It’s fragrant, it’s beautiful, it’s shaped like an arrow. It’s Alocasia Sarian, one of many members of the beloved Alocasia family. Is it easy to care for? Can it bring more than beauty to your home? We will tell you.
On top of that, you will get a ton of other useful info: varieties, repotting, and all the needs this shrub may have.
What kind of plant is this? The one you might see every day on the way to your work, or on the neighbor’s balcony or yard? Now apps can tell you!
This is a striking tropical plant known for its dramatic foliage and elegant stature. The shrub is actually a hybrid between Alocasia Zebrina and Alocasia Micholitziana.
Where does the name Sarian come from? The plant was named after Zac B. Sarian, an agricultural journalist from the Philippines. It’s also the country where this hybrid was first created.
Alocasia Sarian Plant Overview | |
Feature | Details |
Origin | An artificially developed hybrid |
Type | Tropical perennial aroid |
Size | Up to 5 ft tall indoors |
Life span | Perennial (can live many years with proper care). Alocasia Sarian mature stage is reached in the span of 2 years. |
Leaf Colors | Deep green, arrowhead-shaped leaves with prominent white veins |
Flowers | Small shielded flower, similar to Peace lilies |
Propagation | Primarily by division of rhizomes or offsets during spring/summer |
Toxicity | Toxic to humans and pets if ingested |
Special Features | Exotic and compact |
Most Alocasias have similar varieties, mainly “Albo” and “Variegated”. These forms are akin to mutation, and they may sporadically appear on any common-looking Alocasia leaf.
Such varieties have many fans and usually cost significantly.
Some Sarian Alocasia come with leaves showing multiple colors, typically green mixed with cream, yellow, or gold. Natural mutation or selective breeding caused this special variegation, where certain cells produce less chlorophyll.
Variegated Alocasia Sarian can look marbled or splashed (with irregular patches of white/cream)
Albo” comes from Latin “albus” = white. These plants have predominantly white or mostly white variegation on the leaves. Some leaves remain green, making a striking contrast.
The white leaves are extremely light-sensitive: white sections cannot photosynthesize, so too little light can cause leaf failure.
Alocasias are more than just plants. They are assets! People collect them, and some varieties (like Also or Variegated) are worth a few dozen dollars. That’s why taking good care of this plant is so important. If this green buddy goes down, so does your budget.
Follow these steps, and your Sarian will grow into something precious.
The shrub prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight may burn the leaves, so avoid it.
The shrub can tolerate a few hours of morning or late afternoon sun, but no more.
The Ideal temperature for Sarian is 18–25°C (64–77°F). It does not tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (59°F).
As for humidity, Alocasia likes high humidity (60–80%). Use a humidifier, pebble tray, or group with other plants to boost moisture.
How often should you water your plants? For Alocasia, the watering regime is similar to most other shrubs. Keep soil consistently moist but well-draining. Water when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry.
Reduce watering in winter when growth slows. Avoid letting the plant sit in water to prevent root rot.
Use a well-draining, aroid-friendly mix (potting soil + perlite + orchid bark + coco coir). Such a mix helps prevent overwatering.
Feed the shrub with a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during spring and summer. In fall and winter, you don't need to fertilize the plant.
Most Alocasias (for example, Alocasia Stingray and others) like to feel “snug” in their pots, but even they have their limit and might need repotting when the Alocasia Sarian size gets too big.
The best time to repot is in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Choose a Pot: Select a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Make sure it has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Prepare Soil: Use a well-draining, aroid mix. The mix may contain potting soil, perlite, orchid bark, and coco coir.
Remove the Plant: Gently take the plant out of its current pot. Loosen the root ball carefully without damaging rhizomes.
Inspect Roots: Check for rotten or mushy roots and trim them with sterilized scissors. Healthy roots should be firm and white/cream-colored.
Potting: Place some soil at the bottom of the new pot. Position the plant in the center. Fill around the roots with soil, leaving about 1–2 inches of space at the top. Press lightly to remove air pockets, but don’t compact too much.
Aftercare Tips: Avoid fertilizing the plant for 2–3 weeks to let roots recover. Monitor for yellowing leaves or drooping. You can expect some ailments or weakness from the shrub as it adjusts.
Like many aroids, Alocasia contains calcium oxalate crystals, which are toxic!
If a pet or a human ingests a part of the plant, they might experience:
Burning, irritation, or swelling of the mouth, lips, and throat.
Difficulty swallowing in severe cases.
Nausea, vomiting, or stomach upset.
These oxalate crystals might even irritate your skin if the sap gets on your hand. For this reason, wear gloves when handling, pruning, or repotting the shrub.
We all know about Alocasia as ornamental plants, but they can offer more to your household than just good looks.
Benefit | Description |
Aesthetic Value | Large, dramatic arrowhead-shaped leaves with bold white veins add a tropical feel to your room. |
Air Purification | Helps filter indoor air by absorbing small amounts of toxins. |
Humidity Boost | Releases moisture through transpiration, slightly increasing local humidity. |
Stress Reduction & Well-being | Caring for plants can reduce stress, improve mood, and create a calming atmosphere. |
Collector’s Appeal | Rare and exotic, especially Variegated or Albo forms. Plant enthusiasts may pay a good price for a sapling. |
As a gardener, you should know what you’re growing. Sometimes we may forget the name of our plants, or maybe we were given a flower. Before, we’d have to search for a knowledgeable botanist or buy books on plants and search for the specific one.
Now, just one app can recognize your plant in seconds.
The AI Plant Finder app is a free plant identification tool designed to help users identify plants and flowers by simply taking a photo. It provides detailed information about the species, including characteristics, growing tips, and care requirements.
Another great function of the app is Care Reminders. You get notified when it's time to water the shrub or to adjust the temperature.
Finally, the AI Plant Finder comes with a few instruments. For example, Light Meter. Use the light meter to find the best spots for your plants, ensuring they receive the optimal amount of light for healthy growth.
You can download the app on Android and iOS devices.
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