Alocasia Amazonica 'African Mask Plant' Polly

Discover the exotic Alocasia Amazonica, often referred to as the 'African Mask Plant' or 'Alocasia Polly.' We love this plant for its distinctively striking, shield-shaped leaves, which are a deep green color highlighted by prominent white and dark green veins and purple undersides. Under certain lighting, the foliage can take on a purple-green hue. The leaf texture ranges from smooth and glossy to thick and waxy, making it a visually unique specimen for your houseplant collection.

Ed's Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Alocasia Amazonica
• Pronunciation: a·luh·kei·zhuh a·muh·zaa·nuh·kuh
• Common Names: African Mask Plant, Amazon Elephant's Ear, Alocasia Polly, Amazon Taro
• Family: Araceae
• Native Range: This plant is a cultivated hybrid; it's parent species are native to Southeast Asia, particularly from tropical rainforests in the Philippines and Borneo.

Ed's Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. We find the most common issues for this houseplant involve under or over-watering and lack of adequate airflow. During the winter months, scale back on watering.
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments, ideally 60% or higher.
• Temperature: Optimal temperature range is 55-80°F; protect from cold drafts.
• Pruning: Prune as needed to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to maintain plant shape.
• Feeding: Fertilize with a diluted, half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Growth Habit: Upright growth; can reach heights of 2-3 feet. Hardy specimens usually do not require support. Plant may become dormant during the winter months or when exposed to cold and lose it's leaves; this is normal.
• Propagation: Best propagated through root division in spring or early summer.
• Pests: Watch for common pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
• Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets if ingested causing mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. May cause skin irritation; handle with care.