Alocasia Polly (Alocasia Amazonica) Care Guide 🌿✨

The Alocasia Polly, also known as the African Mask Plant or Elephant Ears, is a stunning tropical houseplant with dramatic, deep green leaves and bold white veins. Its exotic, sculptural look makes it a showstopper, but be warned—this beauty has a bit of an attitude and requires proper care to thrive!

If you’re up for the challenge, here’s everything you need to know to keep your Alocasia Polly happy, healthy, and turning heads.

1. Light Requirements ☀️

Alocasia Polly thrives in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight under a rainforest canopy—that’s what this plant loves!

✅ Best Light Conditions:

  • Near an east- or west-facing window with filtered light.

  • Can tolerate some direct morning sun, but avoid harsh afternoon rays.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Low light—it will stunt growth and cause yellowing leaves.

  • Too much direct sunlight, which can scorch the leaves.

💡 Tip: If natural light is limited, a grow light can help keep your Alocasia Polly thriving indoors!

2. Watering Needs 💧

Alocasia Polly likes its soil consistently moist but not soggy. The key is balance—too dry, and the leaves will droop; too wet, and you risk root rot.

✅ How to Water:

  • Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

  • Use lukewarm water to avoid shocking the roots.

  • Always empty the saucer after watering to prevent standing water.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Overwatering—leaves turning yellow? You might be overdoing it.

  • Letting the soil dry out completely—leaves will crisp up and droop.

💡 Tip: If unsure, stick your finger into the soil—if it’s dry at about one inch deep, it’s time to water!

3. Humidity & Temperature 🌡️💦

As a tropical plant, Alocasia Polly loves humidity and warm temperatures.

✅ Ideal Conditions:

  • Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)

  • Humidity: 60% or higher (aim for at least 50%)

🚫 Avoid:

  • Cold drafts or sudden temperature changes (heaters, AC vents, open windows in winter).

  • Humidity below 40%—it can cause leaf edges to brown.

💡 Tip: Boost humidity by:

  • Using a humidifier

  • Placing a tray of water and pebbles near the plant

  • Misting occasionally (but not excessively to avoid fungal issues)

4. Soil & Potting Mix 🪴

Alocasia Polly thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil that retains moisture without getting soggy.

✅ Best Soil Mix:

  • 2 parts potting soil

  • 1 part perlite or sand (for drainage)

  • 1 part peat moss or coco coir (for moisture retention)

🚫 Avoid:

  • Dense, compact soil that holds too much water—it can lead to root rot.

💡 Tip: Use a pot with drainage holes to allow excess water to escape!

5. Fertilizing 🌿

This plant is a fast grower, so it benefits from regular feeding during the growing season.

✅ Fertilizing Routine:

  • Spring & Summer: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10 or 20-20-20) every 2-4 weeks.

  • Fall & Winter: Reduce feeding to once a month or stop completely.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Over-fertilizing—too much can cause salt buildup in the soil and burn the roots.

💡 Tip: Always dilute fertilizer to half strength to prevent overfeeding!

6. Repotting & Growth 🪴

Alocasia Polly is a moderate grower, but it might need repotting every 1-2 years.

✅ Signs It’s Time to Repot:

  • Roots growing out of the drainage holes.

  • Soil dries out too quickly after watering.

  • Growth has slowed despite proper care.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Repotting too often—Alocasias like to be a little snug in their pots.

💡 Tip: When repotting, use fresh soil and choose a pot 1-2 inches larger than the current one.

7. Pruning & Maintenance ✂️

Alocasia Polly doesn’t require much pruning, but occasional maintenance will keep it looking its best.

✅ How to Prune:

  • Trim yellowing, damaged, or dying leaves at the base.

  • Wipe leaves with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep them shiny.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Cutting healthy leaves—they help the plant grow strong!

💡 Tip: Alocasia Polly naturally sheds older leaves, so don’t panic if one or two turn yellow occasionally.

8. Common Problems & Solutions 🚨

🚨 Yellow Leaves?

➡ Overwatering! Let the soil dry slightly before watering again.

🚨 Brown Leaf Edges?

➡ Low humidity or underwatering. Increase humidity and check your watering schedule.

🚨 Drooping Leaves?

➡ Could be underwatering, overwatering, or low light. Check soil moisture and move to a brighter spot.

🚨 Leaves Curling?

➡ Too much direct sunlight or underwatering. Adjust light and water more consistently.

🚨 Plant Losing Leaves?

➡ Alocasias go dormant in winter. Reduce watering and wait for spring growth!

💡 Tip: Alocasia Polly is sensitive to change—if you recently moved it, it may need time to adjust!

Propagation – Growing More Alocasia Polly! 🌱

Alocasia Polly can be propagated by division, as it grows from underground rhizomes.

How to Propagate:

  1. Remove the plant from the pot and gently separate the rhizomes (baby plants).

  2. Replant the offsets in fresh, well-draining soil.

  3. Water lightly and keep in a warm, humid environment.

💡 Tip: Best time to propagate is spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing!

Final Thoughts

Alocasia Polly is not the easiest plant, but once you get the care routine down, it’s a rewarding, jaw-dropping houseplant. If you can give it the bright light, humidity, and consistent moisture it craves, this tropical queen will thrive and steal the spotlight in your home! 🌿✨

#AlocasiaPolly #AfricanMaskPlant #TropicalPlants #HouseplantCare #PlantParenthood

Back to blog