How to Maintain a Healthy Alocasia Polly

Once you succumb to the temptation of buying a beautiful Alocasia amazonica, how do you keep it looking good? Here are a few secrets to help you maintain a healthy Alocasia Polly.

Roots

Family ties for this plant is Araceae. This species is a tuberous and rhizomatous perennial group belonging to the genus: Alocasia

For indoor plant enthusiasts, the Alocasia Polly is irresistible. The unusual shape and leaf texture, not to mention the white veins are a magnate for indoor plant lovers.

Beginnings

Let’s start as always with the origin story of this plant. It is a hybrid Alocasia, therefore not found in the wild. There are differing stories as to which plants parented this particular Alocasia, which has shiny dark green colour with creamy white veins on a heart shaped wave edged leaf. The name Alocasia Amazonica or Polly are accepted for this plant.

Due to its South east Asian roots, this plants requires a little more advanced handling. It’s one of those plants which look great when you pick it up in the big box store North America, but when you get it home, you have to put in the work.

Humidity

Polly just loves the humidity. If you can’t provide this don’t wast your money. There are other tropical which are not so picky, However, Polly is not one of them. Group plants or use a pebble tray.

Temperature

Avoid changes in temperature and drafts. The will drop very quickly. Ideal temperature range for this plant is around 65F and 75F. Get it wrong and leaf drop will make you stop.

Dormancy

One of the ways this plant copes with stress is by going dormant. Many a plant has ended up in the bin because it looked like it was over. On the contrary, it may just need time away for temperature and humidity stress. A heat mat and good light should bring back the life. If not, then know you gave it your best shot.

Light

Like most tropical plants we buy, the tags always say bright indirect light. What does that mean for AP? Well, simply put, the leaves will be scorched in direct sunlight. That beautiful leaf will become a crisp deep tan mess. One also has to worry about too little light, as this causes a stretched stem and minimal growth.

Soil

It is best to use a tropical soil mix and a ceramic pot, one can add perlite to the mix, but I find a having a watering schedule is much more beneficial. Once per week should be ideal, but it does depend on the conditions in the environment.

Water

Be aware that this plant goes through a period of dormancy and should never be allowed to dry out completely. About twice per week. The plant is super sensitive to waterlogging. Don’t forget to note how AP responds to the tap water in your area. Reduce the watering in the winter and use room temperature water so as not to shock the plant.

Fertiliser

It is okay to add a little fertiliser during its growing season, but not too much as it will stress the plant. Older leaves may go yellow due to lack of nutrients.

Pests

Okay, It’s time to fess up about what happened to my first Alocasia Amazonica. I purchased one at the big box store and as soon as I got home decided to spray it to protect it from bugs, for which it is a magnet. Big mistake, not sure if it was the strength of the solution, but it was – goodbye plant.

As I always say the usual suspects in indoor gardening are aphids, spider mites and mealy bugs. They go with the territory no matter how careful we are so the ideal is to keep the leaves dust free to permit photosynthesis, and treat infestations quickly with an insecticidal soap or neem oil as a natural solution.

Propagation

So you want more, because one is never enough. Luckily, you can get plantlets through division, or from corms.

Toxicity

This plant is poisonous if swallowed because of the calcium oxalate crystals contained. So keep it out of reach from children and pets.

Wrapping Up

Yes, this plant may be a bit of a challenge for a beginner, however, that is why we nuture our plants. And now you know what makes this plant thrive, and given the right conditions indoors you will have an awesome tropical plant in your collection. If at first you don’t succeed keep trying or move on to another plant.