Culture
Best in part shade or filtered sun in moist, organically rich soils. Plant in locations protected from strong winds after last frost date. Rhizomes/tuberous roots may be started indoors in pots or containers. After last frost date, pots may be sunk to the rim in the garden and containers may be set out on the patio. Water and fertilize regularly. Before first fall frost, pots may be dug up and pots/containers should be brought inside where they can overwintered in a humid, cool (around 60-65°F) location. Reduce watering in winter. Return to the garden in spring. Rhizomatous varieties are best left in pots year-round. Tuberous varieties may be planted directly in the garden in late spring. After first fall frost, dig and lift tubers, shake off loose soil, dry and store in cool, dry location for winter. May be grown as a houseplant.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Alocasia is a genus of around 80 species of tuberous, herbaceous perennials native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Australia. Closely related to Colocasia (taro). Plants are cultivated as ornamentals and are prized for their showy foliage. The leaves are heart to arrowhead-shaped (12-36" long), each held singly atop long and sturdy succulent stems. The inflorescences are of the typical aroid type with a spike-like spadix surrounded by a leaf-like spathe. Can produce growth to 6' tall or more in a single growing season. Leaves often have distinctive veining, markings and/or coloration.
‘Sarian’ is a hybrid of Alocasia zebrina and A. micholitziana. It was named for Zac B. Sarian, an agricultural journalist from the Philippines. It is a rhizomatous, tropical perennial that features leathery, wavy-edged, arrowhead-shaped, dark green, upward pointing leaves. The leaves have wide, conspicuous, bright white main veins and long, thick, striped petioles. It has large calla lily-like flowers although it may never bloom. ‘Sarian’ does not do well in temperatures lower than 55 degrees and must be brought inside when temperatures begin to drop. When grown year round in warm climates, it will grow up to 12 ft. tall and wide. When grown in cooler climates and overwintered in a pot as a houseplant or stored as a dormant rhizome, it will grow to just 5 to 6 ft. tall and wide.
Uses
Accent plant for shady areas. Can be grown as a houseplant.