Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret'

Alocasia cuprea 'Red Secret' is the trade name for a form of Alocasia cuprea sold for its glossy, metallic leaves, bronze-green above with red to maroon undersides. Growers disagree on whether it differs from the species or reflects growing conditions, and the new growth is described as red-flushed, olive or coppery depending on the seller. It is listed separately here because UK sellers price it separately from the species. Care matches the species: bright indirect light, steady warmth and humidity, and water once the top of the mix has dried.

Native range

Trade name for a cultivated form of Alocasia cuprea. Wild origin of the clone is not documented.

Classification

Genus

Alocasia

Family

Araceae

Type

Cultivar

Growth habit

Terrestrial, self-heading

Form of

Alocasia cuprea

Morphology

Leaf shape

Broadly ovateEgg-shaped leaves, with the wider end near the base. with a pointed tip, deeply quilted

Leaf length

20-30 cm

Leaf width

15-20 cm

Petiole colour

Slender, light green, pale brownish-orange at the base

Venation

Prominent, sunken primary veins

Texture

Thick, strongly bullate and metallic

Variegation

None. Metallic bronze-green leaf above, red to maroon underside.

Growth habit

Compact, self-heading, strictly terrestrialA plant that grows directly in the ground, rooting in soil rather than climbing trees or rocks., no climbing stem