Alocasia sanderiana, the elephant ear plant

In the tropical forests of Southeast Asia grows Alocasia sanderiana, a plant with leaves so large that it's nicknamed the elephant ear plant. In our latitudes, it adds a graphic, exotic touch to any interior.

How to recognize Alocasia sanderiana, the elephant ear plant?

This upright plant can grow up to five meters high in the ground. In pots and indoors, Alocasia sanderiana reaches a height of two meters.

The plant grows from a tuberous stump from which emerges a 60-centimetre-long fleshy petiole. While the petiole of alocasia zebrina is patterned, that of Alocasia sanderiana is plain.

Alocasia sanderiana has lance-shaped leaves. They measure up to 40 centimetres long and 20 centimetres wide. They are distinguished by their wavy edges, surrounded by a cream-colored border. On the dark-green upper surface, pale-green, almost silvery veins stand out. The underside is purple.

Flowering occurs in summer. But this is rare for specimens grown indoors. In the wild, the spikes of white flowers hatch from a pale yellow spathe.

The sap of Alocasia sanderiana is toxic to humans and animals if ingested. It can also cause skin irritation. Keep the elephant ear plant away from pets, and wear gloves when repotting.

Our maintenance tips

Alocasia sanderiana are not plants to be placed in everyone's hands. They need light, rich soil, a little knowledge and a lot of attention.

Watering

Alocasia sanderiana must keep substrate fresh, but not soggy. Water when the soil has dried a centimeter.

Use room-temperature water, preferably non-calcareous (e.g. Rainwater).

Drain off any water stagnating in the saucer or planter. It may rot the roots.

Spray

The air in our apartments is too dry for plants used to high humidity. Mist your Alocasia sanderiana with water at room temperature.

Rainwater is preferable to tap water. Tap water causes white spots on the foliage.

Repotting

In spring, transfer your Alocasia sanderiana to a larger pot, so that it can continue to grow.

Choose a pierced pot slightly larger than the previous one. It's best to opt for a clay model: this material promotes even drying of the soil.

Line the bottom with a bed of gravel or clay balls. Add a layer of potting soil with perlite or sand. For example, you can mix potting soil for green plants with sand. Place your subject in the center and fill in with substrate to within a couple of centimeters of the edge. Tamp down and water for the first time to encourage rooting.

Fertilization

You can stimulate the development of your plant during its growth phase, in spring and summer, with fertilizer.

Dilute a liquid fertilizer for green plants with water.

Cleaning

Dust accumulating on the leaves slows down the photosynthesis process. To keep your Alocasia sanderiana growing, clean the leaf blades with a damp sponge.

Remember that alocasia sanderiana are toxic. Wear gloves or wash your hands after handling your plant.

Cutting

Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.

Separate a seedling, with its root system, from the mother plant. If their roots are intertwined, sever them with a clean knife.

Prepare buckets with potting soil similar to that used for adult plants. Translucent pots are best. You'll be able to monitor root growth.

Place the bulbils on the surface, flat side down and pointed side up. Water and then place your bulbils in a greenhouse or transparent crate.

Diseases / Threats

Red spiders

Mealybug, accompanied by ants for its honeydew.

Mealybugs

Information

Family	Araceae - Araceae
Type	Alocasia - Alocasia
Species	Alocasia sanderiana - Alocasia sanderiana
Lifecycle	Perennial
Foliage	Evergreen
Exposure	Half-shade
Substrat	Humus soil
Planting methods	In pots In tubs
Categories	Interior Rhizome Herbaceous
Tag	Toxic
Origin	Southeast Asia
Hardiness (USDA)	11b
Leaf color
Flower color
Fruit color