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Alocasia plants are some of the most popular competitors with pothos when it comes to houseplants .
Their prominent , gist - shaped leaves have earned the intact genus the nickname “ elephant ears plant . ”
But one of the more compactAlocasia varietiesfrom Borneo has created quite a stir , even among alocasia fans : Alocasia cuprea(a - loh - KAY - see - uh KUP - ray - uh ) .
Known most unremarkably by its scientific name or jewel alocasia , this perennial member of the Araceae family has many assumed name , including :
Cuprea is also referred to as red enigma , which happens to be the name of a cultivar .
Alocasia CupreaCare
Cuprea is smaller than many of its sibling , generally achieving a pinnacle of only 1′ foot and never passing 2′ feet , even in ideal conditions .
It ’s a slow grower , requiring between 5 and 8 years to reach its maximal height .
The foliage , meanwhile , are large and bosom - shaped , measure anywhere from 8 to 24″ inches in length .
The name “ cuprea ” refer to the coppery tone of this flora ’s leaves , a sheeny , almost plastic shiny immature with lighter mineral vein and a reddish underside .
Flowering and Fragrance
As with all alocasias , the flowers are diminished and easily miss .
They have a small ashen to green spathe , and the spadix bears its small blooms for only about 3 days before pass off , commonly in belated spring to former summer .
Oddly enough , this plant sometimes flowers as a mansion of distress due to such thing as root putrefaction , sudden environmental alteration , or overwatering .
Light and Temperature
This Alocasia prefers temperate ignitor but will be o.k. with brilliant , collateral light or morn exposure .
endeavor to avoid lineal sunlight , peculiarly during twelve noon , as the leaves are easily scorch .
Outdoor flora would benefit from the mottled sunlight render by a nearby tree .
Jewel elephant ear like higher humidity , thriving most at 80 to 90 % pct , but will tolerate a more temperate humidness of 40 to 50 % percent .
Be sure to supplement your Alocasia with a pebble tray or humidifier if it ’s not grouped with other plants .
alfresco , Cuprea will only grow in USDA hardiness zone 10 - 11 and some sheltered parts of zone 9b .
It ’s insensate illiberal and can die if discover to temperatures below 50 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
If in a container , it can be submit alfresco in tender weather condition but should be brought in if the temperature spend below 60 ° degrees Fahrenheit .
The ideal indoor temperature range is 60 to 85 ° degrees Fahrenheit , but it will tolerate as downcast as 54 ° degrees Fahrenheit if there ’s no pic to potation .
Watering and Feeding
Use the finger test to insure the soil ’s dispassionateness .
Your cuprea will need watering when the soil has dry around 2″ to 3″ inches from the surface .
Use distilled piss ( sometimes anticipate baby water ) or lifelike rain , always at room temperature .
Pour the water slowly , working your mode around the pot , so the soil gets even watering .
block off when you begin to see water ooze out of the drainage holes .
Cut back in the drop and wintertime and stop watering during this fourth dimension if you ’re produce the plant outdoors .
Use a balanced ½ strength liquid fertiliser , implement according to the instructions on the package .
A unspoilt frequency is once per calendar month throughout the growing season , kibosh from mid - fall through wintertime .
Soil & Transplanting
Root rot is a major concern with alocasias , so you will want to give it rich , well - drained soil .
Go with a quality brand of potting intermixture for succulents or tropical plants .
instead , you may keep the plant in an adequate mix of coconut tree coir and perlite .
Coco coir is a nutrient - rich material made of coconut meat roughage that , unlike peat moss , wo n’t retain a band of piss .
Meanwhile , perlite is mined volcanic rock that ’s extremely porous .
It can keep three clip its weight in body of water , bring out it slowly back into the soil .
Both materials have a neutral pH and wo n’t contract too heavily over sentence , so your plant ’s roots will always have room to extend out .
You will need to repot your Alocasia every 2 years in the spring .
If the plant seems a bit crowded , you’re able to prefer a container one sizing larger than its current one .
strain not to give it a container that ’s too bragging , as this can make the soil wet odd .
Also , you should always give the plant fresh soil when repotting to regenerate the nutrient .
Grooming and Maintenance
This flora treasure a bit of cocker but is not mostly need .
Look for yellowed , damaged , or break leaves and make a clean cut with sharp , infertile shears below the discoloration .
Be sure to unsex between each cut , as the discoloration may be a sign of infection .
Jagged or uneven cut can lead in a shock to the plant life , so seek to make each cut in a individual clip .
Other Popular Alocasias To Grow and Collect
Propagating Alocasia Cuprea Plant
Unlike most of your plant life , stem cuttings are not a feasible means ofAlocasia propagation .
Instead , you will need to use either division or offshoots from the female parent industrial plant .
Despite its susceptibleness to root rot , it ’s potential to propagate this plant in water .
Cuprea Elephant Ear Pests or Diseases
Alocasia cuprea is vulnerable to both drought and moth-eaten , having zero hoar tolerance .
Although fungus gnat and thrips may also become a problem , aphids , mealybugs , and wanderer mites are the chief enemies of this mintage .
Meanwhile , excess water can lead to root moulder the primary threat to Cuprea Alocasia .
They can also stomach from botrytis , leaf - pip , powdery mould ( usually due to an infestation ) , rusting , and southern blight .
Like all penis of theAraceaefamily , this works comprise calcium oxalate crystal , a substance known to cause kidney stones .
All planet comprise these crystal are regard toxic to humans and pets and may irritate the mouth or cause digestive issues if ingested .
Alocasia CupreaUses
The more compact size of this flora makes it perfect for centerpieces , table , or patios .
The blood-red underside can summate an supererogatory accent if placed on a raised surface area , such as shelves .
