Alocasia are part of the Araceae family, ‘Sarian’ is said to be a hybrid of Alocasia micholitziana and Alocasia zebrina and it is thought to be named after Zac B. Sarian, an agricultural journalist from the Philippines. However, there is also information online stating that the plant is indigenous to the Philippines; “Alocasia Sarian is still considered a variety of Alocasia macrorrhizos because of the similarity in floral structures. However, there is a group conducting studies on Alocasia and I believe that they also would like to confirm its taxonomic status and whether it is a hybrid or not. I personally don’t consider it a natural hybrid because we found it in Ilocos Norte and only A. macrorrhizos is present in the area. I would like to consider it a natural mutant instead pending results of DNA analysis” (Fernando Biglang-awa Aurigue, 2020).
‘Sarian’ has dark green, sagittate leaves, they are coriaceous with wavy leaf margins, leaves are upward pointing. Leaves have prominent white midribs and thick, striped petioles.
Genus name comes from the Greek ‘a’ meaning without and ‘locasia’ meaning lotus root. Specific epithet honors Agricultural journalist, Zac Sarian.
Pot: ø 14cm.
Height: Approximately 40cm from base of pot.
Light: Bright indirect light, meaning the plant sees the sun for 0-4 hours per day - this could be through trees or a translucent curtain, it’s important for the plant to see the sky in order to thrive. Alocasia can handle a few hours of direct sunlight per day.
Water: Alocasia prefer evenly moist soil, providing that the plant is receiving adequate light, water when the top inch of mix has dried out. Before watering, aerate the potting mix with a few pokes of a skewer or blunt stick, pour water slowly over the top and allow the water to pass through the drainage holes.
Potting mix: A well draining mix composed of coco coir, perlite or vermiculite, orchid bark and worm castings.
Fertilising: Feed your plant when you water or every other watering, during the growing season or when you observe active growth. You can dilute fertiliser to half the recommended amount but never add more.
Temperature: Ideally 18-29°C.
Humidity: Alocasia would prefer higher humidity. You can increase humidity by placing the plant on a watered pebble tray or using a humidifier.
Alocasia are toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.