My African Mask Plant sits on a long table in my dining room along with eight or nine other plants. I must say, with its magnificent foliage, it steals the show. It’s a stunning indoor plant. However, many gardeners struggle to grow it. These African Mask Plant care tips will help you out.
It’s tricky to grow indoors and if it’s not happy, it’ll go downhill fast. The three key points of keeping this plant looking good are exposure, watering, and an above-humidity requirement.
I live in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona which is very dry (average humidity of 29%). Despite a few brown tips, mine is doing just fine although it’s certainly not the most robust of my houseplants!
This plant shares the same family (Araceae) as many other popular houseplants: anthuriums, pothos, monsteras, philodendrons, aglaonemas, peace lilies, arrowhead plants, and zz plants. I always find this interesting as plants in the same family share similar characteristics. I guess that’s the plant geek in me.
I bought this plant labeled as African Mask Plant. The genus and species are most likely Alocasia amazonica and the cultivar is “Polly”. This is a smaller growing hybrid plant that was developed for the houseplant trade as most of the other Alocasias get large.
You may also see it called “Kris Plant”. Confusing, I know. Regardless of which one I actually have, the care is the same whether it’s been labeled African Mask Plant or Alocasia Polly.
The stunning African mask plant, also known as Alocasia Amazonica, is beloved for its unique foliage. With its exotic arrow-shaped leaves marked by prominent veins, this tropical plant can grow up to 6 feet in the wild. However, when cultivated indoors, its height depends on various factors.
In this article, we’ll discuss how tall your African mask plant can grow and what affects its maximum height potential.
Native to the tropical forests of Asia, the African mask plant thrives in warm humid environments reminiscent of its natural habitat. Its common name comes from its leaves that resemble carved masks from Africa.
There are a few popular varieties that are commonly grown:
- Alocasia Amazonica – The most common variety that can reach up to 6 feet.
- Alocasia Polly – A compact variety that grows up to 2 feet tall.
- Alocasia Bambino – An even smaller variety that reaches 1 foot in height.
While genetics determine their basic height range several other factors like light, temperature humidity, soil, watering, and pot size also impact how tall your African mask plant can grow.
Key Factors that Determine Height
Light
Bright indirect light is essential for robust growth. Insufficient light leads to stunted plants, while direct hot sunlight damages the leaves. Place them near an east or west-facing window. Supplement with grow lights in winter.
Temperature & Humidity
Warm temperatures between 60-80°F are ideal Low humidity causes leaf curling and tip burn which affects height Maintain 50-60% humidity. Group plants together and use a humidifier.
Watering
Inconsistent watering inhibits growth. Keep the soil evenly moist but not soaked. Water when the top inch is dry. Ensure the pot has drainage holes.
Soil
Use a well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix. Incorporate compost or worm castings. Avoid cheap, dense soil that retains moisture.
Pot Size
A too-small pot restricts root growth and stunts plants. Repot annually in spring to a slightly larger pot. Use containers with drainage holes.
Air Circulation
Stagnant air encourages pests and diseases. Ensure good air movement with fans. Rotate the plant occasionally for even growth.
Fertilizer
Apply diluted liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks in the growing season. Slow-release pellets work too. Fertilize less in winter.
Pruning
Remove dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers to encourage new growth. Sterilize pruners before each snip to avoid disease transmission.
Pests & Diseases
Inspect regularly for pests like spider mites, mealybugs and scale. Treat quickly before infestations impact growth. Improve air circulation and moisture management to prevent diseases.
Variety
Compact varieties like ‘Polly’ and ‘Bambino’ have a smaller mature size than standard Alocasias. Select the variety based on the height you desire.
Age
Younger plants have more rapid growth. As the plant matures over years, its growth rate gradually slows down. Division or propagation can help rejuvenate old plants.
Ideal Growing Conditions
Here are some tips to provide ideal conditions for your African mask plant to reach its maximum possible height:
- Site it near an east or west-facing window where it receives bright indirect sunlight.
- Maintain warm temperatures between 65-80°F. Keep away from cold drafts.
- Use a humidifier and pebble tray to increase humidity to 50-60%.
- Water thoroughly only when the top inch of soil is dry. Use a moisture meter to check.
- Use a fertile, well-draining potting mix. Incorporate organic compost or worm castings.
- Repot annually in spring to a slightly larger container. Don’t overpot.
- Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer.
- Ensure adequate airflow around the plant. Rotate it periodically.
- Monitor for pests and diseases. Treat any issues promptly.
- Prune only dead or damaged leaves and spent flowers. Sterilize pruners before each use.
Factors that Can Limit Height
On the other hand, the following factors can restrict your African mask plant’s height:
- Insufficient bright light from improper positioning.
- Cool temperatures below 60°F.
- Low humidity under 40% due to dry indoor air.
- Underwatering that causes wilting or overwatering leading to root rot.
- Using dense, moisture-retentive potting mixes.
- Restrictive pots that are too small and prevent root growth.
- Lack of nutrients from unfrequent fertilizing.
- Allowing pests like spider mites or diseases to persist and spread.
- Selecting dwarf varieties with lower height potential like ‘Polly’ and ‘Bambino’.
- Ageing plants whose growth naturally slows down over time.
With its lush tropical foliage, the African mask plant can grow over 6 feet tall in its native habitat. But when grown as a houseplant, its maximum height is determined by several factors. Providing optimal growing conditions allows your plant to reach its natural potential in your home.
The key is choosing a suitable variety, giving it ample bright indirect sunlight, maintaining warm temperatures and high humidity, watering correctly, using a well-draining fertile soil, repotting annually, fertilizing regularly, and monitoring pests and diseases.
Follow these tips to ensure your African mask plant grows vigorously and reaches the tallest height possible in your indoor environment.
Alocasia African Mask Flowers
It has a green spathe-like flower. As an indoor plant, it doesn’t happen on a regular basis if at all. The foliage is what makes this plant desirable.
This is easy to see – Alocasia Polly has those standout deep green leaves with pronounced veins!
Are you looking for another houseplant with gorgeous foliage? Check out the Pink Aglaonema Lady Valentine.
African Mask Plant Care
One thing to note about this plant: It goes through a period of dormancy, usually in the fall or winter months. The foliage completely (or almost completely) dies back and then comes back in spring.
It grows from underground stems called rhizomes that spread and produce roots, like iris. It’s the end of February, and mine is in that semi-dormant phase now.
How to Take Care of Your African Mask Plant
FAQ
How tall does an African mask plant grow?
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Hardiness
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10 – 12 What’s My Zone?
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Season of Interest
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Spring (Early, Mid, Late) Summer (Early, Mid, Late) Fall Winter
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Height
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1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm)
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Spread
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1′ – 2′ (30cm – 60cm)
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Spacing
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24″ (60cm)
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What is the maximum height of Alocasia?
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Unit
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1 gallon, 3 gallon, 7 gallon, 15 gallon
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Growth Rate
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Slow Growth Rate
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Sunlight
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Part sun to part shade
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Mature Height
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5′ – 9′
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Mature Width
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5′ – 9′
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Where should I put my African mask plant?
Should I mist my African mask plant?
How to care for African mask plant?
Maintain the soil on the drier side but at the same time constantly humid. Make sure the soil is well drained and check the roots for signs of root rot regularly. Mist the plants regularly and dust the leaves. The best temperature for African mask plant is between 60 and 75 o F (15 to 25 o C).
How tall do African mask plants grow?
The round stems grow from tuberous rhizomes, and can reach heights of around 2-4’ tall, depending on the type. The most common variety of an African mask plant is Alocasia amazonica. But there are two other cultivars, the ’Bambino’ and ‘Polly’, that are also popular.
Are African mask plants temperamental?
One of the things that makes the African mask plant temperamental is their water preference. They don’t like bone dry soil or wet feet. Too much either way can cause leaf damage. But it doesn’t have to be tricky.
When do African mask plants grow?
The African Mask Plant grows best inSummer and Spring, and takes a rest in Winter to conserve its resources. As such, you may notice no new leaf growth during the colder months, and a flush of new growth when it is hot and ideal conditions for this elegant Alocasia.