- Botanical Name: Alocasia amazonica
- Common Names: African Mask, Alocasia Polly, Elephant Ears
- Description: The Alocasia Polly also known as the African Mask or Elephant Ear is all about the unusual and unique alien looking leaves. The Alocasia Polly is a unique houseplant but beware that it is on the harder side to care for. It requires bright, indirect sunlight as well as soil that is constantly moist from watering. Toxic to pets.
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LIGHT - bright, indirect light or filtered partial shade. Direct sunlight can burn the foliage or fade leaf colors. A warm spot sheltered from wind and under a tree or other plants is ideal.
WATER - medium water needs. It prefers soil that stays evenly moist but not soggy. It will not tolerate conditions that are too dry. It will also not tolerate standing water, so the soil and bed or container should drain well. Reduce watering in winter.
TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY - Do not leave African mask plants outside when the temperatures dip below 60 or 65 degrees. If growing the plant indoors as a houseplant, find a warm spot without cold drafts for this plant. Humid conditions are best, so use a pebble tray or spritz regularly with water.
SOIL - Provide quality soil that is rich in organic material. If growing in a bed, dig compost or other material into the ground to enrich it. For potted plants, use a rich, soil-based mix. Non-soil mixes do not hold moisture. In terms of soil type, African mask is not particular and will tolerate different mixes as long as it drains well.
FERTILIZE - A heavy feeder, and rich organic soil isn’t enough. Use a well-balanced fertilizer every month or a slow-release product every two months. You can stop fertilizing during winter.
