Sarian Elephant's Ear

Sarian Elephant's Ear (Alocasia hybrid 'Sarian') is a bold tropical foliage plant that reaches about 1m tall and wide in a pot and 2m or more in the ground. Its upright, arrow-shaped green leaves are lined with pale white-yellow veins and carried on long, smooth stems mottled like reptile skin. Give it the right conditions and it repays you with some of the biggest leaves you can grow.

Why you'll love it

• Huge, upright leaves. Big arrow-shaped leaves stand tall on long stems, so one plant fills a corner.
• Veins that catch the light. Prominent white-yellow veins run through the green and keep the foliage lively in a shaded spot.
• Stems with pattern. The mottled stems look like reptile skin, so there is interest below the leaves too.
• Indoors or out. Show it off in your best pot inside, or plant it into a tropical garden to reach full size.
• Strong in the right climate. In a warm, humid tropical garden it grows vigorously all year.

Where it works best

Indoor feature plant. Give it a bright room out of direct sun and space for a 1m spread. Stand the pot on tile or another wipeable surface, because it may occasionally drip sap.

Tropical garden beds. Where frost never reaches, plant it in filtered light under trees or palms, about 1m from its neighbours. Outdoors it can pass 2m, so it makes a strong middle layer behind lower foliage.

Sheltered verandahs and patios. A large pot on a warm, covered patio suits it, if wind cannot shred the leaves and nights stay mild.

Growing Sarian Elephant's Ear in Australia

Position and climate. Think tropical rainforest: warm, steamy and not too sunny. It needs at least half a day of good light but no direct sun, which scorches the leaves. Outdoors it belongs in frost free tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, grow it indoors or in a pot you can move under cover, warm and sheltered.

Soil. Rich, moist, free draining loam gives it the best start. In a pot, use a quality potting mix with clear drainage holes.

Water and feed. Water little and often so the soil stays moist but never soggy, and mist regularly if your air is dry. Feed lightly through the warm months. Indoors it may rest for around six months of the year, so ease back on water and let it sleep until spring.

Pruning. Remove old or damaged leaves at the base, and turn an indoor plant monthly to keep it symmetrical. Wear gloves when cutting, because the sap from cut stems can irritate skin.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Sarian Elephant's Ear as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, and in 140mm pots in packs of 10. Either way it is a young plant, not the full-sized specimen described above, and the leaves enlarge as it settles into warm, humid conditions. Plants travel upright and packed to protect the leaves. Unpack them promptly and keep them out of direct sun while they settle.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse our elephant ears and alocasias
• Elephant ear plants in Australia: varieties and care
• More indoor plants for bright rooms
• Designing a tropical garden that stays lush

Common questions

Is it safe for pets and children?

No. Like every Alocasia, it contains calcium oxalate crystals, and chewing the leaves or stems irritates the mouth and throat. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.

Why has it stopped growing in winter?

Indoors it often rests for months. Cut back on water, keep it warm and bright, and wait for it to wake in spring.

Can I grow it outdoors?

Only where frost never reaches and the air stays warm and humid, which means tropical and subtropical gardens. Elsewhere, keep it as an indoor feature plant in bright, indirect light.