Alocasia Polly

The Alocasia ‘Polly’ (Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’) is one of the most well-known and widely available Alocasia varieties. Often called the African Mask Plant, it is a hybrid, not a species found in nature. It’s beloved for its dramatic, deeply lobed, and glossy dark green leaves with prominent, silvery-white veins. The leaves are held on slender, reddish-brown stems, giving the plant a striking and elegant appearance. Its compact size makes it a great choice for home or office settings.

Essential Care Guide for Alocasia ‘Polly’

While the ‘Polly’ is a beautiful plant, it has a reputation for being a bit particular and can be sensitive to its environment.

• Light: Provide bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will quickly burn its delicate leaves, causing brown spots. A spot near an east-facing window is ideal, as it gets gentle morning sun. A few feet away from a south or west-facing window will also work, as long as the light is filtered. Low light can cause leggy growth and duller leaf colors.
• Watering: The key is to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. Allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out before watering again. The ‘Polly’ is very susceptible to root rot, so using a pot with excellent drainage is non-negotiable. Water less frequently during the winter months when the plant’s growth slows.
• Humidity: High humidity is crucial for the ‘Polly’ to thrive, ideally 60% or higher. Low humidity can cause the leaves to develop crispy, brown edges. To increase the humidity around your plant, you can:
  • Use a humidifier.
  • Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water.
  • Group it with other plants to create a humid microclimate.
  • Place it in a naturally humid room like a bathroom or kitchen.
• Soil: Use a very well-draining, airy, and chunky potting mix. A standard potting mix will hold too much moisture. A good blend might include potting soil, perlite, and coco coir or orchid bark to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
• Temperature: The ‘Polly’ prefers a warm and stable environment, with temperatures between 18°C and 27°C (65-80°F). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature drops, which can cause the plant to go into a rapid decline or enter dormancy.
• Fertilizer: During the spring and summer growing season, you can feed your plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 2-4 weeks. Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter when the plant is not actively growing.

Common Problems and Solutions

• Yellowing Leaves: This is a classic sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. It’s also normal for Alocasias to drop an old leaf when a new one is growing.
• Drooping Leaves: Drooping can indicate either underwatering or overwatering. Check the soil and the plant’s overall environment to determine the cause.
• Pests: Alocasias are susceptible to common houseplant pests, particularly spider mites and mealybugs. Regularly inspect the leaves, especially the undersides. If you find pests, treat the plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Dormancy: It is common for Alocasias to go dormant in the winter. The leaves may yellow and die back. This is a natural process. Simply reduce watering and wait for new growth to emerge from the corm in the spring.

Toxicity

Like all Alocasia species, the ‘Polly’ is toxic if ingested by humans or pets due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. Keep it out of reach of curious children and animals.