While most tropical plants are beautiful – Alocasia Sarian is stunning! With its lush, glossy leaves, this versatile plant is easy to cultivate in ideal growing conditions and a pleasure to behold.
Alocasia Sarian is a tropical perineal that thrives in indirect bright light with heart or arrow-shaped dark glossy leaves. They produce red-orange-hued berries and can, in rare instances, bloom. These plants can be grown indoors or outdoors, preferably in containers or pots.
Tropical Alocasia Sarian plants are native to the Philippines. Those grown in the wild have been classified as endangered plants by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. So, they are truly special!
What Is The Botanical Name Of Botanical Name?
“Alocasia sanderiana” is part of the Araceae plant family; it is a hybrid between Alocasia micholitziana and Alocasia zebrina plant species, named after botanist Henry Sander.
What Is The Common Name For Alocasia Sarian?
Alocasia Sarian is commonly known by various names, chief amongst them is “kris plants,” as its wavy leaf blades resemble a sword, often referred to as a kris sword.
Another common name is the elephant’s ear, as the plant’s pointed foliage resembles the animal’s large ears. However, several other plants share this nickname. They are also called “African masks” as they resemble their triangular shapes.
Alocasia Sarian Description
The tropical Alocasia Sarian plant species are classified as perennials. With upright foliage that can grow outdoors to a height of 5-10 feet and spread 2-6 feet wide, depending on its location. However, the plant’s size is limited to 3-4 feet in ideal conditions if it is grown indoors.
This stunning ornamental plant features showy dark green arrow or heart-shaped, leathery textured foliage, central white veins with waved edges, roughly 12-36″ in length, and elegant long stems.
It does produce inedible red-orange-hued berries and large flowers that resemble calla lilies, although Alocasia Sarian plants rarely bloom.
Most Alocasia plants are poisonous, so they should be kept away from children and animals as their foliage can be deadly.
The Alocasia Sarian’s Growing Preferences
Alocasia Sarian tuberous, or rhizomes, should ideally be cultivated in containers or pots and can be grown indoors or sunk in your garden soil (inside the container). Although, it’s essential to consider the following preferred cultivation requirements.
Light
Sarian plants prefer indirect bright light, so any partly shaded area not exposed to the glaring sun is ideal if they are situated outdoors.
Should you decide to grow them indoors, place them in an area where they will have limited exposure to the sun. For example, early in the morning or just before sunset, on an east, or west-facing window, especially in the wintertime.
Although, you might need to invest in some grow lights or relocate them to a sunny area during the wintertime.
Temperature
Tropical Alocasias thrive in Zones 9-11 with warmer climates. However, they do not tolerate cold temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Thus if they are grown outdoors, bring them inside when it gets colder.
Their ideal indoor temperature is 60-85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, as they prefer tropical humidity, place them close to a humidifier or on top of a wet pebble container tray.
Watering
Alocasia Sarian plants love water! So, you can water them twice a week in their growing season during the summer and springtime if they are cultivated in well-draining soil.
However, they do not tolerate being soggy as it leads to root rot, and are not drought resistant. So, ensure that the top inches of the soil are dry (test it with your finger) before watering it.
They need far less water in winter, so be careful not to overwater them during this fragile dormant stage, as it can harm them.
Soil
Sarian plants prefer rich organic, well-draining soil. Especially an equal mix of perlite and soil, as they do not thrive in sandy or rocky soil conditions. You can use any quality potting soil for indoor plants, as they typically have good drainage.
Tips On Caring For Alocasia Sarian Plants
Apply a slow-release fertilizer roughly three times a year. Water-based or gentle organic fertilizers can be applied bi-monthly, especially when your plants are in their growing phase.
For new plants, sprinkle roughly 6 inches of fertilizer around the base of the stem. However, ensure it is a quality product, as the salt in cheap fertilizers can damage your fledging plant.
Most importantly, if your containers or pots are sunk in your garden soil, relocate them indoors before early fall, before frost sets in. Then, they can be returned to your garden just before the beginning of summer.
Mist and clean their leaves regularly, as accumulated dust can inhibit their photosynthesis cycles and, by default, limit their growth.
Common Issues And Troubleshooting Alocasia Sarian
While Alocasia Sarian pants are relatively easy to cultivate, there are specific common issues that you need to be aware of. So, here are a few problems you need to look out for.
Alocasia Sarian Spider Mites Infestations
These plants are vulnerable to spider mites, so if you spot spider webs in the plant’s leaves and stems or a new greyish discoloration, it needs to be treated.
The best way to remove spider mites is by applying neem oil and organic sprays. However, ensure that you wear gloves whenever you touch this toxic plant and try to wipe off the infected areas before applying the insecticide.
Yellow And Falling Alocasia Sarian Leaves
Another common issue is falling or yellowing leaves, typically caused by under or overwatering. So, adjust your water schedule by either watering them less or more often until they look healthy again.
Browning Alocasia Sarian Folliage
Browning leaves can be caused by several factors like excessive sunlight, an unsuitable watering regimen, or temperatures that are too low.
The best troubleshooting methods include moving your plant out of direct sunlight, adjusting your watering routine, or adjusting your indoor temperature.
How To Repot Alocasia Sarian?
Sarian plants should ideally be re-potted only once yearly as they don’t like being disturbed. However, you can plant them in any sized pot, even small ones, as they are root-bound plants.
Steps to re-pot your Alocasia Sarian:
- Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage by drilling additional holes in the pot’s base.
- Fill the pot with quality potting soil mixed with perlite, orchid bark, and fertilizer.
- Remove the Alocasia from its old pot, and shake off its root soil
- Once it’s re-potted, water it thoroughly without letting water pool at its base.
- Place it in an area where it will not be exposed to direct sunlight.
How To Propagate Propagation Alocasia Sarian?
The ideal time to propagate Alocasia Sarian plants is in their growing season (late spring or early summer), and all you need to do is the following:
- First, remove the mother plant from her container with a spade.
- Next, divide, and remove some of the plant’s roots, or rhizomes, then re-pot the remaining mother plant.
- Plant the smaller section of the root, or rhizome, in damp soil, with indirect sunlight to form roots with the upper side sticking out of the soil and apply some fertilizer at its base.
- Keep the soil moist by watering it when needed.
Conclusion
The tropical Alocasia Sarian, with its show-stopper green leaves, is a stunning addition to any home or garden! They are relatively easy to grow under the right conditions and require minimal care. However, they are toxic, so please keep them away from your pets and children.
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