© Frank Schulenburg / CC BY-SA 3.0Mirror Plant / Red Secret
Alocasia Cuprea is a foliage plant native to Borneo, prized for its shield-shaped leaves with a coppery, metallic sheen and raised veins that give each leaf a sculptural texture. The undersides carry a deep purple hue, creating a striking contrast with the copper tones above, a contrast that's especially vivid on young leaves, which tend to show the strongest copper color as the plant matures. In Japan it's also sold under the name Red Secret. A perennial, it can grow leaves up to about 60cm long, though growth varies with conditions. It's considered a plant for intermediate growers, and with attention to placement and watering, it makes a long-lasting centerpiece for any collection.
View Mirror Plant / Red Secret encyclopedia →0% commission on your first sales!Register by September 30, 2026 and your first 2 plants are commission-free!
Grower Wanted!
List your plants on GrowerDirect and sell directly to customers nationwide!
6 Transparency Commitments from GrowerDirect
Every Grower selling Foliage Plants provides complete transparency: variety, origin, light requirements, and care difficulty.
- Variety Information
- Real Photos
- True Colors
- Origin Information
- Light Requirements
- Care Difficulty
Browse all 139 varieties
Light Requirements
Care Difficulty
No listings match your filters
Adjust your filters, or get notified when new listings arrive.
Getting alerts is free with a member account. When new listings match your saved search, we'll notify you by email and in-app.
Browse other categories
Verified growers (preview)
Are you growing foliage plants?
Register as a grower and connect with buyers directly.
Apply as a growerMirror Plant / Red Secret key facts
- Growing Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Size
- Leaves up to 60 cm long
- Temperature
- 20〜25℃
- Watering
- Dilute liquid feed in the growing season
- Light & Placement
- Bright shade away from direct sun; strong light damages the metallic leaves.
- Watering
- Water when the surface dries and never leave water in the saucer. Keep drier in winter.
- Temperature & Overwintering
- Tropical and cold-sensitive. Aim for the genus optimum of about 20-25°C and keep it in a warm room away from cold windows in winter.
- Soil & Repotting
- Use a free-draining mix with organic matter. Repot in warm weather.
- Propagation
- Propagate from offsets or small tubers.
- Pests & Cautions
- Spider mites appear in dry air; overwatering causes root rot. Contains calcium oxalate; keep away from pets and children.
About Mirror Plant / Red Secret
Alocasia Cuprea, native to Borneo, is a foliage plant with shield-shaped leaves that show a coppery metallic sheen and deep purple undersides. Also known as Red Secret, it's a perennial suited to intermediate growers.
7 things to know before growing Mirror Plant / Red Secret
1Placement and Light
Alocasia Cuprea prefers bright, indirect light and dislikes strong direct sun. A spot near a window filtered by a sheer curtain helps bring out the coppery leaf color without risking leaf burn.
2Watering Basics
Water thoroughly once the top layer of soil has dried out. Avoid letting water sit in the saucer, since constantly wet roots can lead to rot.
3Soil and Drainage
Because Alocasia roots are prone to suffocating in soggy soil, good drainage matters. Mixing pumice or perlite into a standard houseplant potting mix improves aeration.
4Humidity Preference
The textured leaves that make Cuprea distinctive can develop crispy edges in dry air. Running a humidifier nearby or misting occasionally helps keep the foliage looking its best.
5When to Repot
It's time to repot when roots start showing through the drainage holes or the soil dries out unusually fast. Move up to a slightly larger pot and handle the roots gently.
6Growth and Dormancy
Growth slows as temperatures drop, and some plants enter a resting phase. During this period, water less frequently and hold off on fertilizing.
7Choosing a Healthy Plant
Look for leaves that are firm and free of discoloration or spots. It's also worth checking that the stem base feels stable and isn't wobbling in the soil.
Frequently asked questions about Mirror Plant / Red Secret
- Q.Can beginners grow this plant?
- A.Cuprea is generally considered suited to intermediate growers, so some prior houseplant experience helps. That said, it's still manageable for a careful first-timer who follows the basics of light, water, and humidity.
- Q.How large do the leaves get?
- A.Leaves can reach up to about 60cm in length under good conditions, though the actual size varies depending on growing environment and the plant's age.
- Q.How do I keep the copper leaf color vivid?
- A.Bright but indirect light is key to maintaining the coppery metallic sheen. Younger leaves tend to show the deepest copper tones, and the color naturally shifts a bit as the plant matures.
- Q.Is this the same as Red Secret?
- A.Red Secret is simply another name Alocasia Cuprea is sold under in Japan. Botanically, it refers to the same plant.
- Q.What should I watch for in winter?
- A.As temperatures drop, growth slows, so it's best to water less often and skip fertilizing. Also keep the plant away from cold drafts or spots that get too chilly.
Handy Growing Tools for Mirror Plant / Red Secret
Learn more about Mirror Plant / Red Secret in the encyclopedia
View Mirror Plant / Red Secret encyclopedia entry →
Care difficulty, size, origin and light needs — all basics covered.
More in this category
Can't find the plant you're looking for?
Post your wishes for free and growers with matching plants will contact you with introductions.