Description
- Common names:
- African Mask, Alocasia Polly, Elephant Ears, Oreja de Elefante, Máscara Africana
- Botanical name:
- Alocasia amazonica, Alocasia × amazonica
- Description:
- The Alocasia Polly captivates with its striking arrow-shaped leaves featuring bold white veins on deep green foliage. A dramatic statement plant that brings tropical elegance indoors.
Features
- Rarity:
- Uncommon Find
- Pet & Babies safety:
- Toxic to All Pets (keep out of reach)
- Air Purifier:
- Moderate Air Purifier (6/10)
- Form factor:
- Upright Bush, Architectural, Variegated Leaves, Rosette
- Origin:
- Southeast Asia
- Aesthetic advantages:
- Living Room, Office, Bedroom, Modern, Scandinavian, Tropical, Bookshelf, Statement Plant Display
Care Guide
Care level:
For Experienced Owners+
This stunning plant requires consistent care and attention to humidity, watering, and light conditions. It's less forgiving of mistakes and may go dormant if conditions aren't ideal, making it best suited for plant parents with some experience.
Light:
Bright / Indirect Light+
Place near an east or north-facing window where it receives bright, filtered light throughout the day. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, while insufficient light causes leggy growth and loss of vibrant leaf patterns.
Water:
Keep Soil Moist+
Water when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry to the touch, keeping the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Overwatering leads to root rot, while underwatering causes dramatic leaf drooping and browning edges.
Humidity:
Requires Misting+
Thrives in humidity levels above 60% and benefits from daily misting, placement on a pebble tray, or near a humidifier. Low humidity causes brown leaf edges and can lead to dormancy during winter months.
Temperature:
Prefers Warmth+
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18-27°C (65-80°F) and cannot tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (60°F). Keep away from air conditioning vents and cold windows during winter.
Hardiness zones:
Indoor Only+
This tropical plant is not cold-hardy and must be grown indoors as a houseplant in most climates. It can be moved outdoors to a shaded patio during warm summer months when nighttime temperatures remain above 15°C (60°F).
Fertilizing:
Feed Monthly+
Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength once a month during the growing season (spring through summer). Reduce feeding in fall and stop completely during winter dormancy.
Repotting:
Repot Every 2-3 Years+
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots begin growing out of drainage holes or the plant becomes top-heavy. Use a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark for optimal aeration.
Cleaning:
Wipe Leaves Regularly+
Gently wipe the large glossy leaves weekly with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance their natural sheen, which also helps the plant photosynthesize more efficiently. Avoid leaf shine products as they can clog pores.
Propagation:
Division+
Best propagated by carefully dividing rhizomes during repotting in spring, ensuring each section has at least one growing point and healthy roots. Plant divisions in moist, well-draining soil and maintain high humidity until established.