Alocasia Cuprea (Alocasia cuprea)

Photo: Kai SquiresCC BY 4.0via iNaturalistresized / cropped

Alocasia Cuprea Plant Care

Alocasia cuprea K.Koch

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Alocasia cuprea is a species of plant in the genus Alocasia native to Borneo. This species derives its name, cuprea, from the unusual coppery appearance of the leaves, which are up to 60 cm long.

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Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Bright indirect to filtered light

Temp

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

At a glance

How do you care for Alocasia Cuprea?

Plant Alocasia Cuprea in bright indirect to filtered light (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.

Where Is the Alocasia Cuprea Native To?

Native range3 countries

What Is the Alocasia Cuprea?

Alocasia Cuprea (Alocasia cuprea) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Alocasia Cuprea is native to Borneo. Alocasia Cuprea is also known as Copper Alocasia, African Mask Plant.

Alocasia Cuprea displays a large, upright foliage growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Alocasia Cuprea produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Alocasia Cuprea?

Water a young or newly planted Alocasia Cuprea every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Alocasia Cuprea Need?

Alocasia Cuprea thrives in bright indirect to filtered light. Avoid placing Alocasia Cuprea in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Light Requirement

Bright indirect to filtered light

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alocasia Cuprea Prefer?

Alocasia cuprea tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Alocasia Cuprea prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Temperature

65–80°F

Humidity

60–80%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alocasia Cuprea?

Well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Alocasia Cuprea to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Alocasia Cuprea?

Feed Alocasia Cuprea every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 4 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Alocasia Cuprea?

Choose a spot with bright indirect to filtered light and well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Alocasia Cuprea is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Alocasia Cuprea?

Alocasia Cuprea can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Alocasia Cuprea?

Prune Alocasia Cuprea while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Alocasia Cuprea in Winter?

Alocasia Cuprea is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Alocasia Cuprea?

Alocasia Cuprea can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alocasia odora plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Alocasia Cuprea Toxic to Pets and Children?

Toxic to cats and dogs

Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Alocasia species (which includes Alocasia Cuprea). View the ASPCA entry

Toxic to humans and pets if ingested

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alocasia Cuprea?

Alocasia Cuprea is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alocasia Cuprea Need?

Alocasia Cuprea grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Alocasia Cuprea is native to Borneo. In cooler regions, grow Alocasia Cuprea as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 10b – 12b

Keep exploring plants

Alocasia Cuprea is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Alocasia genus — compare its care with other Alocasia species on PlantoScan.

Alocasia is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.

Alocasia Cuprea thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Alocasia Species

Other Alocasia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Alocasia cuprea K.Koch, family Araceae (first published in Berliner Klin. Wochenschr. 4: 141 (1861)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
  • Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Alocasia species (which includes Alocasia Cuprea) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
  • Photo: Kai Squires, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist — original.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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