Alocasia cuprea, or red secret, is a unique variety of the Alocasia plant. The word cuprea refers to the outstanding and eye-catching coppery underside of the leaves that makes this variety so special and not that common to find.
Although this plant is native to Borneo, it became popular in Europe and the US during the 19th and 20th centuries, and it’s best propagated by dividing the rhizomes. However, growing the plant from seed is also possible.
So, if you want to know how to propagate Alocasia cuprea successfully, the different propagation methods, and the necessary factors to look out for, keep reading.
How Do I Propagate Alocasia Cuprea?
The Alocasia cuprea is often grown as an indoor plant, becoming an impressive centerpiece wherever you set up the pot. Thanks to the stunning foliage and the remarkable size of the leaves, the red secret plant can be a great addition to add some tropical vibes to your indoor space.
Yet, some people choose to bring this plant outside during the warmer months, as this can boost its growth. So, you might want to propagate your plant since it’s not that easy to find.
The red secret plant has a fast-growing rate, even in colder climates. In its favorable conditions, the Alocasia cuprea can produce a new leaf every week, and the leaf’s size will double weekly, so pruning the plant will keep it in good health. With proper care, your Alocasia cuprea can reach a height of up to 3 feet.
What Are the Different Ways to Propagate Alocasia Cuprea?
The Alocasia cuprea can be propagated by dividing the rhizomes or from clumps, and this is the most successful method that guarantees that your plant will grow healthily. Although you can propagate your red secret plant in water, you’ll eventually have to transform it into a new pot because the root system won’t survive for long.
Growing Alocasia cuprea from seed is possible, but it’s a time-consuming and challenging task. This plant typically takes years until it has established its root system, so professional growers only choose this process.
When Should You Propagate Alocasia Cuprea?
If you already have an Alocasia cuprea with leaves that start to droop, then this is a sign that it’s time to propagate your plant. This plant will wilt when it becomes root bound, as the rhizomes will be too big for the current pot.
You might also want to propagate your red secret plant when you start to notice that it’s becoming top-heavy. This usually happens when the plant rotates to receive more sun, so the large leaves weigh the stems down, and they eventually snap.
The best time to propagate Alocasia cuprea is in spring, as this will give the new plant a chance to recover and grow during summer. Alocasia plants stay dormant in fall and winter and might not experience any growth. Propagating your plant in cold weather won’t give it time to recover from the transplant shock, and it will probably die.
How Do I Propagate Alocasia Cuprea From Divisions?
You can only propagate Alocasia cuprea from clumps if the plant has young pups, so they can grow to be bigger plants. Moreover, the pup you pick should be at least 7 or 8 inches to ensure the roots are big enough to support the new plant.
If your plant has no pups or they’re too small, you’ll have to wait for a while until they grow. Here are the steps you should follow.
- The day before you plan the dividing process, give your plant a good soak because the dividing process will inhibit its ability to feed properly, at least for a while.
- Sterilize your tools before touching the plant using hot water and rubbing alcohol to prevent the transfer of any bacteria or pests.
- Dig out the plant gently from the pot by rolling it to its side.
- Use a brush to separate the pup from the mother plant, and make sure you handle the root system carefully.
- Cut one of the pups, ensuring that the cuttings you’ve picked have their own roots.
- Move the cutting to a new pot after filling it with a suitable potting mix and water it adequately.
- Return the plant to its pot or use a slightly larger one to give it extra room for growth.
- Provide the mother plant and the pup with indirect bright sunlight to boost growth by placing them near a north or east-facing window. Both plants should recover within a month, and you’ll be able to see your plants growing at a steady rate.
How Do I Propagate Alocasia Cuprea from Seed?
Growing Alocasia cuprea from seed isn’t that common because dividing the roots is pretty straightforward and successful. Yet, you might want to give it a try.
Finding Alocasia cuprea seed for sale isn’t easy as this plant is a bit rare. Yet, if you have a mature plant that flowers, you might be able to pick the seed from the dry seed pots. However, most people miss the flowers because they’re too small and stay in bloom for a short period.
If you happen to get the seed, plant them in a peat-based rich potting mix, and make sure that you fertilize and water them regularly. It might take years of continuous care until the seedlings can grow into full plants.
How Do I Propagate Alocasia Cuprea from Water?
Although some types of Alocasia, like the zebrina and stingray varieties, can be propagated in water, this method doesn’t necessarily work for the red secret plant. Yet, you can try it if you want to keep a pup of your mother Alocasia plant on a coffee table.
Instead of planting your pup plant in soil, you’ll keep it in a vase or jar, making sure that it’s not too transparent as this plant doesn’t tolerate bright sunlight. It’s important to fertilize your plant once every month and change the water once every five days or whenever it gets discolored.
Wrap Up
It’s easy to propagate your Alocasia cuprea or red secret plant from root divisions or pups. Since this is a fast-growing plant, you might want to do this whenever you feel that the plant is becoming top-heavy to protect the stems from snapping.
Propagating your red secret plant from seed is possible, but it’s not common because it takes too much time. You can also propagate your plant in water, but it won’t grow much.
FAQs
- Is Alocasia Cuprea rare?
Alocasia cuprea, or the red secret plant, is not that common to find, so it can be considered a rare plant.
- Does Alocasia Cuprea like to grow in soggy conditions?
No, this plant has moderate water requirements, so you shouldn’t provide it with too much water after propagation. In winter, you should cut down on the water when the plant isn’t actively growing.