red and white elephant ear plant Alocasia Red Secret — Bicolor Elephant Ear

Which Alocasia variety to choose?

The Alocasia genus comes in compact sizes and large architectural varieties with very distinct foliage. Here are the most differentiated profiles:

• Alocasia Red Secret (this plant) — shiny dark green top, intense purple-red underside, H35 cm | Pot Ø14 cm. The only one with such a pronounced two-tone effect.
• Alocasia Bambino Arrow — shiny dark green arrow-shaped leaves with pronounced veins, H40 cm | Pot Ø14 cm. The most graphic and dynamic.
• Alocasia Nebula Silver Compacta — metallic silver foliage with nebula-like patterns, H30 cm | Pot Ø14 cm. The most sophisticated.
• Alocasia Dragon Scale — textured leaves with silver and green dragon scales. The most textured and rarest.
• Alocasia Macrorrhiza — very large heart-shaped leaves, impressive size H70 cm | Pot Ø19 cm. The largest.

Other varieties are available in our full collection — Cucullata, Wentii, Zebrina, Regal Shield, and more.

Exposure & placement

The Alocasia Red Secret needs bright indirect light — this is also the condition for the deep, contrasting purple-red underside to stay intense.

• Ideal exposure: bright indirect light — near an east- or west-facing window.
• Avoid: direct sunlight that burns the leaves, and too much shade that dulls the red underside.
• Temperature: 18–27 °C, without sudden changes or drafts.
• Humidity: ideal ambient humidity of 60–80% — mist regularly or use a humidifier.
• Soil: light, airy, and well-drained — universal potting mix with perlite.

Place it high on a shelf — viewed from below, the deep red underside is even more visible and the two-tone effect fully revealed.

Watering & care

• Watering: moderate — let the top 2–3 cm of soil dry out between waterings.
• Frequency: about once a week in spring and summer, reduced in winter.
• Water: filtered or left to stand for 24 hours — hard water dulls the leaves.
• Humidity: regularly mist the foliage in dry air.
• Drainage: a pot with drainage holes is essential — roots rot quickly in waterlogged soil.
• Fertilizer: diluted liquid fertilizer for green plants, once a month in spring and summer.

In winter, the Alocasia may lose one or more leaves and go dormant — reduce watering and wait for spring. Check out our new plant care guide to get started right.

Decor ideas & plant pairings

The two-tone effect of the Alocasia Red Secret is more visible depending on the viewing angle — a plant that reveals itself differently depending on where you stand.

• Placed high on a shelf: viewed from below, the deep red underside is immediately visible — place it high to maximize the two-tone effect.
• In arrangements: pair it with a Calathea with round leaves or a trailing Pothos for an effective contrast of shapes and colors.
• Ideal pot: matte black or anthracite ceramic — the contrast with the dark green and deep red is striking.

Near a light source filtering through the leaves, the red underside subtly shows through the green blade — a very decorative translucent effect.

Verdeia tips

• Humidity is essential — native to humid tropical understories, it quickly suffers from dry air. Mist 2 to 3 times a week or place a humidifier nearby in winter.
• Winter dormancy is normal — one or more leaves may drop in winter. Reduce watering, maintain light, and wait for spring.
• Avoid hard water — it can cause white spots and dull the shiny foliage. Prefer filtered or water left to stand for 24 hours.
• Repot every spring — annual repotting into a slightly larger pot supports active growth and large, healthy leaves.
• ⚠️ Toxic to pets and humans — contains irritating calcium oxalates. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and young children. See our plants and pets guide for suitable alternatives.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Alocasia 'Red Secret'
• Common name: Elephant ear, Alocasia Red Secret
• Family: Araceae
• Origin: tropical forests of Southeast Asia
• Pot diameter: 14 cm
• Approximate height: 35 cm
• Adult size: up to 35–50 cm indoors
• Light: bright indirect light — avoid direct sun
• Watering: moderate — allow the top few centimeters to dry between waterings
• Humidity: high (60–80%) essential
• Temperature: 18–27 °C
• Care: moderate (humidity essential)
• Toxicity for pets: toxic if ingested (calcium oxalates)
• Decorative style: Tropical / Mysterious / Urban jungle
• Feature: unique two-tone effect with dark green top / deep red underside, compact size, possible winter dormancy

Each plant is unique: photos show a representative example. The intensity of the deep red naturally varies depending on light and season.