Alocasia 'Sarian' is a cross between Alocasia zebrina and Alocasia sanderiana. It took the striped stems from the first and the deeply lobed, white-veined leaves from the second.
It also grows considerably larger and faster than either parent, and is more forgiving than both.
Light
Alocasia 'Sarian' grows best in bright, indirect light, with tolerance for a couple of hours of gentle morning sun.
Too little light
The striped stems stretch and thin, and eventually cannot hold the leaves up. The same weakness its zebrina parent has.
Too much light
Hot afternoon sun bleaches the leaf surface.
Watering
Water when the top 3-4cm (1-1.5 inches) of soil is dry.
On average:
- Spring & summer: twice a week
- Autumn & winter: once a week
Signs of overwatering
- Leaves droop while the soil is wet
- Stems soften at the base
- Roots brown and mushy
Signs of underwatering
- Leaves droop and the striped stems bend over
- Leaf edges go crisp
Humidity and temperature
Humidity of 60% or above. Keep it between 18°C and 29°C (65-84°F).
Soil and repotting
Soil
A free-draining aroid mix of bark, perlite and coco coir.
Repotting
Every spring while it is growing quickly. It reaches a good size fast, so use a heavy pot.
Feeding
Balanced liquid fertiliser every 3 weeks through spring and summer. It grows fast and takes the feeding.
Nothing in autumn and winter.
Pruning and grooming
Remove fully yellowed leaves at the base. Wipe the leaves occasionally.
Dormancy
It can drop everything in cold or low light. Keep barely damp and warm, and check the corm is firm.
Common problems
Stems stretching and leaning
Not enough light, inherited from the zebrina side.
Drooping leaves
Usually thirst.
Crispy edges
Humidity too low.
Spider mites
Check the undersides regularly.