'Polly' alocasia guide
Alocasia × amazonica 'Polly', also called African mask plant, Amazon elephant ear, Alocasia Polly
Published 2026-11-08
Quick care
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- When the top 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 in) of soil is dry
- Humidity
- High. Dry air invites spider mites and crisp edges.
- Temperature
- 18 to 27°C (65 to 80°F). Keep above 15°C (60°F).
- Soil
- Chunky, airy mix with orchid bark and perlite
- Feeding
- Half-strength fertilizer monthly in spring and summer
- Pets
- Toxic to cats and dogs. Chewing causes mouth pain, drooling, and vomiting.
- Difficulty
- Fussy
- Mature size
- 30 to 60 cm (1 to 2 ft) tall
- Propagation
- Divide the clump, or pot up the small corms in the roots
- Where to buy
- Common
This page covers what makes 'Polly' alocasia different. For light, water, soil, pests, and the rest, read the alocasia care guide.
What it is
‘Polly’ is the most common alocasia in stores. It is a compact form of Alocasia × amazonica, often called African mask plant. The leaves are arrow-shaped, deep glossy green, with thick white veins and scalloped edges. It stays under 60 cm (2 ft) tall.
How to tell it apart
| Plant | Leaves | The tell |
|---|---|---|
| ‘Polly’ | Glossy, arrow-shaped, white veins, wavy edges | Scalloped edges and shiny leaves |
| ‘Frydek’ alocasia | Velvet, dark green, white veins | Soft, matte velvet, no wavy edge |
| ‘Bambino’ | Like ‘Polly’, narrower and smaller | Narrow leaves, under 30 cm (1 ft) tall |
Care differences
‘Polly’ often sheds a leaf each time it grows a new one. That is normal. It may also drop most of its leaves in winter and rest. Cut back on water and wait. It regrows from its corm in spring.
Spider mites love it. Check under the leaves every week in winter.
Grow it from corms
When you repot, look for small round bulbs, called corms, in the soil. Set them half buried in moist sphagnum or mix in a warm, humid spot. A shoot appears in a few weeks to a few months.
Buying it
‘Polly’ is sold everywhere, from grocery stores to garden centers. Look for firm stems and no webbing under the leaves. A drooping store plant often recovers with steady care.