The Alocasia Polly also known as the Elephant Ear plant African Mask plant, or Amazonian Mask plant, is one of the most popular Alocasia varieties grown as a houseplant. This tropical plant is prized for its large, glossy green leaves with contrasting white veins. But what’s going on below the soil surface? Understanding the anatomy and function of Alocasia Polly’s roots and stems gives key insights into properly caring for these beautiful plants.
Anatomy of Alocasia Polly Roots
The Alocasia Polly has a fibrous root system made up of several smaller lateral roots that spread out to help anchor and stabilize the plant. The roots grow relatively shallow only extending 1-2 feet deep at most.
Key root anatomy includes:
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Epidermis – Outermost protective cell layer
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Cortex – Food/water storage tissue beneath epidermis
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Endodermis – Controls substance transport
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Stele – Inner vascular tissue for water/nutrient transport
Alocasia Polly stores water in its root cortex to help survive dry periods in its native tropical climate. The fibrous spread allows the plant to efficiently absorb moisture and nutrients from soil.
Function of Alocasia Polly Roots
The Alocasia Polly’s roots serve several important functions:
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Anchoring the plant in the ground for stability
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Absorbing water and mineral nutrients from soil
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Transporting water and nutrients upwards to stems and leaves
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Storing water and carbohydrate energy reserves to survive drought
Proper watering is key to maintain healthy Alocasia Polly roots. Too much water rots roots, while too little causes them to shrivel. Striking the right balance keeps roots robust.
Anatomy of Alocasia Polly Stems
The stems of Alocasia Polly plants are upright, elongated, and thickened. They have a rough texture with ridges running vertically up the length of the stem.
Key stem anatomy:
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Epidermis – Outer protective layer
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Cortex – Site of photosynthesis, made up of chlorenchyma cells
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Vascular bundles – Xylem and phloem tubes to transport water and nutrients
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Pith – Soft, spongy core that provides structural support
The cortex contains chloroplasts to perform photosynthesis. Stems also store water, carbohydrates, and other compounds.
Functions of Alocasia Polly Stems
The stems of Alocasia Polly plants serve multiple functions including:
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Structural support for leaves and flowers
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Transport of water, minerals, sugars, hormones, etc. between roots and leaves
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Food production via photosynthesis in green stem tissues
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Storage of water and carbohydrates
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Vegetative reproduction when stem cuttings root to form new plants
Proper lighting is important for stems to receive energy and fuel growth. Insufficient light leads to spindly, weak stems unable to support large leaves.
Caring for Roots and Stems
To keep your Alocasia Polly happy and healthy:
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Water thoroughly when top inch or two of soil is dry to maintain roots
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Use well-draining soil and avoid oversaturation
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Give bright indirect light to nourish stem and avoid leaf scorching
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Stake larger varieties if stems seem unable to support leaves
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Wipe stems and undersides of leaves periodically to prevent pest infestations
Understanding what’s going on underneath the soil empowers you to better care for these stunning but sometimes finicky plants. With proper water, light, and care, both roots and stems will flourish allowing your Alocasia Polly to put out lush growth and gorgeous leaves.
Why are the leaves on my Alocasia wilting and yellowing?
Multiple leaves are wilting and turning yellowâparticularly the older, lower leaves. You may also notice stunted growth and mushy stems.
The most likely culprit is overwatering and initial signs of root rot. When a plants roots sit in waterlogged soil for too long, a fungal infection can quickly take over, causing the roots to rot (turning brown and mushy).
First, ensure that your plant has appropriate drainage (both in terms of well-draining soil and plenty of drainage holes in the plants container).
If you think youve caught the overwatering early on, you can simply let the plant dry out more than you have been. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again. Continue monitoring and only water when needed. You may also try using chopsticks (or something similar) to poke holes in the soil to help the roots get more oxygen. And finally, you can try to “wick” the excess moisture out of the soil by placing the whole pot (with drainage holes) in a tray or container with dry soil. This new layer of dry soil should soak up some of the excess moisture from the waterlogged areas around your plants roots.
However, if you suspect a serious case of root rot, youll definitely need to take a peak at the roots by removing the plant entirely from their container. If there are any black and mushy roots, trim them back completely before repotting with fresh soil in a new or sterilized container.
Why are the leaf tips on my Alocasia browning?
Leaves turning brown just on the edges or tips. These edges may gradually change from yellow to brown, crispy, and possibly a bit curled.
Browning just on the edges of tips is usually a reaction to low humidity. Since many of our houseplants have tropical origins, they also thrive in humid conditions. Our average indoor humidity is usually adequate, but some plants are simply more sensitive to changes in humidity than others. You may notice this more acutely when conditions are particularly dryâlike when you turn on the heater in winter.
Try to accommodate your plants needs by locating them in more naturally humid places, like the bathroom or kitchen, or grouping a bunch of humidity-loving plants together. But the only way to truly guarantee increased humidity is to get a humidifier!
Once youve addressed the problem: If the brown tips bother you, you can trim them back. Do your best to follow the shape of the leaf to help them look natural. Also, try to cut just short of the discolored edge so it doesnât expand.
Why Your Alocasia Only EVER Has 3 Leaves
FAQ
What is the root system of Alocasia Polly?
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