Alocasia Amazonica 'African Mask Plant' Polly - Various Sizes

Alocasia Amazonica: The Exotic Jewel of Houseplants

The Alocasia Amazonica, commonly known as the African Mask Plant or Elephant Ear, is cherished for its stunning, deep green leaves with striking white veins. This exotic beauty can transform any indoor space with its dramatic foliage and unique form, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts.

Alocasia Amazonica Plant Profile

• Botanical Name: Alocasia Amazonica
• Pronunciation: a·luh·kei·zhuh a·muh·zaa·nuh·kuh
• Common Names: African Mask Plant, Amazon Elephant's Ear, Alocasia Polly, Amazon Taro
• Family: Araceae
• Native Range: This plant is a cultivated hybrid; it's parent species are native to Southeast Asia, particularly from tropical rainforests in the Philippines and Borneo.

Alocasia Amazonica Care Guide

• Care Level: Moderate
• Light: Prefers bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged; allow the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings. We find the most common issues for this houseplant involve under or over-watering and lack of adequate airflow. During the winter months, scale back on watering.
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity environments, ideally 60% or higher.
• Temperature: Optimal temperature range is 55-80°F; protect from cold drafts.
• Pruning: Prune as needed to remove dead or yellowing leaves and to maintain plant shape.
• Feeding: Fertilize with a diluted, half-strength balanced fertilizer monthly during the growing season (spring and summer).
• Growth Habit: Upright growth; can reach heights of 2-3 feet. Hardy specimens usually do not require support. Plant may become dormant during the winter months or when exposed to cold and lose it's leaves; this is normal.
• Propagation: Best propagated through root division in spring or early summer.
• Pests: Watch for common pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
• Toxicity: Toxic to humans and pets if ingested causing mouth and throat irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. May cause skin irritation; handle with care.

Fun Fact: Alocasia Amazonica Isn’t Actually From the Amazon!

Despite its name, Alocasia Amazonica is not a native of the Amazon rainforest. It’s actually a hybrid plant, created by crossing Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana. The name was likely inspired by the exotic allure of the Amazon rather than its true origin.

The History of Alocasia Amazonica: A Cultivar Born in the 1950s

The Alocasia Amazonica first emerged in the 1950s, developed by Salvadore Mauro, a Florida-based plant breeder. Mauro wanted to create a show-stopping houseplant that combined the best traits of its parent species. Since then, the plant has gained immense popularity due to its stunning foliage and has become a staple in many indoor gardens.