The African Mask Plant

Alocasia Hybrid Sarian

A hybrid between Alocasia Zebrina and Alocasia Micholitziana, the Alocasia Sarian is commonly referred to as The Elephant Ear or The African Mask, because of the arrow shaped leaves which resemble the triangle shape of African masks.

Originating in the humid rainforests of Southern Asia, the African Mask is a fast growing, rhizomatous tropical perennial that is a member of the Arums (Araceae) family.

Wide and vivid green heart shaped leaves (arrow shaped in younger plants) with prominent white veins that are mainly pointed up with tall, slender stems make the African Mask Plant a prized possession for plant lovers and an immediate attraction in any indoor space.

This distinctive houseplant enjoys bright indirect light and a humid environment - just like it's relative The Zebra Alocasia - Alocasia Zebrina!

The Right Environment for The African Mask Plant:

Hailing from a tropical environment, the African Mask Plant prefers bright to moderate light, out of reach from direct sunlight.

Keep the air around it moist or place it in an already humid environment, like the bathroom or kitchen.

The leaves can get scorched in harsh direct sunlight and they will also brown on the edges if there is not enough humidity.

The African Mask Plant wants moist rich soil (but not waterlogged) and warm, humid conditions. Well draining soil that retains moisture is ideal – equal parts soil and perlite make for the perfect mixture.

The African Mask Plant can grow quite big and would be better suited to rooms with ample space or high ceilings if you are aiming to allow this gorgeous houseplant to grow to its full potential. It can get as tall as 1,5m indoors.

The African Mask Plant can also be grown outside in ideal conditions. When grown indoors, it will grow smaller than if outdoors.

Watering The African Mask Plant:

Keep your African Mask Plant moist at all times. However, you must avoid the soil being too soggy and the plant sitting in water constantly, as well as allowing the soil to dry out completely.

The stems hold water and are susceptible to root rot if over watered or if they sit in water for too long. Additionally, dry soil is not ideal for tropical indoor plants.

Find the happy medium of a moist soil (not soggy, not dried out), and then water when the top 2cm of the soil in the pot has dried up. 

Take your African Mask Plant into the shower with you, because a very happy place for this indoor plant is in the shower with you every few weeks for a humidity boost!

Feeding Your African Mask Plant:

Fertilise your African Mask Plant once every 2 weeks during Spring, Summer and Autumn (the growing season). You can stop fertilising during Winter when it is dormant.

Knowing Your African Mask Plant:

The African Mask Plant grows best in Summer and Spring, and takes a rest in Winter to conserve its resources. As such, you may notice no new leaf growth during the colder months, and a flush of new growth when it is hot and ideal conditions for this elegant Alocasia.

If you have pets or young children, keep this plant at a higher level and out of reach to avoid any accidental ingestion, as this plant can be toxic if eaten.

Care Tip:

It is important to note that the African Mask Plant will need less water in Winter and might also drop some leaves as a natural process to conserve resources during its dormant stage.

Take Home Your Own Alocasia Sarian:

Chosen for its appealing leaf and long slender style that catches the eye immediately, the Alocasia Sarian - African Mask Plant - comes to you in a 23cm plastic nursery pot. Shop for your own unique African Mask Plant HERE.