Red Secret Alocasia

Red Secret Alocasia (Alocasia cuprea) comes from the rainforests of Borneo and carries quilted, heart-shaped leaves in metallic silver, green and copper, with plum purple undersides. Plants are listed at 30 to 45cm tall and 30cm wide, though the leaves can reach 60cm long. It is the alocasia for keen growers who want a showpiece and are happy to give it a warm, humid spot.

Why you'll love it

• A metallic sheen. The quilted leaves shift between silver, green and copper depending on the light, a finish that is hard to find in other foliage plants.
• Plum undersides. Turn a leaf over and the underside is a deep plum purple.
• Large leaves. The leaves can grow up to 60cm long, so even one plant becomes a talking point.
• A true rainforest plant. It is a Borneo rainforest native and thrives in the warm, humid conditions it evolved in.
• Shade tolerant. Dappled or filtered light suits it, and it will tolerate deep shade at a slower pace.

Where it works best

A warm, humid room. Indoors, give it a bright position without direct sun and the humidity of a bathroom or a well lit room that is not dry. Keep it away from cold draughts.

Shady tropical underplanting. In frost-free tropical gardens it suits a shaded bed beneath palms or large shrubs. Plant 40cm apart for a rich ground layer.

Growing Red Secret Alocasia in Australia

Position and climate. Dappled or filtered light is best. Outdoors it belongs in tropical gardens only, and elsewhere it is an indoor plant. Protect it from frost and cold draughts, and expect it to want warmth and humidity year round.

Soil. Free draining mix and plenty of warm, humid air. If you grow it in a pot, check the drainage holes. Indoors, stand the pot on a tray or mat that can handle moisture, because water can run off the leaf tips.

Water and feed. Water regularly for the first 12 weeks, then keep up light, regular watering with a daily spritz of rainwater. Feed with liquid fertiliser at half rate every four weeks. In the cooler months the foliage may die back as the plant rests, so skip feeding and heavy watering until new leaves develop.

Pruning and repotting. Trim off dead leaves at the base. Repot in spring if the plant is rootbound, and split off any young shoots then.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Secret Alocasia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. It arrives small and takes time to build its first big leaves. Expect a quiet period after unpacking while it adjusts to your light and humidity, then new growth as the weather warms. The tubes come from our grower, who does not always have them. A sold out tube simply means none is available today, and the notify button on the page emails you the day stock is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More elephant ears and alocasias
• Indoor exotic plants guide: tropical foliage at home
• House and indoor plants
• Tropical plants for warm gardens

Common questions

Is Red Secret Alocasia hard to grow?

Big-leaf tropical alocasias like this one can be fussy. It wants warmth, humidity, filtered light and a mix that drains well without drying out. Get those right and it repays the effort.

Why is water dripping from the leaf tips?

That is normal for this plant. Stand it on a tray or mat so the drips do no damage.

Is Red Secret Alocasia pet friendly?

No. Alocasias are toxic when eaten and the sap irritates skin, so grow it out of reach of pets and children and wash up after handling it.