Alocasia Polly vs Alocasia Amazonica 

Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Amazonica are two popular houseplants that are often confused due to their similar appearance. While they have many similarities, there are also some key differences between the two plants. In this guide, we will look closer at the characteristics of Alocasia Polly vs Alocasia Amazonica, highlighting their differences.
The main difference between alocasia polly vs alocasia amazonica is shown in the below table.

Alocasia Polly

Alocasia ‘Poly,’ is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and compact size.
Here are some of the critical characteristics of these plants:

• Leaves are glossy green with a prominent white vein down the center.
• Leaves are arrowhead-shaped and grow on upright stems
• Leaves are typically 20-30 cm long and 10-15 cm wide
• Requires bright, indirect light
• It needs regular watering and high humidity
• It can be propagated through division, stem cutting, or offset

Alocasia Amazonica

Alocasia amazonica is a plant native to Southeast Asia. Here are some of the key characteristics of Alocasia Amazonica:

• Leaves are glossy green with a prominent white vein down the center.
• Leaves are arrowhead-shaped and grow on upright stems
• Leaves are typically 30-40 cm long and 20-30 cm wide.
• Requires bright, indirect light
• It needs regular watering and high humidity.
• It can be propagated through division, stem cutting, or offset

Planting and Care of Alocasia ‘Polly’ And Alocasia Amazonica

Planting Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica is an exciting endeavor that allows you to bring the beauty of these tropical plants into your space. Here are some guidelines to help you successfully plant and care for these stunning Alocasia varieties:

1. Selecting the Right Location:
   • Both Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica thrive in bright but indirect light. Choose a location in your home or garden that receives bright, filtered sunlight, avoiding direct exposure to harsh midday sun.
   • To prevent damage, these plants are sensitive to cold temperatures, so the planting area remains above 60°F (15°C).
2. Preparing the Soil:
   • Alocasias prefer well-draining soil. To enhance drainage, prepare a planting mix by combining regular potting soil with peat moss or coco coir.
   • In garden beds, improve soil drainage by adding organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, to create a loose and fertile growing environment.
3. Planting:
   • Select a pot with drainage holes for a container planting that allows for adequate root space. Fill the pot with the prepared soil mix.
   • Gently remove the plant from its nursery container, taking care not to damage the roots. Place the plant in the pot, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the soil surface.
   • Backfill the remaining space with the soil mix, gently firming it around the roots.
   • In garden beds, dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball, place the plant in the hole, and backfill with soil, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the ground.
4. Watering:
   • Keep the soil consistently moist for Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica. Water the plants when the top inch of the soil feels dry.
   • Avoid overwatering to prevent waterlogged soil, which can lead to root rot. Ensure proper drainage by using well-draining soil and pots with drainage holes.
5. Humidity and Moisture:
   • Alocasias thrive in environments with moderate to high humidity. Increase humidity levels around the plants by misting their leaves regularly or placing a humidity tray filled with water near them.
   • Avoid allowing the plants to sit in standing water, leading to root rot. Empty excess water from saucers or trays after watering.
6. Fertilizing:
   • Feed your Alocasias with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package for proper dosage.
   • In winter, when growth slows down, reduce or halt fertilization.
7. Maintenance:
   • Remove any yellowing or damaged leaves to maintain plant health and aesthetics.
   • Regularly inspect the plants for pests, such as aphids or spider mites. If necessary, treat with an appropriate insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.

Watering and Humidity Alocasia ‘Polly’ & Alocasia Amazonica

Watering Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica properly is crucial for their growth and well-being. Here are some guidelines to help you water these plants effectively:

1. Moisture Level: Alocasias prefer consistently moist soil. Maintaining a good balance is important, avoiding overwatering and underwatering.
2. Checking Soil Moisture: Before watering, check the top inch of the soil with your finger. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Hold off on watering for a few more days if it’s still slightly moist.
3. Watering Frequency: Watering frequency depends on temperature, humidity, and pot size. As a general guideline, aim to water approximately once a week, adjusting as needed based on the conditions.
4. Watering Method:
   • For potted Alocasias, thoroughly water the soil until it drains out from the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the entire root system receives moisture.
   • In garden beds, water the plants at the base, directly onto the soil, avoiding wetting the leaves to prevent diseases.
5. Proper Drainage: Ensure the pots have drainage holes to allow excess water to escape. This helps prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. Use well-draining soil to aid in proper drainage.
6. Humidity: Alocasias appreciate a humid environment. Increase humidity levels around the plants by misting their leaves regularly or placing a humidity tray filled with water near them. This mimics their natural tropical habitat.
7. Seasonal Adjustments: Adjust your watering routine based on the season. During the active growing season (spring and summer), when the plants are actively growing, you may need to water more frequently. In the dormant season (fall and winter), reduce watering as the plant’s growth slows.
8. Monitor Plant Reactions: Pay attention to your Alocasias’ response to watering. If the leaves droop or become yellow, it may indicate overwatering. Conversely, it may indicate underwatering if the leaves become dry or wilted. Adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

Humidity For Alocasia ‘Polly’ & Alocasia Amazonica

Humidity plays a significant role in the care of Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica. These tropical plants thrive in environments with moderate to high humidity levels. Here are some guidelines for maintaining proper humidity for these plants:

1. Ideal Humidity Range: Alocasias prefer between 50% and 60% humidity. However, they can tolerate slightly lower or higher humidity levels as well.
2. Misting: Regularly misting the leaves of your Alocasias with room temperature water can help increase humidity around the plants. Aim to mist them once or twice daily, particularly during dry periods or air-conditioned environments.
3. Humidity Trays: Placing the plants on humidity trays filled with water can create a microclimate of increased moisture. The water in the tray evaporates, providing a localized area of higher humidity around the plants. Ensure the pots are not sitting directly in the water, as this can lead to root rot.
4. Grouping Plants: Cluster your Alocasias together with other humidity-loving plants. As they transpire, the plant’s collective moisture creates a more humid environment.
5. Room Humidifiers: If the air in your home or growing area tends to be consistently dry, using a room humidifier can help increase overall humidity. Place the humidifier near the plants, but be cautious not to create excessively high humidity, which can invite fungal diseases.
6. Avoid Drafts: Alocasias are sensitive to cold drafts, which can cause stress and leaf problems. Ensure that the plants are not exposed to direct airflow from heaters, air conditioners, or fans, as these can dry out the air and decrease humidity levels.
7. Terrariums or Cloches: Another option is to create a mini-greenhouse environment by placing your Alocasias in a terrarium or under a cloche. These enclosed structures help to trap moisture and increase humidity levels around the plants.

Alocasia ‘Polly’ & Alocasia Amazonica Propagation and Feeding

Propagating Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica is an exciting way to expand your collection or share these beautiful plants with others. Here are some methods you can use to propagate these Alocasia varieties:

1. Division:
   • Alocasias can be propagated through division when they have grown into multiple clumps or have developed offshoots, known as rhizomes.
   • Carefully remove the plant from its pot or dig it out from the garden bed.
   • Gently separate the clumps or rhizomes, ensuring each division has several healthy roots.
   • Following the earlier planting guidelines, plant the divisions in separate pots or a prepared garden bed with well-draining soil.
   • Provide proper care and maintenance, ensuring adequate water, light, and humidity to encourage their growth.
2. Rhizome Cuttings:
   • Take a healthy Alocasia plant and locate a mature rhizome (underground stem).
   • Using a clean, sharp knife or shears, carefully cut a section of the rhizome with at least one growing point (node) and several healthy roots.
   • Place the rhizome cutting in a pot or container filled with a well-draining potting mix or perlite.
   • Maintain high humidity around the cutting by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagation dome.
   • Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
   • After a few weeks, the cutting should develop new growth and roots. Once it has established itself, you can transplant it into a larger pot or garden bed.
3. Leaf Cuttings:
   • Choose a healthy and mature leaf from your Alocasia plant.
   • Cut the leaf into sections, ensuring each section has a portion of the main vein.
   • Dip the cut ends of the leaf sections in a rooting hormone (optional) to promote root development.
   • Plant the leaf sections in a container with a well-draining soil mix or perlite, burying them partially with the cut end facing downwards.
   • Maintain high humidity around the leaf cuttings by covering them with a plastic bag or using a propagation dome.
   • Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light.
   • Over time, new plantlets should emerge from the base of the leaf sections, and roots will develop.
   • Once the plantlets have grown sufficiently and have established roots, they can be transplanted into their pots or garden beds.

Propagating Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica requires patience and proper care. Not all cuttings may be successful, but with time and practice, you can enjoy the satisfaction of growing new plants from these stunning Alocasia varieties.

Alocasia ‘Polly’ & Alocasia Amazonica Location And Temperature

Feeding Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica with appropriate nutrients is essential for their growth and overall health. Here are some guidelines to help you properly feed these plants:

1. Fertilizer Selection: Choose a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer specifically formulated for houseplants or tropical plants. Look for a fertilizer with an NPK ratio (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) of around 20-20-20 or a similar ratio.
2. Feeding Schedule: During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, feed your Alocasias monthly. Reduce or halt fertilization during the dormant season in fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows.
3. Dilution Ratio: Follow the instructions provided on the fertilizer package for the proper dilution ratio. It is generally recommended to use half the recommended strength or dilute the fertilizer to about 50% of the suggested amount.
4. Application Method:
   • For potted Alocasias: Water the plant thoroughly before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn. Prepare the diluted fertilizer solution according to the package instructions and water the plant until it drains out from the bottom of the pot.
   • For garden-grown Alocasias: Apply the diluted fertilizer solution directly to the soil around the base of the plants, avoiding direct contact with the leaves.
5. Avoid Overfertilizing: Overfertilization can lead to salt buildup in the soil, causing root damage. If you notice any signs of fertilizer burn, such as yellowing or wilting leaves, flush the soil with plain water to leach out the excess salts.
6. Supplemental Micronutrients: Occasionally, you can provide your Alocasias with micronutrient supplements, such as iron or magnesium, if you notice any deficiencies. These can be applied according to the product instructions, usually by foliar spray or soil drench.
7. Organic Fertilizers: If you prefer organic options, use slow-release organic fertilizers or incorporate compost or well-decomposed organic matter into the soil during planting. These will gradually release nutrients to the plants over time.
8. Observation and Adjustments: Monitor your plants for any signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves or stunted growth. If necessary, adjust your feeding schedule or nutrient levels accordingly.

Is Alocasia Toxic To Cats And Dogs?

Yes, Alocasia plants, including Alocasia ‘Polly’ and Alocasia Amazonica, are considered toxic to cats and dogs. These plants contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation and discomfort if pets ingest them. The crystals can cause symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, difficulty swallowing, oral irritation, and mouth and throat inflammation. In severe cases, ingesting Alocasia plants can lead to more serious health issues.

If you have cats or dogs in your household, keeping Alocasias out of their reach is important to prevent accidental ingestion. Consider placing these plants where pets cannot access them, or choose pet-friendly plants as safe alternatives.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any part of an Alocasia plant and they display unusual symptoms, it is recommended to seek veterinary assistance immediately. Providing your veterinarian information about the specific plant ingested will help them determine the best action.

Availability:
Alocasia Polly is a hybrid plant widely available at nurseries and garden centers, while Alocasia Amazonica is a less common species that can be harder to find.

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Conclusion:

Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Amazonica are stunning tropical plants highly sought after by indoor gardeners. While they share many similarities in appearance and care requirements, fundamental differences remain. Alocasia Polly features narrower leaves with more pronounced veins, while Alocasia Amazonica has broader leaves with silvery-white veins. Additionally, Alocasia Amazonica tends to be slightly larger and more tolerant of lower light conditions than Alocasia Polly. Understanding these distinctions lets you decide which Alocasia species suits your home and gardening needs.