Description
- Common names:
- Mirror Face, Alocasia Mirror Face, Cara de Espejo, Alocasia Sinuata
- Botanical name:
- Alocasia sinuata
- Description:
- A compact hybrid Alocasia featuring glossy, deep green leaves with uniquely puckered surfaces. Its high moisture needs make it ideal for terrariums, bogs, and water gardens.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Architectural, Glossy Leaves, Compact Growth
- Origin:
- Southeast Asia
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Terrarium, Bathroom, Water Gardens, Modern, Tropical Theme, Bookshelf, Office Desk, Aquascapes, Bohemian
Care Guide
Care level:
Intermediate+
This plant requires consistent attention to its high moisture needs and humidity levels, making it best suited for gardeners with some experience. It's less forgiving of neglect than beginner-friendly plants but rewards proper care with stunning foliage.
Light:
Medium / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or north-facing window where it receives bright, filtered light without direct sun exposure. Direct sunlight can scorch the glossy leaves, while too little light will slow growth and dull the foliage.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, checking daily as this plant has very high water requirements. Perfect for bog gardens or sitting in shallow water, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot in traditional pots.
Humidity:
Requires Misting+
Thrives in humidity levels above 60-70%, making it perfect for terrariums, bathrooms, or near humidifiers. Mist daily or place on a pebble tray filled with water to maintain the consistently high humidity this moisture-loving plant demands.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C / 65-80°F and should never be exposed to temperatures below 15°C / 60°F. Keep away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and sudden temperature fluctuations.
Hardiness zones:
Indoor Only+
As a tropical plant, Alocasia sinuata is suited for Indoor Only cultivation in most climates and cannot tolerate frost. In USDA Zones 10-11, it may be grown outdoors year-round in protected, humid environments like water gardens.
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once monthly during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce or stop feeding in fall and winter when growth naturally slows.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years or when roots begin growing out of drainage holes, preferably in spring. Use a rich, well-draining potting mix that retains moisture, or plant in aquatic soil for bog and water garden settings.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the glossy leaves weekly with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and maintain their mirror-like shine. Clean leaves also improve photosynthesis and help the plant breathe more efficiently.
Propagation:
Division+
Propagate by carefully dividing the rhizomes during repotting, ensuring each section has at least one growth point and some roots attached. Plant divisions in moist soil and maintain high humidity until established.