The Alocasia Sanderiana 101: Care Guidelines For Beginners
The Alocasia sanderiana, also known affectionately as the Kris Plant, is a stunning tropical plant known for its beautifully patterned, arrowhead-shaped leaves. This plant is not only gorgeous but also relatively easy to care for if given the proper conditions.
But what ensures their optimal growth? Providing bright, indirect light and warm temperatures between 60-85°F, is important. Apart from these, evenly moist soil, high humidity around 60-80%, loose well-draining soil, and regular fertilizing during the growing season ensure optimal growth of Alocasia Sandariana.
By understanding the optimal light, temperature, water, soil, humidity, and fertilizer needs of the Alocasia sanderiana care, you can help your plant thrive indoors.
Table of Contents
History And Origin of Alocasia Sanderiana
Alocasia sanderiana is a tropical African mask plant that is native to the Philippine island of Mindanao. It was first collected by a German botanist named Heinrich Gustav Adolf Sander in the late 1800s, which is where the species name “sanderiana” originates.
Sander sent samples of the plant back to Germany where it was formally described and published as a new species in 1892. At the time, it garnered interest among horticulturists for its uniquely shaped upright leaves with striking dark green and silver patterning.
For many decades Alocasia sanderiana remained largely unknown outside of botanical circles. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the plant started being exported for the ornamental houseplant trade. Its popularity steadily increased through the next few decades.
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Light Requirements for Alocasia Sanderiana Care
The Alocasia sanderiana is native to the dappled light conditions of the tropical Philippine rainforests. This plant thrives best in bright, indirect light. Direct hot sunlight will scorch the leaves, causing unsightly brown spots and crispy edges.
For optimum growth, place your Alocasia sanderiana near an east or west-facing window where it will receive 3-4 hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun. A north-facing window can work as well if you supplement it with a grow light. Avoid a south-facing window unless you can filter the intense midday sun with sheers or blinds.
If you don’t have a suitably bright spot, consider using a broad-spectrum LED grow light to illuminate your plant for 12-14 hours per day. Position the lights 12-18 inches above the plant to prevent leaf burn. Rotate the plant frequently so all sides receive equal light exposure.
Temperature Range for Alocasia Sanderiana
As a tropical plant, the Alocasia sanderiana thrives in warm conditions between 60-85°F. Temperatures lower than 60°F can damage the plant, causing slowed growth and leaf drop. Avoid placing the plant near cold drafty windows or breezy doors. In the winter, you may need to relocate the plant to a warmer spot in your home.
During the summer, temperatures above 85°F can cause heat stress. Move the plant to a shadier area and use circulating fans to keep the surrounding air moving. Monitor for drooping, wrinkling, or curling leaves, which indicate the plant is getting too hot.
Maintain as consistent a temperature as possible. Daily fluctuations greater than 10°F can shock the plant. Consider using a thermometer to monitor the temperature in the Alocasia’s environment.
What Kind of Watering Does Alocasia Sanderiana Need?
The Alocasia sanderiana prefers evenly moist soil at all times. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, but don’t let the plant sit in dry soil for extended periods. Water thoroughly until water drains freely from the bottom drainage holes.
This ensures the entire root zone receives hydration.
In general, you’ll need to water your Alocasia every 7-10 days in the spring and fall. During the hot, dry summer months, you may need to water as frequently as every 4-5 days. In the winter during dormancy, allow the soil to become slightly drier between waterings.
Always check the soil moisture by inserting your finger into the pot. If the top 2 inches of soil are dry, it’s time to water. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil can cause root rot. If your plant is in a cache pot, empty the drainage saucer promptly after watering so the plant isn’t left sitting in water.
Soil Composition Idea for Alocasia Sanderiana
Alocasia sanderiana prefers loose, well-draining soil that retains some moisture. Use a quality potting mix formulated for tropical plants, or make your own mix containing:
- 2 parts potting soil
- 1 part perlite, for drainage
- 1 part peat moss, to retain moisture
- 1 part compost, to provide nutrients
You can further enrich the soil by mixing in worm castings, shredded leaves, or rice hulls. Re-pot your Alocasia every 2-3 years in fresh soil, or whenever the roots have filled the container. Choose a pot that is 2 inches larger than the current size.
Humidity Levels for Alocasia Sanderiana?
Native to the humid jungles of the Philippines, the Alocasia thrives in high humidity levels between 60-80%. Low humidity can cause leaf tip browning, spider mites, and poor growth.
Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity near your plant. If levels fall below 60%, take action to increase humidity. Run a humidifier nearby, place the pot on a pebble tray, or mist the leaves daily. Grouping plants together also creates a beneficial microclimate.
In dry climates or during winter when heating systems run frequently, you may need to make extra efforts to boost moisture levels around your Alocasia. Opening blinds and shades can help humidify the surrounding air.
What Kind of Fertilizer Does Alocasia Sanderiana Need?
To fuel growth and maintain glossy green leaves, Alocasia sanderiana benefits from regular fertilizing during the active growing season (spring through fall). Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks from spring until early fall.
Discontinue fertilizing for the winter dormancy period.
Excess fertilizer can burn the roots and leaves. Always follow label directions carefully. If your tap water contains lots of minerals, consider using distilled water for fertilizing solutions. This prevents chemical buildup in the soil over time.
As an alternative to chemical fertilizers, you can top-dress the soil with worm castings or use compost tea once per month. This provides a slow release of nutrients without the risk of burn.
How Should I Prune and Shape My Alocasia Sanderiana?
To keep your Alocasia sanderiana lush and full, prune back any dead, damaged, or diseased foliage as needed. Remove yellowed leaves promptly to conserve the plant’s energy. You can also prune to control size and shape.
To encourage bushier growth, pinch or snip off the growing tip of each stem. This forces the plant to produce two new shoots at the cut point. Repeat every few weeks to make the plant more compact and branched.
If leaves become overcrowded, you can thin them out. Carefully use sterilized pruning shears to cut leaves at the base of the petiole where they attach to the main stem. Avoid removing more than 20% of leaves at one time, as this can stress the plant.
How Do I Propagate Alocasia Sanderiana?
These stunning tropicals can be propagated by dividing the rhizome and tubers or by stem and leaf cuttings. Here are some tips:
- Division – When re-potting, carefully separate baby plants that have sprouted off of the main rhizome. Replant in a small pot using well-draining soil.
- Stem cuttings – Cut a 5-6 inch portion of healthy stem just below a node. Remove the lower leaves and dip in the rooting hormone. Plant in moist potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to retain humidity as roots form.
- Leaf cuttings – Cut off a healthy leaf at the petiole. Place the cut end in water or moist potting mix. New plantlets will eventually emerge from the veins or petiole base.
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What Pest or Disease Problems Occur With Alocasia Sanderiana?
When grown in optimal conditions, Alocasia sanderiana is remarkably pest and disease-resistant. However, here are some potential issues to watch for:
- Spider mites – Look for webbing and stippling damage on leaves. Wipe leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Aphids – Check for clusters of small insects on new growth. Remove with a strong spray of water or use horticultural oil.
- Fungal diseases – Prevent by allowing soil to dry adequately between waterings. Discard affected plants to prevent spread.
- Root rot – Caused by overwatering. Allow soil to dry out between waterings. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Cut away any black, mushy roots before replanting.
You an learn more facts about Alocasia Sanderiana by seeing the video.
Conclusion
The stunning Alocasia sanderiana requires some specialized care to thrive as a houseplant. By providing the right amounts of light, warmth, moisture, humidity, and nutrition, these tropical beauties will reward you with their gorgeously patterned foliage. Ensure the soil stays evenly moist but not soggy, and mist frequently to recreate its jungle origins.
With the proper growing conditions, the Alocasia sanderiana will add a bold, tropical flair to any indoor space. Consistent care allows these Philippine natives to flourish in homes far from their equatorial homeland.
Sources & References:
- https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/UF/00/09/87/23/00026/12-2010.pdf