It is endemic to Northern Mindanao in the Philippines, but is commonly grown as an ornamental plant worldwide.

It is a tropical perennial, with upright leaves, usually growing to a height of 2 ft (60 cm) long.

The leaves are a deep glossy dark green to blackish-green, often with large white to yellowish veins and margins.

[2][3] It has creamy-white inflorescences (usually paired) that are about 6 in (15 cm) long, made of a green and white spathe that covers the tiny flowers.

It can be distinguished from Alocasia micholitziana (which is also peltate and also endemic to the Philippines), in that the latter has leaves with a velvety (not glossy) texture that do not have cataphylls at the base.

Multiply by grafting, dividing rhizomes or sowing seeds in spring in a warm place.

Harvesting wild specimens of A. sanderiana is illegal in the Philippines and is punishable with six to ten years imprisonment and a fine of ₱100,000 to ₱1,000,000.