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Alocasia cuprea
Alocasia cuprea · Araceae
📷 Frank Schulenburg · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around alocasia cuprea and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- Spring (rare indoors)
- Adult size
- 24 to 36 inches tall
- Growth
- Moderate to fast
- Hardiness
- Tropical (min. 59°F)
- Origin
- Borneo, Southeast Asia
- Soil type
- Rich, draining, well-aerated
Expert tips
The key tip
L'Alocasia cuprea a besoin d'humidité constante du substrat, jamais détrempage—arrose quand le haut du pot sèche légèrement. Maintiens une hygrométrie de 60 à 80% minimum, sinon les feuilles noircissent aux bords; brumise régulièrement ou pose la plante sur un plateau d'eau. Utilise un substrat très drainant (fibre de coco, perlite, écorce) car elle pourrit en terre classique compactée.
The common mistake
La plupart des jardiniers la tuent par pourriture racinaire en la gardant trop humide ou dans un pot sans drainage adequat—elle meurt plus vite d'excès d'eau que de sécheresse.
The pro's trick
Rempote-la tous les 12 à 18 mois et change tout le substrat: c'est le secret pour prévenir l'accumulation de sels et relancer la croissance. Les racines d'Alocasia cuprea détestent stagner, donc rempotage régulier = feuilles nettes et vigoureuses.
Seasonal watch
En hiver, réduis l'arrosage mais ne la laisse pas vraiment sèche—surveille qu'elle ne souffre pas de chauffage sec intérieur. L'automne est le moment critique: la croissance ralentit, l'air devient plus sec, et les cochenilles peuvent se multiplier discrètement; inspecte les feuilles sous les nervures avant d'entrer l'hiver.
Care
Watering
Water regularly without letting the soil dry out completely, but avoid excess water which promotes root rot. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. Reduce watering in winter when growth slows down.
Light Exposure
Place it in bright, indirect light: it loves clarity but fears direct rays that burn its velvety leaves. A window facing east or west with a light sheer curtain is ideal. Keep it away from cold drafts.
Soil and Repotting
Use a well-aerated mix made of potting soil, coconut fibers, and perlite to ensure good drainage. Repot in spring every 2-3 years or as soon as roots emerge from the pot. Be careful not to compact the substrate.
Fertilizer
Feed it every 2-3 weeks during the growing season (spring-summer) with a balanced diluted fertilizer. Stop in fall-winter. Light feeding is enough: it prefers a fertile environment but without excess.
Humidity and Climate
This tropical plant loves humidity: mist the foliage regularly or place the pot on a raised water tray. Maintain a stable temperature between 64 and 77°F. Avoid temperature shocks and overly dry atmospheres.
Pests and Diseases
Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in dry air. Inspect the undersides of leaves regularly. In case of infestation, treat with diluted insecticidal soap. Root rot appears if watering is excessive: reduce immediately.
Did you know?
Alocasia cuprea owes its nickname 'Mirror Plant' to its metallic leaves with bronze-green and copper reflections that seem to shimmer in the light. In Southeast Asia, it grows naturally in humid, shaded forests, where it spreads slowly at the foot of giant trees. Its particular brilliance makes it a star among rare plant collectors.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Calla lilyZantedeschia aethiopica
- TaroColocasia esculenta
- Giant taroAlocasia macrorrhizos
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- Anthurium albumAnthurium album
- ZZ plantZamioculcas zamiifolia
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.