The Drama of Mythic® 'Red Secret'

Autumn seems to be the right time for dramatic houseplants. The reds and orange tones of foliage outside the window beg for a dramatic counterpart inside. Alocasia cuprea Mythic® 'Red Secret' is dramatic, for sure.

Mythic® is a line of Alocasias from Proven Winners®. I buy items such as clothing with little regard for labels, but with plants, it is nice to know the growers behind the greenery. For me and for many, Proven Winners® has come to be known, just as its name would indicate, as a commercial propagator of plants that makes sure its offerings are “proven” and unlikely to disappoint. So when I am ready to purchase an exotic plant such as an Alocasia, or Elephant Ears plant, knowing that it originated from a group that is truly concerned about my success as a plant tender… well, it's important.

The Mythic® line has plenty of very dramatic Alocasias, but they are green, near-black, or green with darker accents… all perfectly lovely. But again, this time of year, I find myself looking for something a little different. I am looking for tones that seem right for the present season and the season ahead. Alocasia cuprea Mythic® 'Red Secret' has the perfect deep tones—burgundy kissed with copper, maroon—and these autumnal colors are coupled with a nice thickness to the leaves and a great shine.

So what’s in a name? If you remember your high school Latin classes, I am quite sure you don’t remember what “cuprea” means. You probably never learned terms for the metals or for metallic tones. I surely did not. But “cuprea” means “copper”, and the top-sides of the leaves of Alocasia cuprea, Mythic® 'Red Secret' are dark and moody, with a coppery cast to them. Don’t expect 'Red Secret' to be red: This being a Jewel Alocasia, the overall color of the leaf is a jewel tone, with copper burnishing on the rich maroon tops and undersides of the leaves.

Alocasias are not plants that you can let your pets nibble due to the oxalates they contain. And they are not plants that you can place anywhere, expecting they will do well in sun or shade, dry or humid warmth. An Alocasia needs a good, pet-safe perch on which it can enjoy some brighter light and a good amount of dappled light each day. It also needs consistent humidity. Alocasia plants will not tolerate wet feet, so careful watering is in order, only when the top layers of soil have dried. If you tend one in your home, you may find that you have to move it to get it positioned just right. And then, you may have to move it again as it grows (substantial… large).

Many different descriptions for houseplants make me want to add those houseplants to my collection: “fresh”, “pretty”, “unusual”. But at this time of year, with people to entertain and special times to enjoy, having a “dramatic” houseplant sounds pretty good to my ears. And to my eyes… well, Alocasia cuprea, Mythic® 'Red Secret' is nothing but impressive.