Alocasia Polly Care: The African Mask Plant

Alocasia Polly (also called African Mask plant or Alocasia amazonica) is one of the most striking houseplants you can grow. The leaves are deep green, glossy, and arrow-shaped with dramatic white veins. The plant has an architectural, sculptural look that commands attention.

But Alocasia Polly is not a beginner plant. It demands high humidity, consistent care, and goes dormant in winter (which freaks out new plant owners). If you are ready for a challenge, Polly is worth it.

Quick Care Summary

  • Light: Bright, indirect light
  • Water: When top inch of soil is dry
  • Humidity: 60 to 80 percent (high)
  • Growth habit: Upright, compact
  • Biggest challenge: High humidity and winter dormancy

Light

Alocasia Polly needs bright, indirect light to thrive.

Best light:

  • East-facing window
  • A few feet back from a south or west window
  • Bright, indirect light for several hours per day

Signs of too little light:

  • Leggy growth
  • Smaller leaves
  • Leaf colors fade

Signs of too much light:

  • Faded, bleached leaves
  • Brown, scorched edges

Watering

Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Alocasia Polly likes consistent moisture but does not tolerate soggy soil.

How to water:

  1. Stick your finger into the soil
  2. If the top inch is dry, water thoroughly until it drains
  3. Empty the saucer

Typical schedule:

  • Growing season (spring/summer): Every 5 to 7 days
  • Dormant season (fall/winter): Reduce watering (see dormancy section)

Humidity

This is the hardest part. Alocasia Polly needs high humidity.

Ideal humidity: 60 to 80 percent.

How to increase humidity:

  • Use a humidifier (best option)
  • Place in a humid room (bathroom with a window)
  • Group with other tropical plants
  • Pebble tray (helps slightly)

Signs of low humidity:

  • Brown, crispy leaf edges
  • Leaves curling inward
  • Spider mites (they thrive in dry air)

Misting does not work for long-term humidity.

Soil and Pot

Use well-draining but moisture-retentive soil.

Best soil:

  • 40% potting soil
  • 30% orchid bark
  • 20% perlite
  • 10% peat moss or coco coir

Pot requirements:

  • Must have drainage holes
  • Not too large (Alocasias like to be slightly snug)

Temperature

Alocasia Polly is tropical.

  • Temperature: 65 to 80 F
  • Avoid: Cold drafts, temperatures below 60 F

Cold temperatures trigger dormancy.

Fertilizer

Feed during the growing season.

  • Fertilize every 2 to 4 weeks in spring and summer
  • Use diluted liquid fertilizer (half strength)
  • Skip fertilizing in fall and winter

Winter Dormancy (Important)

Alocasia Polly often goes dormant in winter. This is normal and natural.

What happens:

  • Leaves yellow and die back
  • Plant stores energy in the bulb (corm)
  • Growth stops completely

What to do:

  1. Stop fertilizing
  2. Reduce watering (water only when soil is mostly dry)
  3. Keep in a warm spot (above 60 F)
  4. Wait for spring

In spring:

  • New growth will emerge from the corm
  • Resume normal watering and fertilizing

Do not panic if your Alocasia loses all its leaves. As long as the corm is firm and healthy, it will regrow.

Common Problems

Brown leaf edges

Low humidity. Increase humidity with a humidifier.

Yellow leaves

Overwatering, cold temperatures, or natural dormancy. Check soil moisture and temperature.

Drooping leaves

Underwatering or low humidity. Water thoroughly and check humidity levels.

Spider mites

Alocasias are magnets for spider mites, especially in dry air. Inspect leaves weekly (especially undersides). Treat with insecticidal soap and increase humidity.

Leaves not unfurling

Low humidity or underwatering. New leaves may get stuck if air is too dry. Increase humidity immediately.

Propagating Alocasia Polly

Alocasia Polly produces small offsets (baby plants) from the corm.

How to propagate:

  1. Unpot the plant during repotting
  2. Gently separate offsets with roots attached
  3. Plant in small pots with fresh soil
  4. Keep in high humidity until established

You can also propagate from the corm, but it is slower and requires more care.

Is Alocasia Polly Toxic?

Yes. Alocasia contains calcium oxalate crystals that are toxic to pets and humans if ingested. Keep out of reach of cats, dogs, and children.

What To Do Next

  • If Alocasia Polly is too fussy, try Alocasia Zebrina or Syngonium instead
  • If your Polly goes dormant, reduce watering and wait for spring regrowth
  • If you love dramatic foliage, try Alocasia Frydek or Alocasia Dragon Scale next
alocasiastatement-plantintermediatehumidity