Alocasia Polly
Alocasia x amazonica 'Polly'
This compact elephant ear variety delivers maximum drama with its striking arrow-shaped leaves featuring bold white veins against deep green, almost black foliage. Often called the African Mask Plant, its sculptural beauty and manageable size make it perfect for adding exotic tropical flair to modern interiors.
Harvest
N/Ad
Days to harvest
Sun
Bright indirect light
Zones
10–12
USDA hardiness
Height
2-10 feet
Complete Growing Guide
Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 2 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 6-feet-12 feet. Growth rate: Rapid. Maintenance: Low. Propagation: Division.
Harvesting
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The corm and stem can be eaten but must be thoroughly cooked to destroy the calcium oxalate crystals. Once cooked, it can be used as a cooked vegetable added to soups and stews.
History & Origin
Origin: Tropical and Subtropical Asia To Eastern Australia
Advantages
- +Disease resistance: Store in a dry and cool location.
- +Edible: The corm and stem can be eaten but must be thoroughly cooked to destroy the calcium oxalate crystals. Once cooked, it can be used as a cooked vegetable added to soups and stews.
- +Fast-growing
- +Low maintenance
Considerations
- -Toxic (Bark, Flowers, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Seeds, Stems): Medium severity
- -Causes contact dermatitis
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Boston Fern
Similar humidity requirements and creates beneficial microclimate
Peace Lily
Compatible watering needs and both thrive in indirect light
Philodendron
Similar tropical care requirements and humidity preferences
Pothos
Helps maintain ambient humidity and has complementary growth habits
Calathea
Shares preference for consistent moisture and bright indirect light
Monstera
Compatible light and humidity needs, both are tropical aroids
Spider Plant
Helps purify air and tolerates similar light conditions
ZZ Plant
Contrasting watering needs provide backup during care lapses
Keep Apart
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Requires different watering schedule and may compete for light
Succulent varieties
Conflicting water requirements - succulents prefer dry conditions
Cactus
Opposite humidity and watering needs will stress both plants
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Susceptible to root rot and bacterial infections
Common Pests
Spider mites, aphids, scale insects, thrips
Diseases
Root rot, bacterial leaf spot, dormancy from stress