The Alocasia Cuprea, which is also called the Mirror Plant or Jewel alocasia take your pick. It’s arguably one of if not the most uniquely beautiful looking houseplants you might want to add to an indoor plant family! It is one of the most unique Alocasias.
However, with its dark and shiny leaves comparably having copper and silver coloration, it is a rare find for plant enthusiast who enjoys collecting strange exotic plants.
Whether you already have an Alocasia Cuprea or in the market for this beauty, the following article will serve to guide you towards ensuring that your new plant baby is living its best life. Let’s see!
What is Alocasia Cuprea?
Native to the rainforests of Borneo, Alocasia Cuprea naturally grow in a damp and shady setting. Cuprea is Latin for copper in reference to the brassy glint of each leaf as it shimmers. Alocasia Cuprea Aroid belongs to the Araceae family that specializes in unique leaf structure alongside ornamental values.
Anyway, compared to some of the larger Alocasias, the cuprea variety tends to be more compact and typically grows between 12-18 inches tall so it is well-suited for indoor settings. They have large leaves, up to 8–10 inches long despite its smaller size.
Their dark green or deep purplish brown leaves, with coppery undersides are described as looking like they belong to a plant not of this world.
Fun Facts about Alocasia Cuprea
Here, I am sharing about the overall fun facts of this alocasia cupea plant. Let’s know the details!
- A Living Fossil
Alocasia Cuprea is often called a “living fossil” by the amount of years in which it has remained unchanged. One of the few consistencies in a garden; that is, until Vilma began tickling its new growth- hoping to irritate it into something more recognisably alive.
The plant at left is the “Mirror Plant” and its super elegant shiny leaf surface, ever so slightly reflective leaves are like mirrors. A metallic sheen on the leaves can reflect light, and under indirect sunlight this plant looks almost ethereal.
- Dormant Diva
Just like many of its other Alocasia cousins, Cuprea can also rest up during the colder months if it chooses. That means it could go dormant and even shed a few leaves, but that’s to be expected. When the weather heats up and light becomes available, it will start growing.
Alocasia Cuprea Varieties
The standard Alocasia Cuprea is famous for their metallic copper-green leaves but some of these wilder forms have captured the hearts of plant enthusiasts everywhere-
- Alocasia Cuprea ‘Red Secret’: This is a very popular variant as it has beautiful reddish-purple leaves. With the dark velvety texture of its leaves, along with that metallic sheen this cultivar is an absolute collectors plant.
- Alocasia Cuprea Silver: True to its name, this variety boasts a cooler silver hue in the leaves for an overall understated but just as stunning look.
As far as care goes both types are similar, so easy peasy to add these in!
Why Grow Alocasia Cuprea Indoors?
Not only is Alocasia Cuprea a real show-stopper with some amazing bragging rights when you can tell your pals what it’s called, but there are also other benefits to having one in the garden-
- Air Purification
Similar to other family members of the Araceae family, Alocasia Cuprea helps clean air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene which enhance your indoor quality.
- Size
Smaller than other Alocasias, perfect for small apartments or homes that don’t have a lot of room to grow an Alicasia but want one so you can get the benefits from having this beautiful plant in your space.
- Mood Booster
There are studies that surround yourself with plants can lower stress, increase creativity and create a calming positive mood. Its exotic appearance makes the Alocasia Cuprea a stylish addition to any room and perfect for creating that soothing jungle vibe.
Share Alocasia Cuprea Care
Despite its tropical look, Alocasia Cuprea care is not complicated at all when you have the right conditions and tricks. The following is a step by step guideline on how to go about the caring of this tarantula. Let’s see overall terms-
1. Light
Alocasia Cuprea likes bright, indirect light as it would be found beneath the dappled sunlight in the rainforest. Keep the plant out of direct sun or you’ll scorch its delicate leaves and they could lose their bright coloring. North or east facing windows is best spot to place.
Artificial grow lights can supplement for natural light, if your house does not have enough of it to keep Alocasia Cuprea happy and growing.
2. Watering
Alocasia Cuprea Like most plants, the key to making your Alocasia Cuprea happy is NOT overwatering! Allow the upper 1 inch of soil to become dry before watering. Make sure the plant does not sit in wet soil for too long, otherwise it may encourage root rot a frequent problem with Alocasias.
This just means you will water more often during the growing season (spring and summer). During the inactive season, just maintain watering whenever in stress, considering that it will certainly dampness.
3. Humidity
This is because Alocasia Cuprea relishes high humidity, a tropical rainforest environment. For a maximum yield, humidity levels have to be kept over 60%. If your house is dry especially in the winter months you might want to add more humidity simply by setting up with a pebble tray or flat garden, next consider using diffuser room.
Alternatively, you can mist the leaves, but take care not to overdo it as constant wet foliage is a magnet for fungal problems.
4. Temperature
Alocasia Cuprea is a tropical plant so it likes warmth. Continue to house your plant indoors with a temperature between 65°F and 80°F. Don’t place it anywhere near a cold draft or air conditioning vent, as that can go into shock and drop its leaves.
5. Soil
Soil: Soil can be any of humus rich, well drained, yet moist to course. The best soil mixture for this plant is peat moss, perlite and potting soil this way the soil retains moisture but does not appear overly wet causing water to pool around your roots. You can mix in some orchid bark or coco coir to promote air circulation and greater drainage.
6. Fertilizing
The plant quickly establishes and is a heavy feeder, particularly when it comes to food during its active growing season. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. Water should be reduced in plant-watering during the slow growth season of the fall and winter.
Make sure the soil is wet first, then water with half-strength fertilizer and NEVER full strength.
Issues with Solutions
Despite the best treatment, problems may arise with Alocasia Cuprea. Some possible issues and solutions-
1. Yellowing Leaves
Yellow leaves indicate that the plant is waterlogged. Be sure your plant has well-draining soil and drying a little between waterings. If it continues, pull up the roots and see if they are rotting.
2. Pest Infestations
As with most tropical plants, Alocasia Cuprea is prone to pests including spider mites, aphids and mealy bugs. Routine checks of the undersides of leaves to see if any pests may be present and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil as needed.
3. Drooping Leaves
Other signs of under watering include droopy leaves, wilted or wrinkled buds, and generally dry looking plants. Ensure to give the plant proper watering, and if necessary consider raising humidity levels near your tree. When new leaves come out, the old ones start to fold and die off.
Propagating Alocasia Cuprea
The easiest way to propagate Alocasia Cuprea is by division if you want more of these plants. Here’s how you can do it-
- Remove the Plant from the Pot Carefully remove your plant from its container, and then gently shake off any loose soil until you’re able to view all of it’s root system.
- Finding the Rhizomes: The Alocasia Cuprea grows from rhizome, which are hardy horizontal stems. Locate The One Section With Its Own Roots and Leaves
- Split the Rhizomes: Take a sharp, clean knife and gently split out rhizome sections making sure that each section you have has at least one leaf on it along with some roots.
- Re-plant: Separately plant each rhizome in a clean pot of fresh, very well-draining soil and water it gently.
Conclusion
Alocasia Cuprea is a visually-stunning plant that imbues an indoor garden with the elegance of tropical landscapes and beauty reminiscent of prehistoric times. It is a wonderful plant, perfect for those garden enthusiasts who value distinct and one-of-a-kind home plants.
Moreover, alocasia Cuprea is beautiful to look at, A little bit fussy with proper care as outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that the charm of your “Mirror Plant” lasts for long years.
Alocasia Cuprea is a must-have, whether you are plant hoarder-turned-enriched hobbyist or new to plants and looking for your botanical signature in that indoor jungle of greenesticity.
