Alocasia Polly
Alocasia x amazonica 'Polly' · Araceae
- Light
- Bright-indirect
- Water
- Moderate
- Humidity
- High
- Difficulty
- Moderate-challenging
- Pet-safe
- No
- Propagation
- Division
Common problems: Root RotSpider MitesMealybugsScale InsectsFungus Gnats
Quick facts
- Light: Bright indirect · Water: Even moisture, never swampy
- Difficulty: Moderate-challenging
- Pet-safe: No
Description
A dramatic compact Alocasia with dark arrow-shaped leaves and bright pale veins. It is beautiful, but less forgiving than pothos or philodendrons and may go semi-dormant if stressed.
Care
- Light: Bright indirect. Avoid harsh direct sun.
- Water: Keep lightly, evenly moist during active growth; never let it sit in water.
- Soil & potting: Chunky, airy aroid mix.
- Humidity & temperature: High humidity and warmth matter. Avoid cold drafts.
- Feeding: Light feeding during active growth.
- Repotting / propagation: Do not overpot; Alocasias resent soggy oversized pots.
Propagation
By division of corms/offsets. Separate only when offsets have roots or when repotting reveals healthy corms. See Propagation Basics.
Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs due to insoluble calcium oxalates. Source: ASPCA Alocasia.
Common ailments, afflictions & pests
Click any item for how to identify and treat it.
- Root Rot — wet soil plus collapsing stems/corms.
- Spider Mites — extremely common on Alocasia in dry homes.
- Mealybugs — white cotton near leaf bases.
- Scale Insects — brown bumps on stems.
- Fungus Gnats — wet mix warning.
- Dropping leaves? Can be stress or dormancy; check roots/corm before giving up.
See also: Diagnose a Problem.