuprea
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Family
- Araceae
- Genus
- Alocasia
- Species
- Alocasia cuprea
Other names:Caladium veitchii, Caladium cupreum, Gonatanthus cupreus, Alocasia metallica, Caladium metallicum
With its thick, metallic leaves, Alocasia cuprea looks like something out of a science-fiction film or a Damien Hirst exhibition. Yet this plant is actually the work of Mother Nature. Sometimes nicknamed the alien plant, it hails from the jungles of Borneo and belongs to the Araceae family.
How to recognize Alocasia cuprea?
Alocasia cuprea reaches two meters in height in the wild. Grown in pots and indoors, this perennial rarely exceeds 60 centimetres. In this case, its habit is bushy or upright.
The green stems are almost woody at the base. They support 60-centimetre-long hairless petioles.
Oval or elliptical leaves rise like shields from the tips of the petioles. Stiff, smooth and glossy, they are deeply veined. The largest are up to 60 centimetres long.
The color of the leaf blades depends on the variety. They can be light green, dark green or even have a metallic sheen. The most famous cultivar, alocasia 'Red Secret is distinguished by its very dark green foliage with coppery highlights.
When the plant flowers, it produces a white or cream inflorescence. The flowers are grouped on a spadix. This is surrounded by a greenish, lanceolate spathe.
Alocasia cuprea is toxic. Its foliage and stem contain calcium oxalate crystals, an irritating substance. It can swell the tongue and hinder breathing if ingested. It can also cause irritation if it comes into contact with the skin. Keep your plant out of reach of pets. And remember to wear gloves when pruning or repotting.
Our care tips
Alocasia cuprea are not plants to be placed in everyone's hands. They need light, rich soil, a little knowledge and a lot of attention.
Watering
Alocasia cuprea like to keep roots cool. Water when the substrate surface is dry (about one centimetre) with water at room temperature. Preferably use non-calcareous water, such as rainwater.
After watering, don 't let the water stagnate in the dish or pot, as it may rot the roots.
Misting
In its natural environment, alocasia cuprea benefits from a high level of humidity. To reproduce its environment, mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Regular spraying also combats pest attacks.
Repotting
Every year in the spring, repot your Alocasia cuprea to give it more space.
Soak the root ball of your Alocasia cuprea in water at room temperature. Meanwhile, mix ordinary potting soil with river sand or perlite.
In a perforated pot, pour a bed of clay balls or gravel to promote drainage, followed by a layer of soil. Plant your Alocasia cuprea in the center and top up with the rest of the substrate. Press down and water for the first time to ensure good root contact with the soil.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Alocasia cuprea, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Give your Alocasia cuprea a green plant fertilizer to support its growth.
Follow the instructions on the product! If you overdose, you could damage its foliage.
Cleaning
Dust on the leaves hinders photosynthesis. To ensure your Alocasia cuprea gets the most light possible, clean its foliage with a clean, damp cloth.
Warning! All parts of the plant are toxic. Wear gloves and wash your hands after touching the foliage.
Warning! All parts of the plant are toxic. Wear gloves and wash your hands after touching the foliage.
Taking cuttings
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Locate a young shoot and carefully separate it from the mother plant. Take care to remove its roots without damaging the rest of the root system.
Prepare buckets with potting soil similar to that used for adult plants. Translucent pots are best. You'll be able to monitor root growth.
Place the bulbils on the surface, flat side down and pointed side up. Water and then place your bulbils in a greenhouse or transparent crate.
Diseases / Threats
Information
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Exposure
- Half-shade
- Substrate
- Humus soil
- Planting methods
- In potsIn tubs
- Categories
- IndoorHerbaceous
- Tags
- Cold-sensitiveThirstyToxic
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Hardiness (USDA)
- 11b (7.2°C ≤ T° < 10°C)
- Leaf colors
- Dark greenRedPurpleDark green
- Flower colors
- WhiteCream
Discover plants from the same family
Alocasia 'Red Secret
Alocasia cuprea ‘Red Secret’
Find out more
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
