How to Grow and Care for Alocasia Mirror Face

The Alocasia ‘Mirror Face’, or Alocasia sinuata, is a distinctive jewel alocasia. Its name comes from the highly reflective quality of its deep green, puckered leaves, which have a metallic sheen that reflects light like a mirror. Native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and the Philippines, this plant grows under the canopy of larger trees in filtered sunlight and high humidity. It has a compact growth habit, reaching an indoor height of two to three feet, making its unique foliage a popular addition to indoor plant collections.

Alocasia Mirror Face Care

Light

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light, which is needed to maintain the reflective quality of its leaves. An ideal location is near an east-facing window for gentle morning sun, or several feet back from a south or west-facing window. Direct sunlight must be avoided, as it will scorch the foliage and diminish its glossy appearance. If you notice the leaf colors starting to fade, it may be an indication of too much direct light.

Soil

To prevent root rot, an airy, well-draining substrate is required. Heavy soils that stay soggy will deprive the roots of oxygen and lead to decay. A successful potting medium for this aroid includes a blend of ingredients that promote aeration. To create a suitable mix, combine elements like orchid bark, perlite, and coco coir. The bark and perlite create air pockets allowing roots to breathe, while coco coir retains enough moisture without becoming waterlogged.

Water

This plant prefers consistently moist but never waterlogged soil. A reliable method is to water when the top one to two inches of soil feel dry. Use a pot with ample drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. Water thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes, then discard any excess from the saucer. This practice ensures the entire root system has access to moisture while preventing the plant from sitting in water, a primary cause of root rot.

Temperature and Humidity

The ‘Mirror Face’ flourishes in warm and humid conditions. It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C) and should be protected from drafts and abrupt temperature changes. Maintain high humidity levels, ideally above 60%. You can increase ambient humidity in several ways. Using a humidifier nearby is effective, grouping it with other plants creates a more humid microclimate, and a pebble tray filled with water placed beneath the pot also helps.

Fertilizer

During the active growing season in spring and summer, this Alocasia benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength to avoid burning the roots. Apply the diluted fertilizer every two to four weeks with its regular watering. As autumn approaches and growth slows, reduce feeding and stop completely during the winter dormancy period.

Propagating Alocasia Mirror Face

The most common method for propagating this plant is by separating its corms, which are small, swollen underground stems that grow into new plants. These bulb-like structures are found in the soil at the base of the parent plant, and the best time to find them is during repotting.

To propagate, remove the plant from its pot and shake off excess soil to expose the corms. Gently detach them from the main root ball and plant them in their own small pots with a well-draining soil mix. Provide the same warm, humid conditions as the mother plant. Placing a clear plastic bag over the pot can create a humid environment to encourage sprouting while you keep the soil lightly moist.

Common Problems

Yellowing leaves are a frequent sign of overwatering. If you notice this, check the soil’s moisture and ensure it dries sufficiently between waterings. Drooping leaves can indicate either underwatering or overwatering, so checking the soil is the best way to diagnose the cause. If the soil is dry, the plant needs water; if it is soggy, the drooping is a stress response to root rot.

Alocasias are also susceptible to spider mites, especially in dry conditions. These pests can be identified by fine webbing on the undersides of leaves. To manage an infestation, wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and increase humidity around the plant.

Toxicity

Like all plants in its genus, the Alocasia ‘Mirror Face’ is toxic. Its tissues contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are sharp and needle-like. If ingested by cats, dogs, or humans, these crystals cause significant irritation. Symptoms of ingestion may include oral pain, swelling of the lips and tongue, drooling, and vomiting. Place the plant in a location safely out of reach of pets and small children.