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ALOCASIA POLLY (Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’)

ALOCASIA POLLY (Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’)
Owner’s Overview & Description
The iconic Alocasia Polly (also known as the African Mask Plant) is the ultimate gateway drug to the world of aroids. Featuring dark, near-black, glossy arrowhead leaves accented by stark, crisp white veins and undulating, scalloped edges, its contrast is absolute perfection. The undersides of the leaves boast a stunning deep purple hue. At dirtbagplants.com, we custom grow these in clear plastic containers so you can watch their vigorous root systems thrive. It’s an elegant, high-contrast showstopper that belongs in every collection.

Genetic Background & Origin
Despite its common name and scientific moniker ‘amazonica’, this plant never grew in the Amazon rainforest. The Alocasia amazonica is a man-made hybrid created in the mid-20th century in Miami, Florida, crossing Alocasia longiloba with Alocasia sanderiana. ‘Polly’ is a specific, compact selection of this hybrid, scaled down to make it the perfect size for desktop display and indoor greenhouse collections.

Detailed Plant Care & Preferences

  • Light: Demands bright, indirect sunlight to maintain its intense coloration and deep purple leaf backings. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet back from a bright south/west window is ideal. Avoid direct sun, which will leave ugly, bleached burn marks.
  • Watering: Keep the soil lightly, uniformly moist but never soggy. Water your Polly when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil have dried out. If you let it dry out completely, the lower leaves will quickly yellow and drop; if you overwater, the leaf tips will weep excessively (guttation) and invite root rot.
  • Humidity & Temperature: This hybrid craves moisture in the air. Aim for a humidity level of 60% or higher to prevent crispy, brown edges. Keep temperatures consistently between 65°F and 80°F, and shield it completely from cold winter windows or drafty AC vents.
  • Soil & Substrate: Requires an airy, well-draining, nutrient-rich aroid mix. A blend of premium potting soil, plenty of perlite, orchid bark, and peat moss or coco coir will keep the moisture levels perfectly balanced while keeping the roots oxygenated.

Fertilizing Guidelines by Container Size

  • 2” to 3” Rooted Starts: Give 1/4 strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks during active spring and summer growth.
  • 4” to 6” Pots: Apply 1/2 strength balanced houseplant fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks from spring through late summer.
  • 1 Gallon to 7 Gallon Containers: Feed with a full-strength balanced liquid fertilizer every 3 weeks during the active growing season. Flush the pot with pure water occasionally to prevent mineral salts from burning the roots.

Dislikes & Common Pitfalls

  • Extreme Dryness: Letting the soil dry out fully can trigger the plant to drop its leaves and retreat back into its tuber/rhizome for a forced winter dormancy.
  • Spider Mites: The Polly is historically a spider mite favorite. Check the deep crevices of the scalloped leaf edges and the undersides weekly. Spray down with insecticidal soap or neem oil proactively.

Safety Information (Pets & Humans)

  • Toxic to Cats, Dogs, and Humans. Contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause intense irritation of the mouth, tongue, and throat if chewed or swallowed. Symptoms include severe drooling, vomiting, and airway irritation. Keep out of reach of curious household pets and children.

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