Alocasia Polly: Plant Care Tips

With the perfect contrast, the Alocasia Polly, even though not a big plant, is definitely a statement plant. It is native to subtropical Asia and Australia. Alocasia Polly leaves are unique and striking making it an instant favorite.  But this favorite is a bit challenging to keep happy, and that's why we're here to help! 

Here are some tips to make your plant grow and thrive in your home.

Light:

The key to keeping your Alocasia Polly happy is to have the perfect lighting conditions. It might handle some direct morning sunlight. Place by a door or window which receives some direct morning sunlight, and bright indirect sunlight the rest of the day. They shouldn't receive more than 2 hours of direct morning sun, because excessive sunlight will damage it. Not enough light will cause this plant to go dormant and not thrive.

Water:

Even though Alocasias like to keep their soil evenly moist, and do not like to dry out between waterings, the Alocasia Polly prefers it a bit differently. It is ok to let it dry out a bit between waterings, but the key is to not let it be too dry for too long. The recommended watering method is to water when the top half of the soil is dry, or water as soon as the soil dries completely. If overwatered, the plant will go dormant. In this case it will appear as it didn't make it, when this happens stop watering, let it dry completely and give the plant time to heal.

Soil:

Alocasias need a well draining potting mix. We recommend to use an indoor potting mix, with peat moss and perlite or vermiculite, or create your own mix half peat moss, half perlite. This mix helps to retain moisture without rotting the roots. 

Food:

You can add a balanced slow release fertilizer and forget about it for the next few months. If you prefer to use fertilizer diluted in water, then you can fertilize once a month. Always follow the fertilizer’s instructions.

Repotting:

Repot once a year. Always use pots with drainage holes. Repot in a pot that is 1” larger in diameter and in height. Give space to grow, and repot when roots are showing out its drainage holes.

Propagation:

The best way to propagate Alocasias is through division. Babies will sprout from the soil, and can carefully be removed to make new Alocasia plants!

Toxicity:

Alocasias are highly toxic to cats, dogs and humans if ingested. It can cause oral irritation, pain and swelling of the mouth, excessive drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing if ingested by animals.

Facts:

•Lighting is very important to make these plants happy. 

•Alocasias are prone to pests, specifically spider mites. These usually make an appearance when humidity levels are too low and soil gets too dry. To treat: clean with soapy water and rubbing alcohol. 

•It is sometimes called the African Mask Plant.

•They can sometimes enter a dormancy period, if your Alocasia seems to be “dead” it might be dormant. When this happens because overwatering it is important to stop watering completely, let it dry, and only start watering again when leaves start appearing again.