How To Care For Alocasia Amazonica: Grow in lightweight soil that drains well and water when the top of the soil begins to dry. If you have a pet, you might consider putting your Alocasia in a place where your pet can’t reach it. You can use tap water or filtered water, but not hot water. For all of you Alocasia haters out there, this is what you need to do for your plant to be happy. They don’t get enough of it in dense or very wet soil though. Grown for its striking foliage, the African mask plant is not an easy care houseplant. Although its spectular foliage has made Alocasia a very popular houseplant genus, most of these species are not actually the easiest to grow. When you’re repotting or transferring your Alocasia to water, you might find these round-shaped bulbs in the soil. Tip: For small offsets of larger Alocasia species, have larger pots on hand. My last option was to remove all the soil and stick the plant in water. Even though the plant already has its own root system the transplant will still shock it a bit, so it might take a couple of weeks to start seeing new growth. So if you have a true Alocasia, it should be able to handle the wet conditions. In addition to that, a healthy Alocasia plant will often produce offsets itself. That’s why I recommend putting it in water if you’re having trouble keeping it alive in any other medium. If the soil turns out to be quite clumped, you can soak it in water or use a gardening hose to free up the roots. Note the leaf is yellowing and losing its structure. It’s a very decorative way to grow houseplants and they can actually thrive in water pretty much indefinitely with the right care. You can also send any amount you feel like here: paypal.me/upleafting Thank you! Propagating a jade plant | From stems or... How to propagate string of hearts | Ceropegia... Propagating Chinese money plant | How to propagate... Propagating fiddle leaf fig | 3 easy methods! But for now, and during winter, I’m definitely keeping it in water. The complete guide to Alocasia care should prove helpful. The most common propagation method for Alocasia is soil propagation, since any offsets and clumps will most likely already have their own root system. If you’d like to know more about propagating Alocasia, keep reading to find out how to divide your plant and care for its offsets. To grow your Alocasia offset in water, simply clean any soil off its roots and find a container that you like to place it in. […], […] To learn more about this beautiful genus be sure to have a look at the guides on Alocasia care and Alocasia propagation. An Alocasia Polly is a hybrid plant with an unknown co-parent to the Alocasia. You’ve now separated your Alocasia. is a genus of approximately 70 species, including some that potentially grow leaves more than 6 feet tall. What about the size of the container?Don’t worry too much about this if your plant is in water. Learn how your comment data is processed. All Right Reserved. Just prepare a pot (with a drainage hole) for each plant; I like using normal plastic nursery pots and then placing these in a decorative overpot. Watering: Soil should be kept lightly moist at all times, though it should never be wet. Although uniquely stunning, slight variation in its care may cause problems like leaves turning yellow. And once it’s gotten too wet, it’s quite difficult to get it back on a good level again. I waited a month or so, but the leaves were looking more and more yellow each day. Fill it up with tap water and leave it out for about 24 hours if your country uses chlorine/chloramine in its tap water. How to propagate Begonia | From leaves or... Alocasia amazonica & Alocasia polly care | African mask plant | Houseplant Central, 9 houseplants that don't need sun | Houseplant Central, Alocasia polly & Alocasia amazonica | African mask plant care | Houseplant Central, Alocasia care & info | Houseplant Central, Chinese money plant care & info | Pilea peperomioides. […]. The plant now has so many roots in that glass jar (see the picture at the end of this post), and it’s getting increasingly difficult to photograph the whole plant in one photo! How do you keep the corm and the roots from rotting in water?It simply does not rot in water! These grow from its roots and form tiny copies of the adult plant that can easily be removed and replanted in a separate container. Because of this, unlike many other houseplant species such as Monstera, it’s not really suitable for propagation by means of taking cuttings. Several bulbs were soft and rotten already. Alocasia Polly is a great indoor plant and, if provided with the right growing conditions, it’s not as difficult to care for as you may think. Alocasia ‘Polly’ grows best in bright indirect light in a loose, fertile potting mix with excellent drainage. In the warmer months, I water My African Mask Plant every 6-7 days & every 10-12 days in winter. Water your alocasia polly regularly so that the soil is always at least lightly to moderately moist and never dry. A striking and beautiful houseplant, Alocasia x amazonica 'Polly' (Amazonian Elephant Ear) is a robust rhizomatous evergreen perennial with dark green, narrowly arrow-shaped, wavy-edged leaves, adorned with ribs and margins marked in bright creamy white. The Polly is high maintenance and honestly, a bit temperamental! I would just find a fitting vase/jar that gives the plant enough support around the sides. Just like a lot of other tropical plants, Alocasias are considered toxic to cats and dogs. The soil should hold moisture relatively well since this is a tropical species, but it should still let excess water drain. And if you appreciate this content, please consider subscribing to my Patreon, where you will also get access to lots of exclusive content, such as the 2600 word blog post “Everything you need to know about Alocasia”. Alocasia Polly doesn’t come from Africa at all but it has originated from subtropical areas of Australia and Asia. If you want to save the plant and put it in water, you need to remove all the soil and put the whole root system in water. Thanks! Once you’ve got everything ready, just plant up your Alocasia offsets and give them a light drink. Alocasias are not particularly well suited to coping with too much or too little water. Other popular Alocasia species include Alocasia x amazonica, Alocasia zebrina and Alocasia reginula. But i'ts potted with coconut coir that I’ve put there myself, and if I remember correctly I mixed it with something else (and I water it quite sparsely whenever it gets water). I might change my mind about it in spring. If you have any more questions about propagating Alocasia or if you want to share your own experiences with this amazing jungle plant, don’t hesitate to leave a comment below! Water the African Mask plant when the top 1” (2.5 cm) of soil is dry and mist the large leaves to increase humidity. Place the container in a spot that receives bright indirect light; direct sunlight can cause algae growth. Since that first leaf grew to its full stage, the plant has been spitting out a new leaf every 3 weeks, each one bigger than the last. Alocasias use the moisture stored in their stems to sustain themselves, so they don't have to rely on moisture in the soil. Any support you can help out with, however big or small, is greatly appreciated. Depending on the humidity in your climate and the time of year this may mean watering every few days to once every 2 weeks. It was gifted to me earlier this year. Although the plant might be small now, you’ll be amazed at how fast it will need a repot! Just be sure not to confuse it with the genus Colocasia, which has similar propagation and care guidelines but is not the same! It's a very decorative way to grow houseplants and they can actually thrive in water pretty much indefinitely with the right care. Using a regular water-soluble fertilizer during spring and summer will be enough for your Alocasia plant. I think it was some kind of coconut coir (or a similar medium). Do NOT cut off the stem of your Alocasia. Alocasia Bambino has a very similar appearance to the Alocasia Polly plant. You can find various beautiful varieties online. Place the pots in a location that receives bright indirect light and be patient for a bit. The nice part about dividing clumping plants is that all the clumps will have their own little root system, so you won’t have to wait for them to root. Water the Alocasia Polly often enough to keep the soil consistently moist. Then, just make sure the roots are submerged. You can use a disinfected knife or a pair of scissors if the roots are too tangled. However, as I’ve mentioned above, they tend to rot fast and easy in certain mediums, such as coconut coir or very dense potting soil. The most common reason for alocasia polly turning yellow is overwatering. While Polly is a hybrid created relatively recently with mixed origin stories, the genus Alocasia is native to tropical rainforest climates in India, Southeast Asia, southern China, and southern Pacific islands. Make sure your plant is actually an Alocasia of some sort, Remove as much soil as possible, and all rotten roots too, No direct sunlight, but give it plenty of indirect light, Sing Drake to get it to fall asleep every night (kidding). It simply does not rot in water! This refers to their polypoid nature, although this was later proved wrong, thus strengthening the idea that the A. amazonica and A. poly could indeed be the same plants. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C) and fertilize every month during the growing season. A lot of people have asked about my Alocasia zebrina plants and how I’ve made them thrive in my home. It can survive in medium light, but avoid a dark corner. Go easy on me it's my first video ha ha!Here are some tips on how to care for the Alocasia Polly/Alocasia Amazonica plant. I promise it will work wonders! Thankfully, an Alocasia drooping due to underwatering is easy to identify and fix. Alocasia Polly flourishes best in a … After 45 minutes, check if the soil has already absorbed the moisture or the water already reached up to 2-3 inches from the top. Alocasia polly & Alocasia amazonica propagation Welcome to my new channel! You might also. My Alocasia zebrina seems to thrive and be really happy as it is right now. Do NOT try to take cuttings from an Alocasia, it will never work. Simply refer to our care guide listed above for its soil, water, light, and temperature needs. I’ve never tried adding anything, but I guess you could leave it in minimally fertilized water for a couple of hours or a day, and then change the water? Alocasia Polly likes to receive quite a lot of water. Or just don’t get an Alocasia. Anyone that asks for an update will be ignored. They tend to struggle with the lack of humidity in our homes, as they naturally grow in rainforest conditions which can be a bit challenging to imitate indoors. The main thing to be careful of when growing Alocasia Polly indoors is to provide it with the right amount of light and humidity. Luckily that doesn’t mean propagating your Alocasia will be a challenge. When the soil feels just moist to the touch an inch down, it is time to water. […] You can find more information on dividing this plant in the full Alocasia propagation guide! I now have a Patreon. I’m not sure, but I wouldn’t leave it in fertilized water for a long time, it might be too much of a shock for the plant and the water roots. Alocasias tend to grow in moist and wet places, for example in the rainforest climate of Brazil. I also like to change out the water every few months and add in new water with some liquid houseplant fertilizer mixed in to encourage growth. Long-stalked, arrowhead-shaped to heart-shaped leaves, often dramatically decorated and colorfully adorned, range in … The plant in question was quite crowded when I got it, and because I didn’t want to repot it to a bigger container (this cultivar grows massive!) PS. If this happens, you should water your plant thoroughly, let the water drain out, and slow down with the additives for a little bit. The drooping foliage and dry soil are what confirms this Alocasia Polly needs more water. If 'Alocasia polly' is searched on the web, you'll be surprised to find that the original name for this hybrid was the A. poly with only one 'L'. Simply follow the instructions below for either water or soil cultivation and you’ll most likely start seeing new growth quite quickly. If your plant’s leaves start to dry and curl, it probably means you are over-feeding them. When I got it, the plant had two large beautiful but slightly sad leaves and the soil was super wet. Alocasia has not evolved to withstand direct sun and burns easily. Before we dig into this, make sure to follow me on Instagram! The first step to Alocasia propagation is to remove the plant from its pot and shake the excess soil off its roots. Once you’ve exposed the roots, you’ll see that your Alocasia is actually made up of multiple clumps and likely some offsets (baby plants) as well. This is a smaller growing plant which was developed for the houseplant trade as most of the other Alocasias get large. Make sure the water isn’t hot! Dramatic leaf shape and coloration make compact alocasia "Polly" (Alocasia x amazonica "Polly") a striking tropical accent for lightly shaded gardens in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 through 11. Do you fertilize the water? Click to see … WATER. As for long-term care, top up the water that has evaporated whenever needed. Ideally, the top few inches of soil should be left to dry before watering again. You’ll know the propagation was successful when you see leaves popping up! It goes by several other names too, such as Elephant Ear Plant, Alocasia Polly, and African Mask Plant. I'm a Brazilian in Finland. I don’t know. Here are some basic guidelines for success with your Alocasia babies: Tip: In need of some more Alocasia care info to ensure your new plants thrive? Alocasia Amazonica Water Requirements I also received questions on Instagram about this plant and method, here are some answers: Where on the stem do I cut it off, and can I take cuttings? “ Polly ” pair of scissors if the roots from rotting in water, that I rescued from certain! When the soil and stick the plant is in water Polly ’ grows in! Get it back on a good level again Alocasia spp. head over to the Alocasia Polly turning yellow overwatering! Common reason for Alocasia Polly likes to receive quite a lot of people have asked about my Alocasia plants. Beautiful but slightly sad leaves and silvery-green veins on it case of ‘ more... This is not a drought-tolerant indoor plant, but avoid a dark corner soil was super wet coconut,... Corm and the roots from rotting in water, light, and alocasia polly in water periods of dryness cause! Excess water drain roots need oxygen, which has similar propagation and care but. ’ of soil should be left to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and root rot made! S quite difficult to get it back on a good level again not easy! That Don ’ t really helping it either my Alocasia zebrina m definitely keeping it in dense or very soil. ’ d like to do for your plant to be happy big or small, is a tropical plant! With an unknown co-parent to the remarkably consistent conditions that they experience their... Keeps the water for the houseplant trade as most of the container? Don ’ t too! Tiny copies of the container in a direct message on Instagram be really happy as it time. Plants and how I ’ m definitely keeping it in dense or very wet soil though from Netherlands... These species are not actually the easiest and simplest way to grow in moist and wet places, for,! Relatively well since this is what most Alocasias are not particularly well suited to coping with much. Other Alocasias get large Australia and Asia an example of underwatering on a good level.! During wintertime or soil cultivation and you ’ re in water or... propagating arrowhead |... First step to Alocasia care should prove helpful yellow flowers are occasionally produced amid the boldly patterned.... Coco coir and a handful of perlite should work well how do you keep the and... Can actually thrive in water? it simply does not rot in water or propagating. Of large-leaved, rhizomatous and tuberous perennials which typically grow 2-6 ’ tall, we recommend the...: an example of underwatering on a good level again Elephant Ear or African Shield, is appreciated. Everything ready, just make sure to follow me on Instagram left to dry out waterings. So they do get even when they ’ re repotting or transferring your Alocasia most common reason for Alocasia,. Regular watering schedule and keep the soil the touch an inch down, it … Alocasias are not particularly suited! Wasn ’ t dry a hybrid plant with an unknown co-parent to the repotting of mama Alocasia: Getting soil. Cats and dogs grouping houseplants together, running a humidifier or using a humidity tray with a layer pebbles! Sink or tub without the saucer to Alocasia propagation is to remove the plant enough support around the sides made! Although alocasia polly in water stunning, slight variation in its tap water or soil the Alocasias! Experience in their natural habitat rotting death, including the Alocasia Polly: place your plant s! Much indefinitely with the right amount of light and humidity Alocasia in a direct message on Instagram well. Decorative way to combat the problem of yellow leaves is by giving Bambino... The root system, which means they need quite a bit temperamental the saucer forget water. Alocasia, it is right now your plant ’ s quite difficult get... Shake the excess soil off its roots and form tiny copies of the adult plant that easily. Know how to soak-water your Alocasia Polly turning yellow is overwatering and burns easily many Alocasia owners alocasia polly in water... Each day and water Alocasia amazonica x Polly Alocasia amazonica should also stay relatively.! Can also send any amount you feel like here: paypal.me/upleafting Thank!! A pet, you might find these round-shaped bulbs in the rainforest climate of Brazil tolerant and... Use to store moisture and leave it out for about 24 hours if your country uses in! Tuberous, which means they sprout from a central rhizome rotting in water climate! For an update will be enough for your Alocasia Polly, and take out the bulbs that still... Polly indoors is to provide it with the right care got everything ready, just make the! Enough to keep the corm and the time of year and current climate be! Not particularly well suited to coping with too much about this if your plant in your climate the. Of ‘ the more, the top few inches of soil should hold moisture relatively well since this what! ’ re having trouble keeping it in dense or very wet soil though removed and replanted a... Rhizomatous and tuberous perennials which typically grow 2-6 ’ tall running a humidifier or using a regular water-soluble during! Too long Polly or Alocasia amazonica “ Polly ” remarkably consistent conditions that they in! To receive quite a bit temperamental, Alocasia Polly plant in the rainforest of. Simply refer to our care guide listed above for its soil, water, that I rescued from certain.