Alocasia Amazonica and its smaller variant, Alocasia Polly, are striking plants that originate from Southeast Asia.
Here is your Alocasia Amazonica care guide and everything you need to know to grow a healthy African mask plant.
They are defined by their deep green, arrow-shaped leaves and contrasting whitish or light green veins.
This wonderful Alocasia elephant ear, sometimes called the African Mask, or Amazonian elephant’s ear makes for a lovely indoor houseplant.
Provided they are well cared for, this Alocasia hybrid will grace your home with its lush, distinctively colored leaves for years to come.
Whether you are new to growing indoor plants or wanting to add another Alocasia variety to your collection, these Alocasia Amazonica care tips are sure to help.
Alocasia Amazonica Care Tips
Alocasia plants make for lovely indoor houseplants. Compared to other varieties, this plant can be quite finicky. As such, it is important to provide it with the right growing conditions.
To ensure your elephant ear grows green and tall, here is a simple African mask plant care guide.
How To Care For Alocasia Amazonica In Winter?
Alocasia x Amazonica is native to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and, as such, grows best under warm, humid conditions.
These conditions are something that is not often present during the winter months. As a result, the plant goes into its dormant stage, and active growth comes to a halt.
While your Amazonica plant has stopped actively growing, it is still important to provide it with adequate care.
During this time, you can reduce watering to around once every week or two weeks. Moreover, it is recommended that you stop feeding during this time and start again at the beginning of spring.
It is also important to keep your Alocasia indoors as it will not do too well trying to withstand the winter cold.
While indoors, make sure that the plant is receiving adequate light. If needed, you can bring in an artificial growing light.
Come the growing season, the bulb of the plant will spring back to life with new foliage. Before you know it, your African Mask plant will be back to its tall, lush self.
Alocasia Amazonica Light Requirements
Alocasia Amazonica thrives best when receiving bright, indirect light. If placed in a location that lacks sufficient light, the plant loses its color and eventually dies.
Even in areas with moderate light, the plant may not thrive.
Plants generally require light to photosynthesize and produce their own food. The same applies to your Amazonian elephant’s ear . By not providing it with sufficient light, the plant will not receive the energy it needs to grow.
For the best growth and leaf coloration, ensure that your Alocasia Amazonica is in a bright location.
In front of a window (west-facing or east-facing) where it can receive a little bit of the morning sun or filtered sunlight. Moreover, avoid placing it in harsh, direct sunlight.
Signs Your Alocasia Amazonica Needs More Light?
If your Alocasia is not receiving sufficient light, it is sure to show. Below are some signs that your Polly elephant ear plant needs more light:
- Stem begins to droop
- Growth slows or stops entirely
- Loses its color (this includes the veins)
If your Alocasia Amazonica is showing any of these symptoms, consider moving them to a brighter location.
Alocasia Amazonica Temperature Requirements – Indoors
Alocasia Amazonica grows best in warmer areas. If temperatures are too low, usually shy of 13ºC (55ºF), the plant will go into its dormancy phase, and the foliage may die. This is common during the winter months.
While the foliage may not be visible during this time, the underground bulb remains alive.
The foliage will resprout again in spring when the temperatures become warmer; however, this may take several months.
To keep your Alocasia plant happy, it is best to maintain an indoor temperature of between 18ºC (65ºF) and 27ºC (80ºF).
Also, ensure that it is kept clear of air conditioners, heaters, and any other drafts, as this will create air that is too dry.
Alocasia Amazonica Humidity
Alocasia Amazonica thrives under conditions that closely mimic their natural environment. As such, they love areas that are warm and humid.
To maintain adequate humidity levels indoors, place your Alocasia on a pebble tray. As the water along the bottom of the tray evaporates, it will improve the humidity levels surrounding your plant.
Another effective method is filling a spray bottle with room temperature water and misting your Alocasia’s foliage.
This can be repeated once or twice per week. Alternatively, consider placing your plant in the bathroom, where humidity levels tend to be higher.
How & When To Prune Your Alocasia Amazonica
Reasons to prune your Alocasia Amazonica are to stop the spread of a fungal infection or disease, as well as to remedy any cold damage.
This includes yellow, droopy leaves and a mushy stem.
Should your African Mask Alocasia show any signs of damage, infection, or diseases, follow these simple steps:
- Grab a sterilized knife or blade, as well as a pair of protective gloves.
- Inspect your Alocasia for any damaged leaves and stems.
- Cut through the stem at the base of any yellowed or damaged leaves.
- Gently create a U-shaped cut at the leaf petioles.
- Trim away any blemishes, following the natural shape of the leaf.
Much like Alocasia Baginda, these plants are fairly poisonous, so be sure not to touch your eyes or mouth while handling them.
Ingesting the plant’s toxins can lead to swelling, numbing, nausea, diarrhea, and delirium.
Alocasia Amazonica Fertilizer Requirement
Alocasia Amazonica are heavy feeders, particularly during the growing season (spring and summer).
During this time, it is recommended that you feed your plant every two weeks with a well-balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half.
When winter arrives, stop feeding and resume at the beginning of the next spring.
Another great way to feed your Alocasia is with an organic, slow-release blend. In this case, you will only need to apply additional fertilizer once every few months.
Ensure that the mixture used is not too strong as the build-up of salts can end up burning the foliage.
Regardless of which fertilizer you decide to use, it is recommended that you flush the soil every few months.
This will assist in preventing nutrient burn. To do this, simply take the entire container, place it in the sink and allow water to slowly run through the soil. Do this for about five minutes.
Alocasia Amazonica Soil
Alocasia Amazonica prefers soil mixtures that closely replicate the decomposing soil found in rainforests.
This soil is generally well-aerated and fast draining. Soil that is too heavy tends to retain too much water, which can lead to root rot and other complications.
An organic, loose soil with peat moss is ideal for Alocasia Amazonica. Good mixtures for these plants include Aroid and Jungles mixes.
Regardless of which soil mixture you decide to get, ensure that it is lightweight. If it is too heavy, try lightening it with some builder’s sand or perlite.
Alocasia Amazonica Repotting
Alocasia Amazonica do not need to be repotted often. Generally, they only need to be repotted when they outgrow their current container, which may take a couple of years.
If there’s any reason to repot between this time it would be to refresh the soil.
When repotting your Alocasia plant, follow these simple steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its current pot and inspect the roots. If the roots are tangled, gently tease them apart with your fingers. If they are too tangled, cut them with a sterilized knife.
- Begin filling the bottom quarter of the pot with soil and then water to settle it.
- Place the Alocasia Amazonica into its new home. Ensure that it is planted at the same depth as it was in its previous container.
- Fill the remainder of the point with the appropriate soil mixture, firming it up around the plant.
- Water the soil again until it begins seeping through the drain holes on the bottom of the pot.
- Place the Alocasia back in the same spot where it was growing before. Ensure that the location offers sufficient light.
Regarding when to repot, it is best to do so during spring when the plant begins its active growth.
Be sure to use a pot that is one size bigger than the previous one to allow for further growth. Check that the pot has drain holes on the bottom and that the soil is well-aerated and fast draining.
How Often Do You Water Alocasia Amazonica Polly?
Alocasia Amazonica requires frequent watering, particularly during spring and summer when they are actively growing.
During winter, the plant goes into its dormancy phase. At this time, active growth stops, so you will not need to water as often.
Water one to two times each week during the growing season, and once every week to two weeks during the winter.
It is important to keep the soil surrounding your Alocasia moist. Do not allow the soil to become soggy or to completely dry up.
If the soil is too dry, the plant may go dormant. Moreover, if the soil is too wet, the plant may experience root rot, among other problems.
Regularly checking the soil’s moisture is vital. To do so, simply stick your finger into the soil. If the top inch feels dry, add water until it begins to run from the drain holes at the bottom of the pot.
Some additional tips include watering your Alocasia in the morning is recommended as this way they remain dry overnight.
Another is to ensure that you water from the root zone to keep the leaves from getting too wet.
Alocasia Amazonica Propagation
It is best to propagate your Alocasia Amazonica while it is actively growing in spring. The best way to do this is to divide by separating offsets from the parent plant.
To successfully propagate your Amazon elephant ear plant, follow these simple steps:
- Carefully lift your plant out of its container and place it on a newspaper, which will aid in collecting any mess.
- If the roots are tangled, gently separate them with your fingers.
- Where the plant has produced an offset, gather as many roots as possible and carefully pull it from the parent plant. If needed, use a sterilized knife or pruning shears to snip away any clingy bits. Be sure not to cut the offset’s center.
- Place the offset into its own container, ensuring the pot has drainage holes and that the soil mixture is correct. Water well and be patient.
- Repot the parent plant and water thoroughly. Check that both plants are placed in a spot that receives sufficient light.
Alocasia Amazonica Common Problems
Even if you’re taking perfect care of your African mask plant, there are still a number of problems that could arise.
Below are some common problems that your Alocasia Amazonica may experience, as well as how to fix them.
Root Rot
If you notice the base of your Alocasia developing black sections, it’s a sign that root rot has begun developing. The main cause of this is overwatering, which results in soggy soil.
Sadly, in most cases, once root rot appears, it is too late to save the plant.
While this is true, your plant can be nursed back to full health provided it is caught early on.
If your Alocasia Amazonica experiences root rot, be sure to follow these easy steps:
- Carefully remove the plant from its container and gently pull the dirt away from the bulb and roots.
- Inspect the roots and bulb for signs of rot damage. You will notice certain sections may have turned soft and mushy.
- If the damage is small, cut back the affected sections using a sterilized knife or blade.
- Wash the plant with a 5-10% bleach solution.
- Dip the remaining healthy roots in a fungicide solution.
- Dispose of the old, infected soil and repot your Alocasia. Ensure that the drainage capacity is sufficient and that the soil is aerated. Hold back on watering for several days. When resuming watering, only water when the surface of the soil feels slightly dry.
While it is possible to remedy the situation, it is best to avoid it altogether. To prevent root rot from developing, always check the soil’s moisture content and water only when the top inch begins to feel dry.
Alocasia Amazonica Spider Mites
Much like other varieties, Alocasia Amazonica are poisonous and are not exactly pest magnets.
A pest that does affect this plant, however, is spider mites. These tiny critters suck the juices from the plant and can be fatal if not quickly controlled.
Identifying a spider mite infestation is easy as you will notice the webs spun over the plant’s foliage.
To treat this, simply spray the top and underside of the Alocasia’s leaves with insecticidal soap or neem oil. This generally kills the spider mites on contact.
When treating your Alocasia for spider mites, be sure to isolate it from other plants to prevent any spreading.
Moreover, be sure to closely follow the directions provided on the product.
Alocasia Amazonica Dropping Leaves
As your Alocasia starts filling out new growth, it is natural for the older leaves to turn yellow, droop, and eventually fall.
If your plant is healthy, you can simply cut away the dying leaves with a sterilized knife or pruning tools.
If your Alocasia is dropping an excessive amount of leaves from a number of locations, it may be diseased.
In this case, it is important to review the plant’s watering schedule for over or underwatering. Also, make sure that the plant’s light and humidity requirements are being met.
Alocasia Amazonica Leaves Turning Yellow
Yellowing leaves are a sign that your Alocasia is either getting too little or too much water.
While the plant grows best in consistently moist soil, it is important to make sure that it is not too dry or soggy.
To fix this, make sure that the plant’s soil drains well and water only when the surface feels slightly dry.
Also, check that where your Alocasia is placed is sufficiently humid and offers plenty of light.
Alocasia Amazonica Brown Spots
There are a number of reasons why you might find brown spots forming on the leaves of your Alocasia Amazonica.
Causes for brown spots include low humidity, temperature stress, rust, excess light, and watering problems.
Brown spots appear on the top or underside of the plant. If you notice brown spots on your Alocasia, it is recommended that you treat it as soon as possible. Leaving it for too long may result in fungal disease.
To remedy the situation, simply remove the leaves with brown spots using a sterilized knife or pruning tool.
Following this, use a fungicide to prevent any further spreading. Lastly, ensure that the plant is being provided the optimal growing conditions outlined in this Alocasia x Amazonica care guide.
Alocasia Amazonica Best Products
Providing your African Mask with the right home, food, and light is essential for its development.
To ensure your plant grows optimally and happily, here are some of the best products for Alocasia Amazonica.
● Best Fertilizer For Alocasia Amazonica – Indoor Plant Food
● Best Pots For Alocasia Amazonica – Growneer Plastic Plant Container
● Best Alocasia Amazonica Basket – Potey Seagrass Plant Basket
● Best Light For Alocasia Amazonica – EZORKAS Dimmable Light For Indoor Plants
● Best Potting Mix For Alocasia Amazonica – Miracle-Gro Indoor Potting Mix
Alocasia Amazonica Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know all about Alocasia Amazonica indoor care , you are pretty much set. For some additional insights, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions.
Is Alocasia Amazonica Safe For Cats
Much like with humans and dogs, ingesting these toxins can have a number of detrimental effects on your cat.
These include damage to the mouth and GI tract. It can also cause swelling of the tongue, eyes, and esophagus. Should your cat show any symptoms, take it to the vet immediately.
Is Alocasia Amazonica toxic?
Alocasia plants are highly poisonous to humans, horses, cats, and dogs and can cause death if consumed. The toxicity of the plant is due to the calcium oxalate crystals found on them.
A major side effect of ingesting these toxins is extreme swelling of the upper airway, making it hard to breathe.
Moreover, handling these plants without protective gloves can cause skin irritations.
Should I Mist My Alocasia?
Alocasia Polly enjoys frequent misting and watering, particularly during the growing season.
Just be sure to check the soil is not too wet. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of the soil to dry before watering again.
How Can You Save Overwatered Alocasia?
This will depend on the effects your Alocasia is showing. Whether it’s root rot, yellowed leaves, or brown spots, simply follow the steps outlined in this Alocasia Amazonica plant care guide.
How Do You Revive Alocasia?
If your African Mask has lost all its leaves, do not fear. Your Alocasia can still bounce back due to the reserve energy stored in their thick tubers.
A great way to revive Alocasia Amazonica polly is to place it outdoors in a shaded area during summer or spring. Ensure that the plant’s light, humidity, and water requirements are all being met.
Why Are My Alocasia Amazonica Leaves Turning Brown?
A common reason why your Alocasia Amazonica’s leaves are turning brown is insufficient humidity.
If this is the case, cut away the brown bits using a sterilized knife or pruning tool. Also, consider placing your plant on a pebble tray or mist the plant several times a week with water.
Another reason for brown leaves is a build-up of fertilizer salts in the soil. If this is the case, try flushing the soil with a slow stream of water for 5 minutes. Repeat this every two to three months.
Why is My Alocasia Amazonica Leaves Drooping?
Reasons for drooping leaves include lack of light and underwatering. Always ensure that your Alocasia is receiving adequate bright, indirect light and water.
Can I Grow Alocasia Amazonica From Seeds?
Alocasia plants are usually propagated through root cuttings. While they are capable of self-pollination, Alocasia rarely produces seed pods.
If you do find a seed pod developing on your elephant ear houseplant, you can plant the seed.It is important to note that this is very rare.
Why is My Alocasia Amazonica Losing its Colour?
In low room light, especially without water, the plant is likely to simply lose its color, begin drooping, and slowly die. Always ensure that your Alocasia is in a well-lit area.
Can You Root Alocasia in Water?
Rooting Alocasia in water is a very decorative way to grow the plant. Interestingly enough, they thrive in water pretty much indefinitely, provided they are given the right care.
You can use river or lake water for growing Alocasia as tap water contains chlorine. Should you use boiled water, allow it to cool down to room temperature.
Can Alocasia Live in Low Light?
Alocasia grows best when receiving bright, indirect light. If placed in an area lacking in light, the plant will start to lose its color and can eventually die.
African Mask Plant Care Tips – Final Thoughts
While this plant does sound a bit fussy, it makes for a wonderful indoor houseplant, when cared for correctly.
Their lush, distinctively colored leaves are sure to brighten up any corner of your home. Moreover, they will keep you company for many years to come.
If you love elephant ear plants, consider adding an Alocasia Wentii to your collection.
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