Amazonian elephant's ear (Alocasia × amazonica 'Polly')
The striking Alocasia × amazonica 'Polly', or Amazonian elephant's ear, offers highly decorative, dark bronze-green foliage with prominent white veins. Ideal for warm, humid conditions in USDA Zones 10-12.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Amazonian elephant’s ear, scientifically known as Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’, is highly prized for its dramatic, architectural foliage rather than its flowers. This compact hybrid cultivar features leathery, wavy-edged, arrowhead-shaped leaves displaying a deep bronze-green hue sharply contrasted by thick, silvery-white main veins. As a stunning accent plant, the Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ instantly elevates tropical garden designs or serves as a commanding houseplant indoors.
Native to tropical rainforests and secondary vegetation sites, this plant requires consistent warmth and humidity to thrive, as air temperatures must not dip below 60°F. Its manageable size, typically reaching 1 to 2 feet tall and wide, makes the Amazonian elephant’s ear perfect for containers where its striking texture can be fully appreciated. Gardeners value this species for the bold texture and color that mimics large elephant ears, justifying its common name.
While it belongs to the Aroid family, which often garners attention for its blooms, the primary aesthetic appeal of Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ lies entirely in its year-round leaf display. Effective care centers on providing bright, indirect light and maintaining consistent moisture in rich, well-drained soil environments.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-2 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: Seasonal bloomer
- Bloom Description: Greenish white
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Rhizomes or tuberous roots of the Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ should be started indoors in pots or containers. Planting outdoors should only occur after the danger of the last spring frost has passed, sinking containers to the rim in the garden or planting directly into beds. These plants demand an organically rich, well-drained soil, and soil-based potting mixes are often superior to soilless mixes because they help retain necessary moisture.
Consistent moisture management is crucial; do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Water and fertilize regularly during the active growing season. Light exposure is key: provide part shade, filtered sun, or bright indirect light; direct, harsh sun will scorch the leaves, leading to burn marks or pale foliage. High humidity locations are strongly preferred.
For gardeners in zones colder than 10, the Amazonian elephant’s ear must be treated as a container specimen. Before the first fall frost, bring containers inside, placing them in a warm, humid spot out of direct sun where temperatures remain above 60–65°F. Reduce watering significantly during this winter dormancy period. Tuberous varieties can be carefully dug up, dried, and stored in a cool, dry location until spring planting.
Landscape Uses
The Amazonian elephant’s ear is inherently a showy-leaved tropical plant, excellent for adding dramatic contrast to shaded garden borders or as a singular focal point in containers. Its dark, heavily textured leaves pair beautifully with plants that offer fine texture or brighter green colors, such as hostas or ferns in partial shade settings.
When used as a patio feature, the Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ offers vertical interest that complements softer, mounding annuals spilling over the container edge. Indoors, its architectural form makes it the perfect centerpiece for modern or contemporary interior designs, provided it receives adequate bright, indirect light.
Because this plant prefers consistent moisture and warmth, group it with other tropical or moisture-loving perennials in the garden. Avoid planting it near areas exposed to strong winds, which can damage the large leaves and hinder the growth of the Amazonian elephant’s ear.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
The genus Alocasia, to which this plant belongs, is famous for its large, arrowhead-shaped leaves resembling elephant ears. Alocasia × amazonica is a horticultural mystery, likely a hybrid created in a Miami nursery; it features leathery, dark bronze-green leaves up to 16 inches long, dramatically highlighted by white veins. The cultivar ‘Polly’ is known for being a compact version, typically staying around 2 feet tall, offering bold visual impact even when flowers rarely appear on container-grown specimens.
Tolerances
- None specified
Potential Problems
The most common issue gardeners face when cultivating the Amazonian elephant’s ear involves pests. Keep a vigilant watch, particularly for spider mites. These tiny pests thrive in dry conditions, so ensuring high ambient humidity, as required by the plant’s tropical nature, is a key preventative measure.
If spider mites are detected, immediate action is required; thoroughly isolate the affected plant if it is indoors. Spray the foliage heavily, especially the undersides of the leaves, with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to eradicate the infestation and improve air circulation around your Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Amazonian elephant’s ear suitable for?
Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ is best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 10 through 12, requiring protection or overwintering indoors in cooler climates.
How large does Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ grow?
This compact hybrid typically matures to a height between 1 and 2 feet tall, with a spread of 1 to 2 feet wide.
What sun exposure does Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ need?
This plant necessitates part shade, filtered sun, or bright indirect light; exposure to direct sun often causes leaf burn.
When does Amazonian elephant’s ear bloom?
It is known as a seasonal bloomer, producing small, somewhat insignificant greenish white flowers that are often obscured by the foliage.
Conclusion
The Amazonian elephant’s ear, or Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’, provides unparalleled tropical drama through its richly colored, veined foliage, making it a superior choice for accent planting or as a houseplant. To ensure success with this magnificent Aroid, prioritize high humidity, consistent moisture, and protection from cold snaps below 60°F. Before planting, verify that your local environment aligns with USDA Zones 10-12, or plan for successful container overwintering.
Companion Planting
Selecting suitable companions helps maintain the consistent moisture and high humidity conditions that the Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ craves. Consider pairing it with other understory tropicals that share similar cultural needs, such as Caladiums or certain varieties of Philodendron. These companions often thrive in the bright, indirect light that protects the Amazonian elephant’s ear from leaf scorch.
In shady garden beds, use ground covers that help shade the soil, reducing water evaporation. Ferns, particularly those that prefer consistent dampness like Macho Ferns or Boston Ferns, create a lush, jungle-like tapestry around the base of the taller Alocasia foliage.
For container designs, combine the upright, bold texture of Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ with trailing plants like Pothos or various Ipomoea sweet potato vine varieties. This contrast in form—upright vs. cascading—enhances the visual interest of the entire grouping on a patio or indoors.
Container Growing
Because of its tuberous nature and the necessity of winter protection in most regions, growing Alocasia × amazonica ‘Polly’ in containers is often the most practical method. Use pots with excellent drainage, ensuring the bottom holes are not obstructed. As noted in its general culture, soil-based mixes are often preferred as they hold slightly more moisture than purely soilless mixes.
When sinking pots into the garden for the summer, ensure they are not permanently buried to facilitate easy removal before the first frost. Maintain a consistent watering schedule; containers dry out much faster than in-ground plantings, especially in high heat or humidity.
Overwintering demands careful attention. Reduce fertilizer and watering as the plant slows active growth, but keep it warm (above 60°F–65°F) and out of harsh, direct winter sunlight. If kept indoors year-round, rotate the container regularly so all sides receive adequate bright, indirect light.
