Alocasia 'Red Secret'
Regular price R 399.00 Save R -399.00It's hard to believe that this plant is real with its exquisite metallic deep burgundy leaves. Also known as the 'Red Dragon' or 'Mirror Plant' it originates from Borneo and is a compact variety of Alocasia, growing around 30cm tall. Due to the thickness of the leaves this Alocasia prefers the soil to dry out more than other thin-leaved Alocasias.
Comes in a 12cm grow pot. Decorative planters sold separately.
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Alocasias do best in bright light and can handle morning sun, but may burn if left in direct sun for too long. If your 'Red Secret' gets too much direct sun the leaves can loose their red metallic lustre.
This Alocasia prefers to dry out more than other Alocasias, which usually need consistently moist soil, so try not to let the soil become soggy. Let the top layer dry before watering again. Water less in winter. Alocasias enjoy high temperatures & humidity levels. In winter, if temps drop below 15°C, the plants can go into dormancy, dropping their leaves. But they will come back in spring.
Alocasias are used to growing in forests with soil rich in nutrients from decaying leaf matter. Therefore they like regular feeding with organic fertiliser. They will also benefit from added 'Kraal Manure' to the soil.
As heavy feeders Alocasias quickly deplete the nutrients in their soil, and like to be re-potted annually with fresh potting mix. Add peat poss and perlite stones to the mix, this ensures the soil stays evenly moist without becoming dense.
The trick is to keep the soil evenly moist without overwatering. Watch out for fungal diseases, which usually appear as dark brown or black spots on the leaves, surrounded by a yellowish rim. Cut away any infected leaves and wipe with neem oil. Keep away pests with a monthly spray of warm soapy water.
There are about 70 Alocasia sepcies, which belong to the Araceae plant family (genus), producing flowers on a type of inflorescence called a spadix (think Arum Lily). To keep herbivores away they produce calcium oxalate crystals, which irritate the mouth. Keep away from pets & toddlers.
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