When most people think of low-maintenance houseplants, the first thing that comes to mind is a cactus.
However, there are other plants that require minimal attention – and one of those is the Alocasia polly.
If you’re new to gardening or are considering growing this plant, here’s what you need to know about how to grow and care for alocasia polly.
Plant Facts
| Scientific name | Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’ |
| Common names | African mask plant, Kris plant, Alocasia ‘Polly’, elephant ear |
| Family | Araceae |
| Plant Type | Houseplant |
| Height and Width | 24” tall and wide |
| Origin | India, Southern China, Southern Pacific Island, Southeast Asia |
| Flower colors | None |
| Foliage color | Dark green variegated foliage |
| Sun Exposure | Bright, indirect sunlight |
| Soil Type & pH | Well-drained |
| Special features | Low maintenance, good for containers, compact growth |
How to Grow Alocasia Polly
Alocasia polly is a beautiful houseplant that can add a touch of tropical elegance to any home. It is often grown for its large, glossy leaves and thrives as an indoor houseplant.
With its glossy leaves and striking form, Alocasia polly makes a beautiful addition to any indoor space. By following a few simple care guidelines, you can keep your plant healthy and thriving for years to come.
Propagation
Alocasia polly is a beautiful houseplant that is native to Southeast Asia. Also known as the Elephant’s Ear plant, it is characterized by its large, glossy leaves. Alocasia polly is relatively easy to care for, but it can be difficult to propagate.
The most common method of propagation is by division, but this can be tricky because the plant has a deep root system.
An easier way to propagate alocasia polly is by taking stem cuttings. Cut a 6-8 inch piece of stem from the mother plant, making sure to include a leaf node. Place the cutting in a glass of water and wait for roots to form.
Once the roots are several inches long, you can transplant the cutting into soil. With a little patience, you can easily propagate alocasia polly and enjoy its beautiful foliage for years to come.
Soil
Alocasia polly plants are native to tropical regions and enjoy warm, humid climates. They prefer rich, loamy soils that are high in organic matter and well-draining. You can grow this plant in light mixtures like peat moss or sand.
Alocasia polly plants are not tolerant of drought conditions and will quickly wilt if the soil medium is too dry. Make sure the container you grow your plant in has adequate drainage holes.
These plants also enjoy high humidity levels and will benefit from regular misting or being placed on a pebble tray. You can also put a humidifier near your plant to make sure it gets the moisture it needs.
Pruning
Alocasia plants are known for their large, glossy leaves and dramatic shape. They make a beautiful addition to any home or garden, but they do require a bit of regular pruning.
Pruning helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant looking its best. It also helps to remove any dead or damaged leaves.
When pruning an Alocasia plant, make sure to cut back the stems by about one-third. This will encourage new growth and help keep the plant compact. Be sure to use sharp, clean pruning shears to avoid damaging the plant. With a little care and attention, your Alocasia plant will thrive for years to come.
Repotting and Transplanting
It’s finally that time of year again! The time when your alocasia polly plants have outgrown their pots and need to be repotted or transplanted. But before you get started, there are a few things you need to know.
First, make sure you have the right size pot. The pot should be only slightly larger than the root ball of the plant. If the pot is too large, the plant will be susceptible to root rot.
Second, choose a potting mix that is specifically designed for tropical plants. This type of mix will provide the correct balance of drainage and moisture retention for your alocasia polly.
Finally, water your plant thoroughly before repotting or transplanting. This will help to reduce stress on the plant and minimize the risk of shock. With these tips in mind, you’ll be sure to have success when repotting or transplanting your alocasia polly plants.
How to Care for Alocasia Polly
Alocasia Polly is a beautiful, tropical plant that’s perfect for adding a splash of color to any indoor garden. Although it’s easy to care for, there are a few things you need to know to make sure your Alocasia thrives.
Here are some Alocasia care tips you can follow:
Water
When watering, be sure to thoroughly soak the root ball and then allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Alocasia plants thrive in warm, humid conditions and prefer indirect sunlight. When grown indoors, these plants need regular watering, but be sure to allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Alocasia plants are susceptible to root rot, so it is important to not overwater them.
Sunlight
Alocasia polly plants are native to the tropics and thrive in humid, shady conditions. They prefer indirect sunlight and will tolerate low light levels, but they will not stay as healthy in low light. They may have a harder time exiting dormancy, too.
Similarly, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant.
If you are growing them indoors, place them near an east- or west-facing window.
Temperature and Humidity
These plants like to stay moist, but not wet, and will appreciate a humid environment. If the air is too dry, you may notice that the leaves begin to brown and curl at the edges.
To increase humidity, you can mist the leaves or set the pot on a tray of pebbles and water. Alocasia polly plants are not tolerant of cold temperatures and should be kept above 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
These plants also enjoy high humidity levels and will benefit from regular misting or being placed on a pebble tray. You can also put a humidifier near your plant to make sure it gets the moisture it needs. Just be wary of cold drafts, which can chill the plant and dry it out.
With proper care, these striking plants can add a touch of the tropics to any indoor space.
Fertilizer
When fertilizing alocasia polly plants, it’s important to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for these kinds of houseplants. These types of fertilizers are typically high in nitrogen, which is essential for plant growth.
In addition, alocasia polly plants benefit from being fed every two weeks during the growing season. When applying fertilizer, be sure to follow the directions on the package carefully so that you don’t over fertilize the plants. Water deeply after fertilizing so the leaves don’t get scorched.
Too much fertilizer can cause the leaves to burn, so it’s important to err on the side of caution.
Fertilize alocasia polly plants once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season. Reduce watering and fertilizing in the winter months when growth slows down. With proper care, alocasia polly plants can grow to be 2-3 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide.
Pest and diseases
Alocasia polly is a beautiful tropical plant that is popular for its large, glossy leaves. However, this plant can be susceptible to various pests and diseases.
Mealybugs, Spider Mites, and Aphids
One of the most common problems is infestation by mealybugs, spider mites, or aphids, which can cause the leaves to turn yellow and brown. These pests can also spread disease to other plants in the same pot. Yellow leaves on multiple plants is a strong indicator that something is amiss!
Both are small, usually white insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can quickly weaken a plant, and if left unchecked, mealybugs can kill an alocasia polly. Aphids are small, black insects that also feed on plant sap. In addition to causing damage to the plant, aphids can also transmit diseases.
Both mealybugs and aphids can be controlled with regular applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil. To prevent infestations, it is important to inspect your plant regularly and remove any insects that you find. You should also quarantine any new plants before adding them to your collection.
With a little care, you can keep your alocasia polly healthy and free of pests like these.
Root Rot
In addition, alocasia polly is susceptible to root rot, which can cause the roots to decay and the leaves to wilting.
Root rot is a serious problem for houseplants, as it can quickly kill the plant. The first step in addressing root rot is to identify the problem. Symptoms of root rot include yellowing or wilting leaves, poor plant growth, and brown or black patches on the roots. If you suspect that your plant has root rot, it is important to act quickly.
The best way to treat root rot is to remove the affected roots and replant the plant in fresh soil. This will give the plant a chance to recover and start growing new, healthy roots.
In addition, be sure to water your plants carefully, as overwatering can contribute to root rot. By following these steps, you can effectively address root rot and keep your houseplants healthy and thriving.
Changes in Environment
Alocasia polly plants are relatively easy to care for, but they can be sensitive to changes in their environment. If you notice the leaves drooping or turning yellow, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough moisture or light. It is rarely a sign of pests or diseases – adjust growing conditions first and if the problems persist, evaluate for other problems.
If you notice any of these problems with your alocasia polly, it is important to take action right away in order to prevent further damage.
Toxicity
Alocasia polly, also known as the African mask plant, is a popular houseplant that is prized for its lush, green foliage. However, alocasia polly is also toxic to pets, and ingestion of the plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing. If you suspect that your pet has ingested alocasia polly, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
With prompt treatment, pets typically recover from alocasia polly toxicity without any lasting effects. However, if left untreated, alocasia polly toxicity can be fatal. Therefore, you should avoid growing this plant in a location where pets or children can get to it.
Common Varieties and Cultivars
African Mask plants are native to tropical areas of Asia. They are also known as elephant’s ear plants because of their large, heart-shaped leaves. There are many different cultivars of Alocasia plants, but the most common variety is Alocasia Polly.
This plant is known for its compact size and its ability to thrive in low-light conditions. Alocasia Polly plants are also relatively easy to care for, making them a popular choice for indoor gardens.
Of this variety, there are several cultivars to consider growing. The most common cultivar is the Green Goddess, which has large, dark green leaves. Other popular options include the white-leafed Snowflake and the variegated Aloha.
Some other options include:
- Alocasia amazonica
- Alocasia sanderiana
- Alocasia longiloba
Conclusion
Alocasia polly is a beautiful, dark green plant that can grow quite large. If you’re thinking about adding one of these plants to your home or garden, we have some tips for you on how to care for it.
First and foremost, this plant needs plenty of water – make sure the soil is always moist. Get the plant on a good watering schedule and use a well draining soil mix. Secondly, give your plant lots of light; it will need at least six hours of indirect sunlight each day. Finally, fertilize your plant regularly with a balanced fertilizer.
With just a little bit of TLC, your alocasia polly will thrive and add beauty to your space for years to come.
See more: Alocasia black velvet care
*image by jamaludinyusup/depositphotos
