Alocasia 'Polly' – Compact Polyploid Hybrid with Sculptural Arrowhead Leaves

Alocasia 'Polly' is a compact polyploid hybrid from the Alocasia × amazonica group — a genetic offshoot of Alocasia sanderiana × Alocasia longiloba ‘Watsoniana’. Discovered by William Rotolante of Silver Krome Gardens (Florida, USA) in the early 2000s, this plant arose as a spontaneous polyploid mutation within tissue-cultured liners of Alocasia 'Amazonica'. The name “Polly” stuck as a trade form of “Polyploid,” now synonymous with this small-scale indoor icon. Collectors prize it for its thicker, glossier leaves, sharp white veins, and resilience in compact displays.

● Genetic Background and Origin of Alocasia 'Polly'

Parentage: Alocasia sanderiana × Alocasia longiloba ‘Watsoniana’ — the same cross that produced Alocasia 'Amazonica'.
Hybridizer: William Rotolante (Silver Krome Gardens, Florida, USA).
Polyploid formation: During tissue culture, stress-induced chromosome doubling created a compact plant with heavier texture and vivid venation.
Group relation: Part of the Amazonica family that also includes ‘Jean Merkel’, ‘Mark Campbell’, and ‘Purpley’.

● Distinctive Traits of Alocasia 'Polly'

Leaf structure: Shorter, more oval leaves than ‘Amazonica’, with deep scalloping and strong midrib contrast.
Colour: Dark, almost metallic green lamina with crisp white venation and a faint silvery gloss under indirect light.
Texture: Thickened polyploid tissue gives the plant a sculptural, leathery feel and longer-lasting leaves.
Size: Mature height 30–60 cm — ideal for small interiors or grouped aroid displays.

● How to Care for Alocasia 'Polly' Indoors

Light

Provide bright, indirect light for crisp venation and compact growth.
Learn how different window exposures affect plants in our window-orientation guide.

Watering

Let the top 10–15 % of the substrate dry before watering thoroughly, then drain fully.
Use light, airy mixes to prevent root rot — never leave the rhizome in stagnant moisture.
Filtered or rainwater helps avoid mineral edge burn.

Humidity and Temperature

Target around 60 % RH or higher for sharp leaf edges and steady growth.
Maintain 18–26 °C; protect from cold drafts and windows below 15 °C.
If growth slows, it may be entering a light dormancy — see how dormancy works in houseplants.

Substrate and Feeding

Grow in a porous aroid substrate with high oxygen exchange. Learn what defines the best substrate for indoor plants.
Feed every 4–6 weeks during active growth with a balanced fertilizer at half strength.

● Growth, Flowering and Seasonal Behavior

Growth speed: Moderate — polyploid leaves take longer to form but persist longer once mature.
Leaf turnover: Expect one old leaf to yellow as a new one emerges; this is normal.
Flowering: Rare indoors; small pale spathes may appear but are often removed to focus energy on foliage.

● Common Issues and Simple Fixes

Yellowing leaves: Usually overwatering — let the mix dry slightly deeper before rewatering.
Brown edges: Low humidity or hard water; increase RH and flush the mix monthly.
Leggy stems: Low light — move to brighter indirect exposure.
Pests: Wipe leaves regularly; treat early infestations with natural insecticidal soap or biological predators.

● FAQs – Alocasia 'Polly'

Is it a true species? No, it’s a hybrid from the Alocasia × amazonica group.
What makes it polyploid? A spontaneous doubling of chromosome sets during tissue culture.
Can it revert to 'Amazonica'? No — its polyploid genetics are stable.
Is it toxic? Yes — like most Alocasias, it contains calcium oxalate crystals.
How to care for Alocasia Polly indoors? Bright light, moderate humidity, well-aerated soil, and careful watering keep it thriving.

Buy Alocasia 'Polly' online today — a compact, genetically unique hybrid combining bold venation, glossy texture, and the enduring legacy of the Amazonica line.

Alocasia 'Polly'

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Quantity

Alocasia 'Polly' plants come in following sizes:

S – is approximately 30 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 10 cm pot

M – is approximately 40 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 12 cm pot

L – is approximately 45 cm tall and comes in a ⌀ 17 cm pot
Quick Plant Facts and Care – Alocasia 'Polly'

Basic Information

Name: Alocasia 'Polly'

Hybrid Lineage: Alocasia sanderiana × Alocasia longiloba 'Watsoniana'

Breeder: William Rotolante, Silver Krome Gardens, USA

Notable Trait: Polyploid cultivar with increased vigor and leaf toughness

Size and Leaf Structure

Typical Height: 30–60 cm tall indoors

Leaf Form: Glossy, dark arrowhead leaves with scalloped edges and bold white veining

Growth Type: Upright and compact, perfect for tight spaces

Foliage Resilience: Thicker tissue resists damage better than standard cultivars

Preferred Growing Environment

Lighting: Needs bright, indirect light for color and vigor

Humidity: Performs best above 60% — avoid dry indoor air

Temperature: Ideal between 18–26 °C; protect from sudden cold drops

Potting Mix: Airy blend with bark, coir, and perlite; well-draining with neutral pH

Care Essentials

Watering Schedule: Water when top 2–3 cm of soil are dry

Feeding Plan: Fertilize once a month during growing season

Repotting: Refresh soil and upsize pot every 1–2 years

Propagation: Divide healthy rhizomes during spring repotting

Safety and Extra Tips

Toxicity: Toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of pets and children

Substrate Options: Can transition to semi-hydroponics with inert materials and nutrient support

Leaf Hygiene: Wipe with a soft cloth to enhance photosynthesis and detect pests early

Container Choice: Terracotta improves breathability and reduces moisture buildup

Common Issues and How to Respond

Yellow Leaves: Caused by overwatering or lack of airflow — check substrate

Brown Tips: Usually triggered by dry air or salt buildup — flush and humidify

Pests: Inspect regularly for spider mites and treat with neem or soap-based solutions

Leaf Curling: Often a result of low humidity or inconsistent watering

Drooping: May follow environmental shock or underwatering — stabilize promptly

Want more growing advice or tips for troubleshooting? Browse the main product description for full care strategies tailored to Alocasia 'Polly'.
Plant Care Help – Start Here

Plant Care After Purchase – Unpacking, first placement, and the crucial first week.

Acclimatization – What plants go through after shipping and how to support recovery.

Light – Practical light principles for predictable indoor growth.

Watering – Frequency, volume, and signs of over- vs. underwatering.

Substrates – Mix structure, particle size, and drainage for strong roots.

Humidity – Managing ambient moisture indoors without gimmicks.

Fertilizing – Nutrients, EC, and how to avoid salt stress.

Semi-Hydro – Inert/mineral substrates, wicks, and reservoir management.

Pest Control – Identification, treatment cycles, and prevention that works.
Please Note:

Curated Selection: Every plant is hand-picked for quality and visual appeal, ensuring you receive a healthy, well-established specimen.

Representative Image: Product photos serve as reference. Each plant is unique — differences in leaf number, shape, or variegation are natural.

Size Details: Sizes refer to pot diameter and overall height (from the base of the pot to the tallest leaf or stem).

Specific Listings: If a product is a ‘Get What You See’ item, this will be stated clearly in the size section.

Individual Photos: Photos of single plants are not available unless explicitly mentioned in the size section. For details on each plant’s unique traits or minor quirks, please read the full product description.