Alocasia sanderiana Nobilis - Elephant's ears plant

Alocasia sanderiana 'Nobilis' is a highly ornamental tropical houseplant, appreciated for its dark green foliage with pale veins and its well-proportioned, sculptural silhouette. Grow it in a pot placed on a stand near a window or in a conservatory. Native to the humid forests of Southeast Asia, this Alocasia needs gentle warmth, filtered light and a sufficiently humid atmosphere. In return, it brings a tropical feel to a living room, bright office or heated conservatory.

This Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family , which includes many rhizomatous perennials from tropical woodland. Alocasia sanderiana is native to the north of Mindanao island in the Philippines, where it grows in warm, very humid forest ravines, in well-drained soil sheltered from direct sunlight.
The name 'Nobilis' refers to an old variety, often listed under the synonyms Alocasia sanderiana var. nobilis, Alocasia sanderi or Schizocasia sanderiana. In a pot, the plant forms a clump 60 to 80 cm high and 40 to 50 cm wide, growing from a tuberous rhizome. Long, fleshy petioles bear sagittate leaves 30 to 40 cm long, deeply lobed with wavy edges, very dark green and highlighted by a cream margin and strongly marked whitish main veins; the undersides of the leaf blades are purplish.
Flowering is rare indoors and appears as small inflorescences typical of the Araceae, with a yellowish green spathe surrounding a pale spadix, with no pronounced fragrance. 

Indoors, the plant needs filtered light, humid air (humidity above 60%) and stable temperatures between 18 and 25 °C, away from cold draughts. Somewhat demanding, it is best suited to growers already somewhat familiar with tropical plants, as it quickly reacts to overwatering, excessively dry air or sudden temperature changes.
If its needs are met, it performs well in a bright living room, a cosy office or a light-filled bathroom.

Indoors, Alocasia sanderiana 'Nobilis' makes a striking centrepiece, displayed in a simple cachepot that showcases its architectural leaves. Place it on a small table or on the floor near an east-facing window. You can pair it with plants bearing foliage of different textures but with similar needs, such as Calathea rufibarba, a Philodendron gloriosum with a creeping habit and large velvety foliage, or Anthurium clarinervium with large heart-shaped leaves veined in white. In a conservatory or bright bathroom, it creates a lush display with Maranta leuconeura 'Fascinator', which also enjoys warmth, good ambient humidity and filtered light.

The whole plant contains calcium oxalate crystals: it is toxic if ingested by humans and domestic animals alike; therefore, place it out of reach of young children, cats and dogs.