Which Alocasia variety to choose?

The Alocasia genus offers an incredible diversity of shapes, sizes, and foliage patterns. Here’s how the Alocasia Red Secret stands out from other varieties in our catalog:

• Red Secret (this plant): dark green leaves with spectacular purple-red underside, compact habit (35 cm), mysterious bicolor effect. Secret colorful version.
• Bambino Arrow: arrow-shaped leaves, shiny dark green, compact habit (40 cm), marked veins. Graphic compact version.
• Polly: shield-shaped leaves with spectacular white veins, compact habit, very graphic. Iconic classic version.
• Zebrina: spectacular yellow and green striped petioles, large shield-shaped leaves (80 cm). XXL striped version.
• Dragon Scale: textured dragon scale leaves, silver and green, very rare. Textured collector version.
• Silver Dragon: compact metallic silver leaves, very rare and elegant. Collector silver version.
• Nebula Silver Compacta: silver leaves with spotted patterns, compact (30 cm). Compact silver version.
• Regal Shield: very large metallic dark green leaves, imposing habit (90 cm). Majestic XXL version.
• Macrorrhiza: very large heart-shaped leaves, imposing habit (70 cm). Classic giant version.
• Cucullata: shiny green heart-shaped leaves, elegant habit, very easy. Easy and generous version.
• Wentii: dark green leaves with purple underside, elegant habit (65 cm). Elegant bicolor version.
• Lauterbachiana: very long and narrow leaves, slender habit (80 cm). Sleek graphic version.

Why choose the Alocasia Red Secret? If you’re looking for a compact Alocasia with a spectacular colorful secret — an intense purple-red underside that reveals itself at the slightest movement — the Red Secret is the perfect choice. Its mysterious bicolor effect makes it a fascinating plant that draws all eyes.

Exposure & placement

The Alocasia Red Secret enjoys bright indirect light to maintain its shiny dark green foliage and intense purple-red underside. Avoid direct sunlight which burns the delicate leaves.

• Exposure: bright indirect light, avoid direct sunlight.
• Ideal: near an east or north-facing window, bright shelf, bright desk, or living room with filtered light.
• Temperature: 18 to 27 °C, without sudden changes.
• Substrate: light, airy, and well-drained, tropical plant soil with perlite.

Verdeia tip: Alocasia appreciates high humidity — place it near other plants or a humidifier for optimal conditions.

Watering & care

• Watering: moderate; let the top 2-3 cm of substrate dry out between waterings.
• Frequency: about once a week in spring-summer, reduce in winter.
• Drainage: essential — use a perforated decorative pot with very well-draining substrate.
• Humidity: prefers 60-80% humidity, mist regularly or place near a humidifier.
• Fertilizer: once a month in spring-summer with diluted liquid fertilizer for green plants.
• Cleaning: gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to preserve their shiny glow and reveal the purple underside.

Alocasia can go dormant in winter and lose some leaves — this is normal, it will vigorously regrow in spring.

Decor ideas & plant pairings

With its mysterious bicolor foliage, the Alocasia Red Secret brings a touch of tropical sophistication and mystery to your urban jungle. It creates an elegant and compact focal point.

• To pair with: other Alocasia, Calathea, Maranta, Philodendron, or tropical plants to create a lush urban jungle.
• Ideal pot: matte ceramic decorative pot (white, gray, black) or woven basket to highlight the bicolor contrast.
• Ambiance: perfect on a shelf, desk, console, or coffee table to create a compact and mysterious tropical accent.

The purple-red underside reveals itself beautifully when the plant is placed high up or near a light source that passes through the leaves.

Verdeia Tips

• Spectacular colorful secret — intense purple-red underside revealed at the slightest movement.
• Compact size — perfect for small spaces and shelves (35 cm).
• Mysterious bicolor effect — dark green on top, purple-red underneath.
• High humidity essential — mist regularly or place near a humidifier.
• Avoid direct sun — burns delicate leaves.
• May go dormant in winter — loses some leaves then regrows in spring.
• Rotate the plant regularly for even growth.
• Repot every 1-2 years in spring into a slightly larger decorative pot.
• Toxic to animals — keep out of reach of cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals).
• Moderate growth — patience to see the plant evolve and reveal its secrets.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Alocasia 'Red Secret'
• Common name: Alocasia Red Secret, Elephant Ear
• Family: Araceae
• Origin: tropical forests of Southeast Asia
• Adult size: up to 35–50 cm indoors (compact habit)
• Exposure: bright indirect light, avoid direct sun
• Watering: moderate, allow to dry between waterings
• Care: moderate (requires high humidity)
• Toxicity for animals: toxic (calcium oxalate crystals)
• Decorative style: Tropical / Mysterious / Urban jungle
• Particularity: dark green foliage with spectacular purple-red reverse, mysterious bicolor effect, elegant compact habit

Each plant is unique: the photos show an example of its appearance. The intensity of the purple-red on the reverse naturally varies depending on growing conditions and light.