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Alocasia Sanderiana Plant Care
Alocasia sanderiana hort. ex Bull
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Alocasia sanderiana, commonly known as the kris plant or Sander's alocasia, is a plant in the family Araceae. It is endemic to Northern Mindanao in the Philippines, but is commonly grown as an ornamental plant worldwide.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect to filtered light
65–80°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Alocasia Sanderiana?
Plant Alocasia Sanderiana in bright indirect to filtered light (USDA zones 10b–12b) and water a young tree every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season. The ASPCA lists it as toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the Alocasia Sanderiana Native To?
What Is the Alocasia Sanderiana?
Alocasia Sanderiana (Alocasia sanderiana) belongs to the Araceae family within the Alocasia genus. Alocasia Sanderiana is native to Northern Mindanao in the Philippines. Alocasia Sanderiana is also known as Sander's Alocasia, Kris Plant, Elephant Ear.
Alocasia Sanderiana displays a large, upright foliage growth habit, reaching up to 5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Alocasia Sanderiana produces rarely flowers indoors, inconspicuous blooms.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Water a young or newly planted Alocasia Sanderiana every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Alocasia Sanderiana Need?
Alocasia Sanderiana thrives in bright indirect to filtered light. Avoid placing Alocasia Sanderiana in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to filtered light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Alocasia Sanderiana Prefer?
Alocasia sanderiana tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Alocasia Sanderiana prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Good drainage is essential for Alocasia Sanderiana to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Feed Alocasia Sanderiana every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Choose a spot with bright indirect to filtered light and well-draining, rich organic mix with perlite and peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Alocasia Sanderiana is suited to USDA Zone 10b – 12b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Alocasia Sanderiana can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 5 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Prune Alocasia Sanderiana while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.
How Do You Care for a Alocasia Sanderiana in Winter?
Alocasia Sanderiana is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 10). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Alocasia Sanderiana?
Alocasia Sanderiana can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to alocasia odora plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Alocasia Sanderiana Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic to cats and dogs
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant list, which covers Alocasia species (which includes Alocasia Sanderiana). View the ASPCA entry
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Alocasia Sanderiana?
Alocasia Sanderiana is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Alocasia Sanderiana Need?
Alocasia Sanderiana grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Alocasia Sanderiana is native to Northern Mindanao in the Philippines. In cooler regions, grow Alocasia Sanderiana as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Alocasia Sanderiana is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Alocasia genus — compare its care with other Alocasia species on PlantoScan.
Alocasia is part of the Araceae plant family — browse all Araceae genera and species.
Alocasia Sanderiana thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Alocasia Species
Other Alocasia species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Alocasia sanderiana hort. ex Bull, family Araceae (first published in Gard. Chron. , n.s., 24: 183 (1885)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record, Wikidata.
- Pet toxicity: The ASPCA lists Alocasia species (which includes Alocasia Sanderiana) as toxic to cats and dogs. Source: ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List.
- Photo: AI-generated illustration (labelled on the image).
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 12b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
