Alocasia amazonica Poly, commonly known as Elephant's Ear, is a striking houseplant with large patterned leaves. Alocasia species are a group of aroids from the tropics of Asia and Eastern Australia, often noted for their dramatic foliage, sometimes richly patterned. Poly has beautiful silvery-white veins on its dramatic dark green, arrow-shaped leaves, which can grow up to 30cm long. The undersides of the leaves are a deep red colour and they are help aloft by fleshy pale green stems.
The variety "Poly" (not "Polly" - it was named after is supposed polyploidal chromosome number, not the girl's name) is a hybrid of Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana, which was developed in the 1950s from a selection of an earlier type called Alocasia Amazonica. This was bred by Salvadore Mauro - a postman and nursery owner from Florida - who named the plant after his Amazonica Nursery business. No Alocasias grow wild anywhere in the Amazon, so its name is rather misleading.
All our potted plants come in compostable coir pots - read more here.
Natural species of Alocasia originate in South and Southeast Asia and Tropical parts of Australia.
Habitat Conditions
Alocasias are plants of the tropical rainforests and are adapted to low light levels, and moist, warm, humid conditions. In the home, they are well suited to bathrooms and shaded spots in other rooms.
Plant Care
Light
Low - medium. Keep out of direct sunlight .
Watering
The soil should be moist, but not wet.
Pruning
Do not prune. Dead or damaged leaves should be cut off at the base using a sharp knife or secateurs.
Feeding
A weak solution of fertilizer can be added to the water every time you water the plant.
Pest & Diseases
Generally pest free, but mealybugs might be an occasional problem. These can be removed by cleaning the plant with a damp cloth or paper towel. Two-spotted spider mites may also appear, but if they do, that suggests that the plant is being kept in too dry and atmosphere. Regular misting with tepid water will deter spider mites.