Drop dead gorgeous! Living happily in my kitchen near a west window
Mythic® Red Secret Jewel Alocasia Alocasia cuprea
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Exposure
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Details
12 - 18 Inches0 -0 -30cm - 46cm0cm0cmFeatures
The foliage of Mythic 'Red Secret' is other-worldly. It is coppery-green and metallic, like the back of an exotic scarab. It commands attention from every on-looker. 'Red Secret' is a stunning transformer as it matures and takes on a darker, richer metallic shade. Its name comes from this copper (Latin: cuprea) color. It even has the nerve to show off on the undersides of its leaves–a beautiful maroon. The magic for this plant happens on the Island of Brunei, just below Vietnam, off the Java Sea. Given its native environment, this jewel needs humidity between 80% and 95% humidity, simply achieved with a humidifier.
Adaptable As HouseplantFoliage InterestHarmful To:PetsCharacteristics
Plant Type:HouseplantHeight Category:ShortHeight:12 - 18 Inches 30cm - 46cmFoliage Colors:BlackFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Colors:RedFoliage Shade:Black to deep green foliage, can also become deep green and reddish.Habit:UprightContainer Role:FillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:MediumLow - No direct sun, not near a window. Medium - Medium bright indirect light in the AM or PM, typically from an east or west window. High - Bright direct or indirect light for much of the day, typically from a south window.
Maintenance Category:ModeratePreferred Temperature:60 - 85 °FWater Category:AverageHumidity Preference:HighContainer Soil Type:Indoor Potting MixNeeds Good DrainageUses:DesktopsUses:Humid SpacesUses Notes:Not for human or animal consumption.
Maintenance Notes:- For optimal performance, keep your Alocasia at 60-85°F (15-29°C). Alocasias are sensitive to cold drafts and temperatures below 60°F (15°C), which can cause leaf drop and diminished growth.
- Alocasias perform best in bright, indirect light or filtered sunlight. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can lead to leaf scorch.
- Alocasias appreciate higher humidity, so break out that humidifier. Alternatively, you can mist your Alocasia or place it on a pebble tray with water.
- Alocasias prefer to be consistently moist, but not wet, and above all, they need to have good drainage. As such, water your Alocasia thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry. Ensure good drainage and do not allow your Alocasia to sit in water, as they are susceptible to root rot.
- Feed your Alocasia once per month at half strength when it is actively growing. In the winter, it may go into a dormant state and not put out many leaves. If no new leaves are growing, it does not need to be fertilized.
- Protect furniture when watering & fertilizing.
- Alocasias appreciate a chunky, well-aerated soil. You can use an all-purpose potting mix, with additional orchid bark and perlite added to ensure your Alocasia has good drainage and plenty of nutrients.
- If your Alocasia drops its leaves, don't give up! They grow from bulb-like corms and can sprout new leaves under the right conditions. These plants like very consistent conditions, overall, when it comes to watering, temperature, and light, and they need to have good drainage.
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1 Review
514321Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Ronda Reece, Ohio, United States, 1 year ago
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