Alocasia Polly is quite a striking plant.
From its arrow-shaped leaves to its bold coloring, many get attracted to having it has their houseplant.
It is simply hard to ignore this tropical plant.
But although it looks fantastic, you must know that its also tricky.
That may be the case, but dont worry.
This article introduces you to more about Alocasia Polly, especially how to take care of it.
Let us start with some simple facts about this so-called African Mask plant.
In this article
Alocasia Polly Facts
What is Alocasia Polly?
Alocasia Polly is a stunning tropical plant characterized by its leaves shaped like arrows.
This plant also likes to be kept moist but not soggy.
Alocasia Polly is native to the South Pacific, particularly in the Philippines.
Taking care of it is of medium difficulty, so it needs just a bit of attention to thrive.
Types of Alocasia
Alocasia has more than 70 species and dozens of hybrids.
These plants are highly hybridized due to their appealing color, leaf form, and sizes.
Two of the most common species are theAlocasia AmazonicaandAlocasia Macrorrhizos.
Alocasia Amazonica is jewel-like Amazon lily.
It is a houseplant variety that can grow up to 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
Besides these two, Alocasia is fantastic because it is often hybridized.
You will find more and more types of them.
It might be hard to keep track.
As for the bigger types, it’s possible for you to train them to handle the sun better.
Still, keep them moist, warm, and humid.
If there are falling leaves, trim them away.
General indoor plant care tips work with all Alocasia varieties.
But in the warmer season, you will see it produce new leaves almost every week.
The leaves of Alocasia Polly are quite striking.
The shape varies from a wide heart shape to slim arrowheads.
Besides the shape, its colorful veins are fascinating as well.
Another unique characteristic of this plant is how it enters a dormant period.
Around late in fall and winter, Alocasia Polly rests.
It is natural, so dont be alarmed when this happens to your plant.
Just continue caring for your Alocasia Polly.
Once the growing season comes, your plant will once again continue to grow rapidly.
Alocasia Polly Growth Rate
This plant is a fast grower.
It can grow an average of 1 to 2 leaves every month, although smaller plants less often.
Alocasia Polly can grow new leaves as quickly as it drops them.
Pot
You need a large enough pot for Alocasia Polly.
Since it grows quickly, you need one that can accommodate their growth rate.
Otherwise, you will need to re-pot it more than once a year.
Soil
This plant needs porous soil.
With good soil, you might ensure your Alocasia grows well.
As for the potting mixture, confirm it is light enough for excess water to drain quickly.
It must be well-drained, well-aerated, but remains moist.
Whatever soil mix you use, just ensure it is light but keeps moist well.
Fertilizer
For Alocasia Polly, use a general fertilizer for houseplants.
Make it one with iron and apply it to the plant every week in spring and summer.
Dont use fertilizer in winter since that wont be necessary given the plants growth slows naturally.
Its lighting needs vary from shade to full tropical sun.
It all depends on the variety you have.
give a shot to find if your Alocasia is sun-trained.
Also, you should know that the varieties that grow well in more light often have better leaf color.
Temperature
Alocasia Polly thrives well in room temperature.
You should avoid putting it in a location where it is too cold.
Otherwise, your plant will become dormant.
Avoid placing it somewhere with a temperature below 10 degrees as much as possible.
If not going dormant, some varieties of Alocasia Polly die in the cold weather.
Sometimes, they re-sprout from the rhizome.
It is ideal for temperature zones 6 to 11 where you could plant it outside in your garden.
Water and Humidity
ensure to keep all your Alocasia plants moist the entire year.
This plant is water-loving, after all.
However, remember that you should only keep it moist.
Soggy is not ideal, or the plants will not get enough oxygen.
During the dormant season, it’s possible for you to water them less.
The best condition for this plant is humid environments.
you could raise the plants humidity by putting it on a tray with pebbles.
Add water up to just below the bottom of the pot.
Keep the plant from cold drafts, so dont put it near air conditioning, windows, and doors.
Repotting
When it comes to repotting, do so every year.
Re-pot your Alocasia Polly into bigger pots using new, fresh-draining potting soil.
Repotting is essential for most houseplants in case your plant has outgrown its pot.
It can also be because its root becomes bound.
Pruning
Prune any damaged stems or leaves using clean, sharp shears.
You dont need to trim Alocasia Polly due to its size or shape.
You might do so if it becomes overgrown or misshapen.
Cutting 1/3 of the leaves to the base helps make it symmetrical.
Some of those issues and how you’re able to fix them are written below.
Alocasia Polly Leaves Turning Yellow
Several things can be the cause of your plants yellowing leaves.
It could be due to improper soil moisture.
More specifically, it might be because of overwatering.
Remember that it likes to be damp but not saturated.
On that note, the solution is to keep a regular water schedule.
double-check to throw the excess water away, not letting the plant sit in it.
Another possible reason for the leaves to turn brown then eventually yellow is low humidity.
If you exposed your plant in direct sunlight, that could also cause the yellowing leaves.
It means the foliage was burned.
Also, Alocasias that adapt to medium light may develop yellow leaves if placed in low light.
In that case, simply adjust the lighting.
A stressed or weakened Alocasia Polly is susceptible to pests.
Some bugs, such asspider mites, can drain moisture from your plant.
When that happens, it quickly manifests into yellowing leaves.
ensure to check for pests and kill them early on to prevent them from reproducing.
The effects of pests are worse if your Alocasia is unhealthy.
As such, keeping your plant in good condition is vital.
Sometimes, the yellowing is natural.
It can be because the plant is producing new growth.
In that case, the yellow leaves are the older foliage.
You will find them often at the bottom of the plant, which means you dont have to worry.
Remember that although it loves a sunny spot, it cannot tolerate direct sunlight unless trained.
You should also water it enough.
Alocasia Polly Yellow Leaves Turning Green Again
Yellow leaves turning green again is actually good news.
Compared to other tropical plants, Alocasias can bounce back.
The reason is that this plant has reserve energy stored in its thick tubers.
If the leaves are yellowing and you followed the advice mentioned above, the blades should turn green again.
During the cold season, this plant often goes dormant.
By that, it means the plant stops growing leaves and remains as it is until summer.
A dying Alocasia Polly during Winter means it is too cold.
you oughta put it somewhere less cold with a temperature above 10 degrees.
If there is sunlight, double-check it gets enough lighting.
It is up to the point that the upper surface of the leaves becomes almost black.
It is a natural response if the plan is in low room light without water.
It will drop, loose color, and die slowly.
you’re able to stop this by moving the plant somewhere with enough lighting.
Of course, dont forget to water it enough.
With proper care, your Alocasia Polly should bounce back.
Alocasia Polly Diseases
Alocasia Polly looks amazing and all, but it is quite sensitive.
It is particularly susceptible to several diseases such as crown, stem, and root rot.
It can also succumb to Xanthamonas and Leaf Spot.
The tell-tale signs your plant might be sick include dark brown or black spots with a yellowish rim.
Dont forget to provide proper air circulation near and around your plant.
As for pests, scale, mealy bugs, spider mites, and aphids are common in Alocasia plants.
Spraying warm soapy water on the plant can keep these pests off.
How to Propagate Alocasia Polly
you could propagate Alocasia through rhizome division.
It is easy to propagate the plant.
Just confirm to use one that has reached a specific size.
If its not fully developed yet, reproducing it will likely fail.
The top part of the rhizome must be planted over the soil.
The recommended soil mix is peat and sand.
Alocasia Polly Flower
Alocasia Polly does bloom but rarely and not always.
If it does flower, it looks like the usual spathe and spadix.
However, the flower does not look anything good.
Sometimes, it even looks a bit vulgar, which is not appealing at all.
Where Do You Buy Alocasia Polly?
There are many places where you’re able to buy Alocasia Polly.
If there are garden shops near your home, you could ask them there.
If not, online sites like Amazon and Etsy are good places to start.
There are also other online shops selling all kinds of Alocasia.
Frequently Asked Questions
#1.
Should I Trim Brown Edged Leaves Off My African Mask Plant?
It is not necessary to trim the brown tipped leaves.
Cutting them will make the cut part browner as the plant seals the injury.
It is called tipping, referencing the leaves that dry out or turn brown.
The best solution is to find the cause and deal with it there.
#2.
Can You Keep Alocasia Polly Alive in Water?
Yes, you could.
Alocasia Polly does not rot in water.
As it tends to grow in wet and moist places, it stays alive in the water.
For example, it grows well in the rainforest climate of Brazil.
Alocasia Pollys roots need oxygen.
It means the plant can also live in water since it can also get oxygen from it.
#3.
Can I Use Vermiculite or Perlite for Alocasia Polly?
you might use perlite or vermiculite mixed with other soil types.
Alocasia Polly is a hybrid, a mix of other Alocasias.
It is quite sensitive, particularly when it comes to overwatering.
As such, you need a soil that drains fast.
The best soil mix is light but evenly moist.
#4.
Does Alocasia Polly Need Sun?
Alocasia Polly needs sun.
It needs bright but indirect sunlight.
The reason for this is the plants natural habitat being a forest floor underneath a canopy of trees.
#5.
How Big Does Alocasia Polly Get?
How big an Alocasia Polly gets depends on the variety.
These are mostly the houseplant types.
#6.
Is Alocasia Polly Poisonous to Dogs and Cats?
Alocasia Polly is toxic to both cats and dogs.
It makes it difficult for your pet to breathe.
Be sure to take your cat or dog to the vet if they accidentally ingested Alocasia Polly.
Alocasia Polly vs.
Elephant Ears have big, heart-shaped leaves like an elephant.
Xanthosoma, Colocasia, and Alocasia are all Elephant Ears.
So, while Alocasia Polly is an Elephant Ear, not all Elephant Ears are Alocasia.
It may be confusing, but they are not precisely the same.
Conclusion
There you go.
With this article, you have more knowledge about Alocasia Polly than before.
