Alocasia Red Secret

🌿 Botanical Overview

• Scientific Name: Alocasia baginda ‘Red Secret’

• Common Names: Red Secret Alocasia, Jewel Alocasia

• Family: Araceae

• Origin: Native to Borneo (Southeast Asia)

• Type: Tropical evergreen perennial

🌱 Description

The Alocasia Red Secret is a stunning jewel alocasia prized for its metallic, sculpted leaves that shimmer in shades of deep red, bronze, and dark green. The foliage has a glossy, almost mirror-like surface with pronounced veining that gives it a striking, textured appearance. It stays compact, making it a perfect choice for tabletops or as a statement piece in indoor plant collections.

🌤️ Light Requirements

• Prefers bright, indirect light.

• Can tolerate medium light, but avoid direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves.

• Too little light may cause dull coloration and slow growth.

💧 Watering

• Keep soil consistently moist but never soggy.

• Allow the top 1–2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.

• Reduce watering in cooler months when the plant’s growth slows.

🌡️ Temperature & Humidity

• Ideal Temperature: 65–80°F (18–27°C)

• Humidity: Requires high humidity (60%+) for best growth and leaf shine.

• Use a humidifier or pebble tray if indoor air is dry.

🌾 Soil

• Prefers loose, well-draining, rich soil.

• A mix of peat, perlite, and orchid bark works well to keep roots aerated and moist.

🌿 Fertilizer

• Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (half strength) every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer.

• Stop fertilizing in fall and winter.

⚠️ Toxicity

• Toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals.

• Handle with care and keep out of reach of pets.

🪴 Growth Habit

• Compact grower reaching about 1.5–2 feet tall and wide indoors.

• Known for producing a few large, showy leaves rather than dense foliage.

🌸 Propagation

• Propagated by division of rhizomes during repotting.

• Each division should have at least one growth point.

💚 Care Tips

• Wipe leaves regularly to maintain shine and prevent pests.

• Provide stable warmth and humidity — this plant dislikes drafts or sudden changes.

• Avoid letting it sit in standing water.

✨ Fun Fact

The Red Secret’s shimmering leaf surface is caused by microscopic structures that reflect light, giving it that dramatic metallic sheen that changes with lighting — truly a living piece of art in your collection.