cuprea
cuprea
Mirror Alocasia
★
Description
Alocasia cuprea, the Mirror Alocasia, dazzles with metallic, coppery leaves that look almost unreal. It’s a compact, slow grower that prefers bright shade, steady warmth, and high humidity—perfect for collectors who love dramatic foliage.
Common Names
Mirror AlocasiaJewel AlocasiaCopper AlocasiaMirror Plant
Context
nativeRegion
Borneo (lowland tropical rainforests)
usdaZones
Outdoors in 10b–12; commonly grown indoors elsewhere.
companionPlants
Calathea (Goeppertia), Maranta, Philodendron micans, Anthurium clarinervium, Peperomia caperata, Fittonia, Maidenhair fern (Adiantum)
culturalUses
Primarily ornamental as a collector ‘jewel alocasia’ prized for its metallic foliage; featured in indoor plant displays and terrarium-style setups.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light or dappled shade; avoid harsh midday sun to prevent scorch.
WateringKeep evenly moist but not soggy; let the top 2–3 cm (about 1 inch) dry between waterings. Reduce slightly in cooler months.
SoilAiry, fast-draining aroid mix: bark, perlite, and coco coir/peat with some charcoal; slightly acidic to neutral (pH ~6–7).
FertilizerLight feeder. Apply a balanced, dilute (1/4–1/2 strength) liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks in spring–summer; none or very light in winter.
HumidityHigh humidity 60–80% preferred; use a humidifier or cover with a cloche in dry climates.
TemperatureWarmth loving: 68–85°F (20–29°C) ideal; avoid below 60°F (16°C) and cold drafts.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitCompact, clumping aroid arising from a corm/rhizome; broad, metallic leaves with pronounced venation.
Mature SizeAbout 12–24 in (30–60 cm) tall and wide under good conditions.
Growth RateSlow to moderate with warm temps and high humidity.
BloomingOccasional spadix and spathe; flowers are inconspicuous and may appear in warm seasons; rarely produced indoors.
DormancyMay slow or semi-dormant in cool/low-light seasons; resume growth with warmth and longer days.
Propagation
MethodsDivision of offsets/pups, Corm or rhizome sections, Tissue culture (commercial)
DifficultyModerate—requires warmth, high humidity, and sterile technique for best success.
Best SeasonLate spring to summer during active growth.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningRemove yellowing or damaged leaves at the base; snip off inflorescences if you prefer the plant to focus on foliage.
RepottingRepot every 1–2 years in spring when roots fill the pot; use a shallow, snug pot and keep the corm slightly above the mix to prevent rot.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, and fungus gnats; root rot from overwatering; leaf spotting if airflow is poor.
ToxicityToxic if ingested (calcium oxalate crystals); can irritate skin and mouth. Keep away from pets and children.