What’s more magical than an Alocasia Polly? With their striking face-sized leaves, it’s no wonder they’re also known as the African Mask. Whether you’re multiplying your collection or making a last-ditch rescue effort, follow these tips on how to propagate your Alocasia Polly!
The gorgeous Alocasia Polly is loved for its lush, tropical foliage and elegant arrowhead shaped leaves. As the plant matures, harvesting it becomes necessary to keep it healthy and manageable. Proper timing and care is crucial when harvesting Alocasia Polly. Follow these tips to successfully propagate your prized houseplant.
When is the Best Time to Harvest Alocasia Polly?
Harvest Alocasia Polly in spring or early summer during its active growth phase The plant has adequate energy reserves to support new growth at this time Harvesting in fall or winter is not advised as the plant becomes dormant.
Ideal signs your Alocasia Polly is ready for harvesting:
- Plant is 2-3 years old and fully mature
- Long, overgrown stems with crowded leaves
- Slowing of new leaf production
Harvest before the plant becomes severely rootbound as this causes decline However, wait until leaves and stems are fully developed.
Step-By-Step Harvesting Technique
Follow these steps for safe and successful Alocasia Polly harvesting:
Gather Necessary Supplies
You’ll need:
- Sharp, clean pruning shears or knife
- Small pots or trays with drainage holes
- Sterile, well-draining potting mix
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Spray bottle with water
Carefully Remove the Plant
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Loosen the soil with your hands or a garden fork. Gently lift the plant from the pot.
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Untangle and straighten out the root ball with your fingers, removing any loose or dead roots.
Select Stems for Cuttings
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Choose stems that are healthy, not damaged, and have at least 2 leaf nodes.
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Avoid cutting the main central stem to leave the mother plant intact.
Make the Cuts
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Sterilize tools with alcohol to prevent disease transmission.
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Use a sharp, clean blade to cut each stem 2-3 inches below the node.
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Cut at an angle for greater surface area for root growth.
Prepare and Plant Cuttings
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Dip cut ends in rooting hormone if desired to encourage root growth.
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Plant cuttings slightly deeper than they were originally growing. Gently firm mix.
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Water well until dripping from drainage holes. Keep mix moist but not soaked.
Caring for New Plants
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Place pots in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun which can scorch tender new growth.
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Keep humidity high by misting often or setting pots on pebble trays.
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Remove any dead or dying leaves. Be patient for new growth which may take 4-8 weeks.
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Transplant into larger containers once well rooted.
Troubleshooting Common Harvesting Issues
Yellow, Wilting Leaves
This indicates the cuttings are stressed. Increase watering frequency and mist leaves to boost humidity. Move to brighter location.
No New Growth
If cuttings fail to put out new leaves after 8 weeks, the stem may have lacked nodes or rooting hormone is needed. Discard and try harvesting newer, vigorous stems.
Moldy Stems
High moisture levels caused stem rot. Allow cuttings to dry out slightly between waterings. Improve air circulation around plants.
Leggy, Sparse Growth
Insufficient light caused weak growth. Gradually acclimate plants to brighter location. Turn pots periodically for even growth.
Key Takeaways
Harvesting Alocasia Polly with care allows you to enjoy more of these tropical beauties. Follow these core tips:
- Harvest in spring or summer during active growth for best results
- Sterilize tools and make precise cuts below leaf nodes
- Choose robust stems and retain some leaves
- Plant in sterile mix, provide humidity & bright indirect light
- Adjust care as needed based on plant’s condition
With the right techniques at the optimal time, propagating by harvesting Alocasia Polly is extremely rewarding. You’ll soon have more of these stunners to appreciate!
How to Propagate Your Alocasia Polly
Chopping off a stem here-or-there is pretty simple, but division? That probably sounds a little more daunting! The good news? If you can repot a plant, you can divide it. Here’s how to propagate your Alocasia Polly:
Step One: Thoroughly water your plant the day before, which will help the soil release from your plant’s roots without damaging them.
Step Two: Remove your Alocasia Polly from its container.
Step Three: Loosen the soil with your hands.
Step Four: Take time to inspect your plant’s root system. Identify the tubers and locate any offshoots. Is there still lots of soil clinging to the roots, making it hard to see? Soak the rootball in a bucket of room-temperature water for 5-10 minutes. This will remove the last remnants of dirt so that you can see!
Step Five: Carefully unravel “baby” offshoots from the mother plant. Never break or cut a tuber. You can cut small roots with a pair of sterile scissors or a knife. (Although, it’s best just to put in the extra effort!)
Step Six: Place your baby and mother plants in appropriately sized containers with suitable soil. (More details on that below!)
Step Seven: Water thoroughly.
Alocasia Polly Anatomy
Alocasia Polly’s (and all Alocasias, for that matter) have a tuber or rhizome as its central root system. What does that look like? Instead of your average houseplant root system, imagine mini tulip bulbs!
Why does it matter? These underground ‘bulbs’ give your plant superpowers: they store enough energy for regrowth, even if your plant is entirely leaf-bare!
The best method for propagating any tuberous plant is division. Stem and leaf cuttings won’t bring you any success!
Alocasia Amazonica Polly care & tips (the reality)
FAQ
Where do you cut alocasia Polly?
How do you pick Alocasia?
Why is my Alocasia Polly not growing?
If your Alocasia Polly is not growing as fast as you would like, it may be a sign that the plant is not getting enough nutrients. To fix this, you can fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer or a water-soluble fertilizer. Stunted growth can also be a result of the plant’s pot being too small.
How do you grow Alocasia Polly in Leca?
You should find soil that has plenty of perlite and coconut fibers mixed into it to provide excellent drainage for your soil. Another solution is to plant your Alocasia Polly in Leca. This helps to water your house plant properly while also allowing plenty of oxygen to reach the Polly’s roots.
How do you care for Alocasia Polly?
Gently remove the Alocasia Polly from its current pot and brush off any loose soil from the roots. Carefully separate any circling roots and trim any dead or damaged roots. By watering your plant after repotting, you help the soil settle and give your plant a boost to start growing. Is the Alocasia Polly toxic for pets or children? Back to top
Is Alocasia Polly a good plant for beginners?
Like other Alocasias, the Alocasia Polly is a tropical plant that has very particular needs and might not be the best plant for beginners. However, when you learn to take care of an Alocasia Polly, you’ll be able to take care of other, more advanced plants as well.