Description

General aspect and origins - Alocasia sanderiana is also known as the kris plant. It is a tropical perennial with upright shiny, V-shaped and deeply lobed leaves. The plant can be up to 6 ft (2 m) tall and large in its native tropical area. However, it is smaller in culture.
Leaves - Leaves are evergreen, pelted, V-shaped, deeply lobed, glossy deep-green with large silvery white veins. They are about 12-16 in (30-40 cm) long and 6-8 in (15-20 cm) wide, with red-green undersides. The leaf stem is about 2 ft (60 cm) long.
Flowers - This plant has creamy-white inflorescences that are about 6 in (15 cm) long, and that are made of a green and white spathe that covers the tiny flowers. Female flowers are grouped at the lower part of the inflorescence, whereas the male flowers are at the top.
Fruits - Fruits, which are orange-red berries, are not edible.

Culture

This Alocasia is not as frost hardy as some other species, and should be grown outdoors in frost-free areas only. (I.e. USDA zones 10 and warmer) Elsewhere, it should be brought indoors in winter.

Note - The sap of Alocasia sanderiana is toxic and can be skin irritating.
Soil - This plant prefers a well-drained and fertile soil that remains moist.

Propagation

This plant can be propagated by seeds, cuttings or rhizom division. It is best to sow fresh seeds with a bottom heat. Cuttings can be tried in spring.