Alocasia Polly 'African Mask'
Product details
| Management number | 250426205 | Release Date | 2026/09/17 | List Price | US$5.30 | Model Number | 250426205 | ||
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- Description
- Alocasia Polly 'African Mask' Care Guide
- FAQ/Common Issues
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Alocasia 'Polly', also called African Mask Plant, is a compact tropical houseplant from the Araceae family, bred from Southeast Asian Alocasia species. It brings dark green, arrow-shaped leaves with bold white veins and a dramatically scalloped edge to any indoor space.
The leaves are deep, almost blackish green on top with a slightly waxy surface, traced by thick, raised white or silvery veins that run from the midrib outward. Each leaf is arrowhead-shaped with a pointed tip and wavy, lobed margins, and the underside shows a pale greenish-purple tone. Leaves can reach 12 to 18 inches long on upright stems, giving 'Polly' a compact but bold upright silhouette indoors.
'Polly' rarely flowers indoors, and when it does, it produces a small, pale spathe typical of the Aroid family, which appears near the base of the plant. The bloom is not fragrant and is not the main draw. It is the leaf structure and high-contrast veining that make it a go-to for bohemian and architectural interiors.
Rotate it every week or two so all sides of the plant receive even light and the leaves don't lean toward the window. 'Polly' can move outside for summer in a sheltered spot, though it needs cover from rain and protection from wind. Keep it away from air conditioning vents and heating units, as dry blowing air dries out the leaves quickly. It also purifies indoor air and does well near a kitchen where ambient moisture stays higher. Cats, dogs, and small children should not have access to it — the sap causes skin and paw irritation, and the plant is harmful if touched extensively or ingested, so a high shelf out of reach is the safest placement.
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Alocasia Polly 'African Mask' grows best in bright indirect light, placed near an east or north-facing window.
Water it every 7 to 10 days, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
'Polly' does best in a well-draining mix of potting soil, perlite, and orchid bark in equal parts.
It prefers temperatures between 65°F and 80°F and should not drop below 60°F.
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'Polly' grows at a moderate pace and benefits from a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
It is hardy in USDA zones 10 to 12, where frost does not typically occur and temperatures stay above 30°F to 35°F year-round. It grows outdoors in Hawaii, southern Florida, and parts of southern California and southern Texas. It performs as a perennial in those regions and is grown as an indoor tropical elsewhere across the continental United States.
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Q: How much humidity does Alocasia Polly 'African Mask' need?
A: It prefers humidity above 60%. Run a pebble tray with water beneath the pot, use a humidifier nearby, or place it near a kitchen or bathroom where moisture levels are naturally higher.
Q: Can I put it right next to a south-facing window?
A: Alocasia Polly 'African Mask' scorches in south-facing windows. Keep it a few feet back or use a sheer curtain to filter the light — brown, crispy patches on the leaves are the sign it is getting too much direct sun.
Q: Is 'Polly' safe around cats and dogs?
A: Cats and dogs should not be left to nibble or eat it. The sap also causes irritation on paws and skin, so keep it on a high shelf they cannot reach.
Q: My plant is wilting even though I watered it recently — what's happening?
A: 'Polly' can wilt from overwatering just as easily as underwatering. Check that the roots are not sitting in soggy soil, and make sure the pot has drainage holes so excess water can escape freely.
Q: Why does African Mask Plant drop leaves when I move it to a new spot?
A: It is sensitive to being moved and often drops a leaf or two as it adjusts to a new position. Try to find a stable spot and leave it there rather than shifting it around the room.
Q: Does moving it outside in summer help it grow faster?
A: African Mask Plant does push out new leaves more actively during a warm, humid summer outdoors. Place it in a sheltered spot with bright shade, and make sure it has cover from rain to avoid water-logging the soil and roots.
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