Alocasia × amazonica 'Polly'
elephant's ears
- Position: bright but indirect light
- Soil: good potting compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
- Current height: approximately 50cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose an 18cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
A truly impressive plant that is mainly grown for its heavily-veined, dark green leaves - although it will occasionally produce a yellow spathe flower too. Like its namesake (elephant's ear), the leaves are large, which is why they make a really big impact.
Please note that the pot in the photograph is not supplied with the plant (which is sent out in a simple nursery alternative), but we have a wide and wonderful range on our website to choose from. - Home care: This plant needs warmth and humidity. If you have a warm, light bathroom that could be perfect. Otherwise stand the pot on a tray of damp pebbles to try and keep the humidity levels up and/or mist regularly. Keep the temperature at a minimum of 16°C, warmer if possible. Water regularly in the summer, reducing through the winter, and feed with a liquid feed in spring/summer every 3-4 weeks.
Dormancy is a natural process, triggered by a reduction in light, cooler temperatures, and drier air and soil mimicking the seasonal changes in the plant's natural environment. If the plant is beginning to enter a dormant period by shedding leaves or discolouring and dying back then reduce watering, light and maintain cooler conditions. The corm or bulb should only be watered lightly when the top inch of soil has become dry. The plant will regrow when warm, bright, moist conditions return.
- Humans/Pets: TOXIC if eaten; skin/eye irritant
Goes well with...
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Baby Bio drip feeders - pack of 4
4 × 40ml
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Copper plated plant mister
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Baby bio leaf shine
200ml
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Plantsmith beautifying leaf shine spray
500ml
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Brass plant bowl
Ø46 × H9cm
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Rough cast aluminium bowl
30 × 22 × 12cm
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Rough cast aluminium bowl - charcoal black
30 × 22 × 12.5cm
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Houseplant watering indicator
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Tilting pot - brass
Ø18 × H19cm
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Plantsmith houseplant feed and tonic
500ml
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Plantsmith houseplant perfecting care mist
500ml