In this article, we will address whether the alocasia amazonica and alocasia polly are related, as well as if they are different in any ways. We will go over their physical descriptions and what they are typically used for. We’ll even give you some basic tips as to how to care for these beautiful plants in your own home! Let’s get started. There are only a few key differences between alocasia amazonica and alocasia polly. For example, the alocasia polly plant is a smaller variety of the alocasia amazonica plant. In addition, the leaves of the polly plant are more scalloped and textured compared to the leaves of the amazonica plant. Finally, the alocasia amazonica has deeper colors compared to the alocasia polly. Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now. It’s no secret that the alocasia amazonica and the alocasia polly plants look similar to one another- but why might this be? Well, the alocasia polly plant is directly descended from the alocasia amazonica plant, and is considered a subspecies of it. The alocasia polly plant was born out of a desire to have a smaller alocasia amazonica plant; it is largely considered a dwarf variety of the amazonica! As we have already mentioned, the alocasia amazonica and the alocasia polly look strikingly similar to one another. However, there are some ways in which you can tell them apart. For example, the amazonica plant is larger in every way compared to the polly variety. The leaves of the polly variety are shorter and more narrow compared to the leaves of the amazonica plant. Speaking of the leaves, the alocasia amazonica has smoother, less scalloped leaves compared to the deeply textured leaves of the alocasia polly. In addition, the alocasia polly plant grows slightly closer together and clustered compared to the alocasia amazonica. Finally, while it may depend on the specific plant, the amazonica variety tends to have more gray and maroon tones in its leaves compared to the glossy leaves of the polly variety. Both the alocasia amazonica and the polly plant have similar uses. They are extremely popular houseplant varieties, favored around the world for their unique leaves. However, the alocasia polly plant was created so that smaller homes could accommodate the beauty of the larger alocasia amazonica plant. In addition, both of these alocasia plant varieties can be grown outdoors, in hardiness zones 3-11. This may be something to keep in mind if your amazonica variety outgrows your indoor living space, as a 3 foot tall and wide plant can get pretty big indoors, pretty fast! Thankfully, the polly variety will remain 2 feet or smaller for its entire life. Both the amazonica and the polly variety of alocasia originated in Southeast Asia, though the polly variety technically originated from the amazonica variety. In terms of how to grow both of these plants, they prefer bright, indirect light and moist conditions. Humidity is key, though both the alocasia amazonica and the polly plant need time to adjust to specific households. Give them time and plenty of care- these plants aren’t ideal for first time houseplant owners, but they adapt well! Alocasia plants are special for a number of reasons, not just including their beautiful leaves. Speaking of their leaves, the alocasia amazonica plant is also known as the African Mask plant, given its distinctly shaped leaves. The alocasia polly plant is also special in that it can flower, both indoors and out. While it’s extremely difficult to get your polly plant to flower indoors, it’s a mark of a good gardener should you see an alocasia flower blooming!
