Alocasia Polly is a famous houseplant native to South Asia. While they grow small with pale flowers, they are grown for their glossy heart-shaped leaves. The foliage has ruffled edges with a spectacular creamy white veining. You can cultivate Alocasia Polly year-round indoors. A note of warning is that this plant is toxic to humans and pets.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Alocasia ‘Polly’, also known as Alocasia x amazonica ‘Polly’, is a captivating hybrid plant that combines the best traits of its parent species to create a stunning ornamental specimen.
As a hybrid, Alocasia ‘Polly’ does not have a specific native habitat. It is bred from species that are native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. Alocasia belongs to the Araceae family, commonly known as the Arum family. This diverse family includes other well-known plants like Zantedeschia (Calla Lily), Caladium (Angel Wing), and Monstera (Swiss Cheese Plant).
The plant typically reaches 1-2 feet in height (30-60 cm) and spread, making it suitable for indoor spaces. Its compact size allows it to fit well on tabletops, shelves, or as part of a larger indoor garden arrangement.
Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, yellow flowers appear sporadically amid the boldly patterned leaves on older plants. However, flowering is rare in indoor conditions.
The foliage is the standout feature of Alocasia ‘Polly’, with each leaf reaching up to 12-18 inches in length (30-45 cm). The contrast between the dark green leaves and their striking veins offers a visually appealing aesthetic.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Alocasia Polly thrives in bright, indirect light. Place your plant near a window with filtered sunlight, where it can receive several hours of gentle morning or afternoon sun. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves. If your plant leans towards the light, rotate it regularly to ensure even growth.
Temperature and Humidity
Maintain a warm and humid environment for your Alocasia Polly. It prefers a temperature range between 18°C and 26°C (65°F and 80°F). High humidity levels are beneficial, so consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water filled with pebbles near the plant to increase humidity. Avoid placing it near draughts or cold air-conditioning vents, which can cause temperature fluctuations and dryness.
Watering
Alocasia Polly enjoys consistent moisture but dislikes sitting in waterlogged soil. Water your plant thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels slightly dry. Use room temperature water and ensure proper drainage by using a well-draining potting mix that contains ingredients like peat moss, perlite, and sand. Water the plant until water flows through the drainage holes, and discard any excess water accumulating in the saucer. During warmer months, you may need to water more frequently, while in winter, reduce the frequency as the plant’s growth slows down.
Soil and Potting
Alocasia Polly prefers well-draining soil that retains some moisture. Use a high-quality, well-aerated potting mix specifically designed for tropical plants. You can create a suitable mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Repot your plant every one to two years or when it outgrows its current container. Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the current one to avoid excessive moisture retention.
Fertilizing
You can fertilize Alocasia Polly during the growing season using an organic houseplant fertilizer. Dilute it to half-strength and use it every two weeks in spring. You can then stop fertilizing as summer ends.
Pruning
Pruning Alocasia Polly is mainly done to remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to make clean cuts near the base of the leaf stem. Pruning can be done throughout the year as needed. Additionally, you can trim any leggy or straggly growth to encourage a more compact and bushy appearance. Avoid cutting off more than one-third of the plant’s foliage at a time.
Cleaning
Regularly wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and inspect for pests, as this will also help the plant to photosynthesize more efficiently.
Propagation
If your healthy alocasia Polly is growing from at least two bulbs with two leaves, you can propagate the plant by division. If you have a mature plant that’s beginning to crowd its pot, division is a great solution. The best time to propagate alocasia Polly is during the spring and summer when the plant is actively growing.
Here’s how to propagate alocasia Polly by division:
- Carefully remove your alocasia Polly from its pot. Using your fingers, gently remove the soil from around the root ball. You may find corms—small, dormant bulblets—in the soil. You can plant them in fresh soil along with the rest of the plant, where they’ll eventually sprout, or try this water-based method of getting the corms to grow more quickly.
- Separate the clumps of rhizomes with your fingers. Avoid cutting or breaking the rhizome.
- Replant each clump in a new, appropriately sized pot with fresh soil and give it a deep watering. Keep the soil evenly moist and put the divisions in a warm place with bright, indirect light.
Potting and Repotting
Alocasia Polly should be repotted every two to three years to refresh its soil. If you see roots growing out of the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot, or if water doesn’t seem to infiltrate the soil and runs down the sides of the pot instead of being absorbed, the plant is rootbound and will benefit from repotting.
Plan to repot in the spring when the plant is out of dormancy into a container one size larger than the previous pot. Use fresh soil and plant in a plastic or glazed ceramic pot rather than terra cotta to help maintain soil moisture.
Overwintering
During winter, your indoor alocasia Polly may stop growing or even look a little dull and droopy. That’s normal for the season, with its cold temperatures and short days. However, if your plant is exposed to very cold temperatures, less light, and dry soil all at once, it may drop all of its leaves and go dormant. Don’t worry—your plant isn’t dead. Simply cut back on watering and wait for spring, when leaves should regrow. You can avoid dormancy in winter by using a grow light and keeping your alocasia Polly in a space that’s at least 70 degrees.
Pests and Diseases
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Alocasia Polly is susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and aphids. Keep an eye on your plant and check its foliage regularly to catch a potential infestation early. If you do spot a pest problem, remove the offenders with rubbing alcohol or neem oil and quarantine the affected plant from the rest of your collection.
Common Problems
Alocasia Polly is pretty easy to care for in the right conditions, but even the most green-thumbed growers occasionally run into issues. Here are some common challenges you might come across with this houseplant.
- Brown Patches on Leaves
Harsh, direct sunlight can scorch your alocasia Polly’s leaves, creating brown spots. Move the plant to a location out of direct sunlight.
- Leaves Turning Yellow
Overwatering or underwatering can cause yellow leaves. Check the soil moisture and adjust accordingly.
- Drooping or Losing Leaves
This can be a sign of your alocasia Polly responding to seasonal changes in light and temperature during winter and either slowing growth or going into dormancy. Keep the plant warm and the soil moist, and consider using a grow light to extend hours of light per day.
III. Uses and Benefits
Alocasia ‘Polly’ is primarily used as an ornamental indoor plant. It adds a lush, tropical look to interiors, making it a favorite among houseplant enthusiasts and interior decorators.
Like many houseplants, Alocasia ‘Polly’ can help improve indoor air quality.
