The Alocasia Polly, better known as the Elephant's Ear or African Mask plant, is a striking tropical houseplant grown for its bold, arrow-shaped leaves in deep green with creamy white veining.

It has a compact, upright, clump-forming habit and makes a real statement on a shelf or windowsill wherever there is bright, indirect light. Keep it out of direct sun, which will scorch the leaves, and keep the air around it humid by misting occasionally or standing the pot on a pebble tray.

It arrives as a young plant in a 1 litre pot, ready to pot on or slot into a decorative cover pot. Grow it in a free-draining, open compost and let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings. A spot between 18-27°C, away from cold draughts and radiators, suits it best.

Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser monthly through spring and summer, and repot every one to two years as it grows. Alocasia is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, and the sap can irritate skin and eyes, so keep it well out of reach of pets and children.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Elephant's Ear, African Mask Plant
• Botanical Name: Alocasia x amazonica 'Polly'
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 40-60cm tall and 40-60cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Compact, upright, clump-forming
• Perfect For: Living rooms, bedrooms, home offices, shaded indoor spots
• Foliage: Deep green, arrow-shaped leaves with bold white to silver veining
• Flowering: Rarely flowers indoors, grown for its foliage
• Planting Position: Bright, indirect light, away from direct sun
• Soil Type: Free-draining, open compost
• Hardiness: Tender houseplant, needs a minimum of around 15°C and no cold draughts
• Maintenance: Feed monthly in spring and summer, repot every one to two years
• Type: Tropical Houseplant