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Illustration of an Alocasia Polly with large, dark green leaves and light green veins on a beige background. The leaves are detailed, conveying a calm, natural vibe.

Alocasia Polly

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Alocasia Amazonica

KNOWN AS: Amazon Elephant's Ear, African Mask

CLIMATE (LOCATION): Southeast Asia & Philippines | Tropical

DESCRIPTION: This Alocasia is very dramatic! It has leaves that look like arrows and they are a deep dark green with very contrasted veining and rich purple undersides. This plant is a striking addition to any plant family.

Moderate difficulty & pet safe

Alocasia Polly Plant Care

Lighting

Light Requirement: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Alocasia Polly plants like bright, indirect light. They should be put near a window that gets bright, filtered light, but not direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves. If the plant doesn't get enough light, its leaves may start to droop and it may not grow as well. Make sure that all parts of the plant get enough light by turning it every so often. You can also use artificial light sources, such as LED grow lights, to add to the natural light and make sure the plant gets enough light.

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Watering

Quick Tip: Water until water comes out of drainage holes. Allow top 2 inches of soil to completely dry between waterings.

Alocasia Polly, also known as African Mask Plant, requires a consistent watering routine to thrive. It's important to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again. It's best to water deeply, saturating the soil until the water runs out of the drainage holes, and then let the excess water drain away. Be sure to empty any standing water from the saucer to prevent root rot. During the winter months, when the plant is dormant, reduce watering frequency to prevent overwatering. Keep in mind that the plant may require more frequent watering in a brighter, warmer environment, so monitor the soil moisture level regularly. Overall, it's better to underwater than overwater Alocasia polly, as it's more tolerant of drought than waterlogged soil.

Temperature

Preferred Temperature: 60º - 80º

The ideal temperature range for Alocasia polly plants is between 65°F and 80°F (18°C and 26°C). Although they can survive slightly milder temperatures, rapid temperature reductions must be avoided because they could kill the plant. Keep your African Mask Plant away from drafts from windows, heating, and air conditioning units.These can all harm the beautiful leaves of the plant.

Humidity

Preferred Humidity: 60 - 70%; High Humidity

Alocasia Polly plants originate from tropical rainforests, where high humidity levels are prevalent. To mimic their natural habitat, aim for humidity levels between 60% and 70%. Consistent humidity allows your Alocasia polly to grow lush, vibrant foliage. To achieve this level of humidity, you can place your planter/pot on a tray of pebbles with water. Misting the plants leaves with room temperature water is another great option but may require more time and effort. The last option is investing in a humidifier that can help establish consistent levels of humidity.

Additional Plant Care

Propagation
Alocasia Polly can be propagated through division. To do this, gently remove the entire plant from its pot and carefully separate the rhizomes, making sure each section has at least one healthy stem and several healthy roots. The new sections can then be planted in their own pots with well-draining soil and watered lightly until they establish roots. It's important to keep the new plants in a warm and humid environment to help with root development. Another option is to propagate the plant through stem cuttings. To do this, select a healthy stem and cut it just below a node. Plant the cutting in moist potting soil and keep it warm and humid until it develops roots. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and to avoid direct sunlight until the new plant is established.
Toxicity
Alocasia polly, also known as African Mask plant, is toxic to humans and animals when ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and swelling of the mouth, tongue, and throat, leading to difficulty breathing, swallowing, and speaking. If the sap of the plant comes in contact with the skin, it can cause redness, itching, and blistering. Ingesting large quantities of the plant can lead to more severe symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare cases, even death. It is important to keep Alocasia Polly out of reach of children and pets and to wash hands thoroughly after handling the plant to avoid any potential reactions.
Repotting
To repot an Alocasia Polly plant, choose a pot that is one size bigger than the one it is in now. Fill the new pot with fresh soil that drains well, leaving room for the roots of the plant. Carefully take the plant out of its pot, making sure not to hurt the roots. Loosen the root ball gently and cut out any dead or broken roots. Place the plant in the new pot, making sure it is centered and at the same depth as it was in the old pot. Fill in the space around the roots with more soil and gently press it down to get rid of any air pockets. Make sure the soil is wet all the way through when you water the plant. Lastly, put the pot in a place with bright, indirect light and keep caring for the plant as usual.
Pruning
Alocasia Polly, which is also called African Mask Plant, doesn't need much pruning, but it may need occasional care to keep its size in check and encourage bushy growth. To prune, wait until the plant is actively growing in the spring or summer. Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle, just above a healthy leaf, with sharp, clean shears or scissors. Take off any yellow or brown leaves, because that means the plant is sick. Pinch the tips of the stems back to make them grow bushy, but don't take off too many leaves at once. It is also important to keep the plant clean by wiping its leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and other debris, which can stop the plant from growing.
Fertilizer
During the growing season, fertilizing Alocasia Polly plants regularly can help them grow well (spring and summer). A balanced liquid fertilizer can give the plant the nutrients it needs for healthy growth if it is used every two to three weeks. To keep the plant from getting burned, dilute the fertilizer to half its strength. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, you can stop fertilizing it or cut back to once a month. It's also important to make sure the soil drains well to avoid waterlogging, which can make it hard for plants to take in nutrients.
Soil
Alocasia Polly plants do best in soil that drains well and has a lot of nutrients. A mixture of equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil is the best type of soil for Alocasia Polly. The peat moss helps keep water in the soil, and the perlite makes sure that the soil can drain well. Alocasia Polly plants like soil that has a pH level between 5.5 and 6.5. It's important to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, because these plants can get root rot if the soil stays too wet. So, it's important to make sure the pot has good drainage so that water doesn't stay in it.

Hanging Heights

Alocasia Polly Lighting Requirements: High Light (Bright Indirect Light)

Chart showing recommended hanging heights for Soltech Aspect and popular plants for each range.

Aspect Hanging Heights - Alocasia Polly

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Soltech's Recommendation -

24" to 36"

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VIEW ASPECT GROW GUIDE

Vita Hanging Heights - Alocasia Polly

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Vita : 24" to 36"

60º Wide Beam Vita : 12" to 24"

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VIEW VITA GROW GUIDE

Highland Hanging Heights - Alocasia Polly

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Soltech's Recommendation -

36º Narrow Beam Highland : 30" to 42"

60º Wide Beam Highland : 18" to 30"

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VIEW HIGHLAND GROW GUIDE

Grove Hanging Heights - Alocasia Polly

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • Not Recommended

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VIEW GROVE GROW GUIDE

Lighting guide for plants with Soltech Aura and potted plants on a neutral background

Aura Light Distances - Alocasia Polly

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Soltech's Recommendation:

  • 0" to 8"

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VIEW AURA GROW GUIDE

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