ALOCASIA CUPREA
Alocasia Cuprea have almost metallic looking leaves. They do need a bit of extra care but once you have figured out how to make them happy they will reward you with beautiful glossy new leaves.
WATER
Alocasia like consistently moist soil without being water logged, little and often is the best way to do this. Water until it just starts to trickle out of the holes at the bottom and ensure there is no more left to drain before placing it back in it's cache pot.
LIGHT
Cuprea need plenty of bright indirect light. They will not thrive in shady conditions and as with many houseplants, direct sunlight on their leaves will burn them.
FERTILISING
Feed once a month with diluted houseplant fertiliser during the Spring and Summer.
SOIL
Alocasia needs a soil that retains moisture, but one that also allows air to get to the roots. Visit our soil bar for coco coir and vermiculite and orchid bark to add to a standard soil mix to achieve this.
TEMPERATURE
Alocasia like to be warm, keep them away from cold draughts and try not to let them sit below 18C.
HUMIDITY
Alocasia love humidity and the Cuprea is no exception. Use a humidifier or a pebble tray to achieve this. Grouping plants together also helps with increasing humidity.
TOXICITY
Alocasia are considered toxic to humans and animals.
General Watering Tips
Place your plant, still in its plastic nursery pot, inside the decorative pot you've chosen. This setup allows the plant to enjoy the drainage and airflow provided by the nursery pot's holes, which are beneficial for root health.
When it’s time to water, you have two options:
1. Top Watering: Take the plant, nursery pot and all, out of the decorative pot and water it over a sink. Allow the water to drain completely before placing it back in the decorative pot to prevent water build up.
2. Bottom Watering: Place the nursery pot in a shallow dish of water and let the plant absorb moisture from the bottom. This method encourages the roots to grow downward and reduces the risk of overwatering.
Both methods help keep your plant healthy by promoting good drainage and root aeration.