Alocasia Polly

Alocasia Polly

    Commonly Known As:
  • Alocasia x amazonica,
  • Polly,
  • Elephant's Ear,
  • African Mask Plant

Alocasia amazonica “Polly”, also known as Elephant Ear or African Shield, is a tropical perennial plant. While Polly is a hybrid houseplant created relatively recently with mixed origin stories, the genus Alocasia is native to tropical rainforest climates in India, Southeast Asia, Southern China, and the Southern Pacific islands. About seventy species fall within the genus Alocasia. Polly features large, waxy leaves in the shape of an arrow-head protruding from long single stems. Leaves are a deep green with silver veining and have a rich purple underside.

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  • light

    The Alocasia Polly plant thrives in bright, indirect light. That means a few feet away from a bright window, filtered by thin curtains or blinds. Do not expose to direct sunlight or the leaves may burn.

  • water

    Water your Polly when the first two inches of soil are dry. Similar to most tropical foliage, they prefer humid conditions. Their thick stems allow them to store water, meaning they shouldn't be overwatered. The soil should be moist, but not saturated.

  • temperature

    The Alocasia Polly plant thrives in bright, indirect light. That means a few feet away from a bright window, filtered by thin curtains or blinds. Do not expose to direct sunlight or the leaves may burn.

  • fertilizer

    Fertilize Alocasia Polly every two to three weeks during the growing season, from the end of March through early September.

    Plant Facts

  • Alocasia houseplants can stay small — from a few inches high to three feet tall — but can also grow to the size of a small tree. It just depends on the variety you choose and its growing conditions.

  • Try not to be jealous, but your indoor alocasia plant will go dormant in the fall and winter months. During its break from putting out new growth, you can cut back on watering and should not fertilize.

  • Polly is native to Southeast Asia, Southern China and the Pacific Islands

  • Alocasia polly needs well draining soil so the roots do not get oversaturated.

  • Difficulty level – Medium

  • As with most tropical plants, Alociasia is toxic and should be kept away from pets and children.

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