Alocasia cuprea
copper alocasia
A tender perennial, up to around 80cm high, with glossy, oval-shaped leaves to 60cm long. Young leaves are flushed red, and as they mature become green and coppery bronze on the upper surface, dark reddish purple underneath, and rippled, with deeply indented veins. Occasionally produces pairs of white spathe flowers
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red Bronze Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red Bronze Purple | |||
| Autumn | Green Red Bronze Purple | |||
| Winter | Green Red Bronze Purple |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Alocasia are robust evergreen rhizomatous or tuberous perennials with large, usually peltate, leaves with conspicuous veins; insignificant flowering spathes may be followed by orange-red fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Borneo
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, filtered or indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks from spring to autumn. Provide humidity by placing the container on a tray of moist gravel or pebbles. Reduce watering to a minimum in winter, and keep above 18°C. See Alocasia for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring or summer, or by stem cuttings in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.