
Alocasia ‘Polly,’ also known as the African Mask Plant, is a striking tropical houseplant prized for its bold, arrow-shaped leaves and contrasting white veins. It's ideal for bright indoor spaces and adds a dramatic touch to any plant collection.
Alocasia "Polly"
- Prefers bright, indirect light
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Can tolerate filtered light but will struggle in low light
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Avoid direct sun — it can scorch the leaves
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Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during active growth
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Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly before watering again
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Reduce watering in winter during dormancy
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Never let the plant sit in water (avoid soggy roots)
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Thrives in 65–80°F
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Prefers high humidity — mist often or use a pebble tray
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Keep away from cold drafts, AC vents, and heaters
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❌ Toxic to cats and dogs if ingested
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Can cause mouth irritation, drooling, or vomiting
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Keep out of reach of curious pets
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Comes in a 4” nursery pot
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Use well-draining soil (aroid mix or indoor potting mix with perlite)
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Repot every 1–2 years in spring to refresh soil and give roots more space
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When repotting, choose a pot just 1–2 inches wider than the current one — going too large can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot
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Mature Size: Typically reaches 12 to 24 inches tall and 12 to 18 inches wide when grown indoors.
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The plant remains compact and upright, making it perfect for tabletops, shelves, or tight indoor spaces.
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Each new leaf emerges from the center and can reach up to 10 inches long under ideal conditions.
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Moderate growth during the warm months (spring and summer).
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Slows or may stop entirely during fall and winter, especially in lower light or cooler environments.
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Growth resumes when temperatures warm up and daylight increases in spring.
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Minimal pruning is required.
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Only remove:
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Yellowing or damaged leaves
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Spent or dried-out stems
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Use clean, sharp scissors or snips and cut close to the base of the stem.
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Regular pruning is not needed to control shape or size — the plant maintains its own structure well.
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May go dormant in winter — leaves can die back
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Don’t panic! Simply reduce watering and wait for spring growth
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New leaves unfurl from the center of the plant
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- Feed with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during the growing season
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Do not fertilize in winter when growth slows or the plant enters dormancy
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Avoid overfeeding — it can lead to salt buildup and leaf browning