Looking for a spectacular houseplant that really catches the eye? It’s hard to go wrong with the genus Alocasia, especially a relatively recent cultivar known as Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’. All of the flair of its parent plant, Alocasia amazonica, but in a more compact package perfect for smaller spaces!
Keep reading for everything you need to know about Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’ plant care, with extensive growing tips for helping this aroid thrive indoors.
Disclosure: If you shop from my article or make a purchase through one of my links, I may receive commissions on some of the products I recommend.
The amazon elephants ear plant, also known as Alocasia Amazonica, is a gorgeous tropical houseplant loved for its huge, glossy green leaves. With leaves that can grow over 3 feet long, the elephants ear is an eye-catching statement plant that can quickly become the focal point of any indoor garden
However, as with any houseplant the elephants ear does require some basic care and maintenance to stay looking its best. Over time, dust and dirt can accumulate on the leaves affecting the plant’s ability to photosynthesize and thrive. Additionally, a buildup of debris can attract pesky bugs and pests.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to properly clean your amazon elephants ear plant. With just a few simple tools and steps, you can keep those impressive leaves looking shiny and vibrant.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about effectively cleaning and caring for your amazon elephants ear houseplant, including:
- Why it’s important to clean the leaves
- Recommended cleaning tools & supplies
- Step-by-step instructions for cleaning the leaves
- Additional care tips for maintaining a healthy plant
Why It’s Important to Clean the Leaves
Cleaning the leaves of your amazon elephants ear serves a few key purposes:
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Improves light absorption – When thick layers of dust accumulate, they can actually block light from reaching the leaves. This impairs photosynthesis and plant growth.
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Deters pests – Dust and debris provide food and habitat for pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Keeping leaves clean helps keep pests away.
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Enhances appearance – This one may seem obvious, but clean leaves simply look better! A buildup of dust will detract from the beauty of this statement plant.
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Promotes plant health – By removing dirt and opening up leaf pores, cleaning enables optimal air circulation, light absorption, and overall plant health.
So in short, making leaf cleaning a regular part of your elephants ear care routine is highly recommended. The small time investment will pay off with a healthier, happier plant.
Recommended Cleaning Tools & Supplies
Cleaning the elephants ear plant is easy to do with just a few basic supplies. Here is what you’ll need:
- Soft cloth or sponge
- Spray bottle filled with water
- Mild soap like castile soap (optional)
- Neem oil (optional insecticide/pesticide)
- Pruning shears (for removing dead leaves)
- Small towel (for drying leaves)
The cloth, sponge, or paper towel will be your cleaning tool for gently wiping the leaves down. The water is used to rinse away dust and debris. A very mild, plant-safe soap can help break down stubborn dirt, but isn’t required.
Pruning shears allow you to trim off any dead or dying leaves. Neem oil can be added to the spray bottle to help deter pests – but again, is not a necessary supply.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Elephants Ear Leaves
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, follow these steps to properly clean your elephants ear plant:
1. Remove the Plant from its Decorative Pot
Start by taking the plant out of any decorative cachepot or plant stand. This allows you to access and clean the entire leaf surface area.
Gently tip the inner nursery pot on its side and slide the plant out. You may need someone to help support the heavy leaves.
2. Use Pruning Shears to Trim Off Dead Leaves
Check over the plant and use sterilized pruning shears to trim off any dead, yellow, or damaged leaves. Cut at the base of the leaf stem.
Removing dead foliage will encourage new healthy growth. It also prevents pests/disease from spreading to healthy leaves.
3. Dust the Leaves With a Soft Cloth
Before introducing any moisture, first dust the leaves using a soft cloth, sponge, or paper towel. Be gentle – don’t bend or twist the leaves.
Wipe from the top down towards the base of the leaf. Dusting first removes surface-level debris.
4. Rinse the Leaves Under Lukewarm Water
Now it’s time to rinse! Use your spray bottle to spritz lukewarm water all over the leaves. Or hold the plant in your sink/tub and gently rinse the entire plant with water.
Let the water soak in for 2-3 minutes. This rehydrates the leaves and softens caked-on dust or dirt.
5. Add a Small Amount of Mild Soap to Your Spray Bottle
If needed for stubborn dirt, make a diluted soap solution. Add a few drops of liquid castile or other mild plant soap to the water spray bottle. Shake well to mix.
The soap will help break down thick debris, but too much can damage the leaves. Use a light hand with soap.
6. Spray and Gently Wipe the Leaves With Your Cloth
Spray each leaf with the soap solution, then gently wipe with your soft cloth/sponge. Take care not to rub too hard.
Wipe in sections from the central vein outward in each direction. Check both top and underside of leaves.
7. Rinse Away Any Remaining Soap Residue
Once wiped down, do a final rinse using clean water to remove any lingering soap residue. This prevents leaf damage.
Let the plant drip dry completely before returning it to its pot or display stand.
Additional Care Tips for a Healthy Elephants Ear
While regular cleaning is important, there are a few other care tips to keep in mind for your amazon elephants ear:
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Water when soil is partly dry – Water when the top few inches of soil feel dry. Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
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Mist frequently – Elephants ears thrive in humidity. Mist the leaves every few days or use a pebble tray.
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Keep out of direct sun – Bright, direct light will scorch the leaves. Keep in part shade.
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Wipe dust routinely – Even between full cleanings, use a duster or cloth to wipe dust for optimal light absorption.
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Remove dead foliage – Trim off any yellowing, dying leaves to maintain vigor.
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Watch for pests – Check often for signs of insects like spider mites or mealybugs. Isolate and treat any infestations promptly.
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Fertilize in growing season – Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks from spring through summer.
With large, stunning leaves that can grow quite massive, the elephants ear plant makes a spectacular statement in any indoor garden. But to maintain the health and beauty of this tropical plant, it’s essential to learn how to properly clean and care for it.
By using the steps and tips outlined here, you can easily keep those gorgeous elephant ear leaves looking their vibrant, shiny best for years of enjoyment indoors. Just be sure to provide adequate light, water, humidity, and cleaning, and your amazon elephants ear will continue thriving.
How do you bring a dormant Alocasia back?
Alocasias, including Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly,’ can go dormant. This is a protective reaction that happens if they’re kept too cold or dark. It can happen in winter if your windowsills tend to get chilly!
A dormant Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’ will stop growing and most likely shed its foliage. It can end up reduced to nothing but a corm in the soil, but that doesn’t mean it’s dead. Once things warm up in springtime, you can try to wake it up. If the corm is still firm, it’ll likely come back fine.
Here’s how you do it:
- Provide warmth: Place the planter on a heat mat or inside a clear plastic bag to keep the heat in.
- Provide light: Find a spot near a window or consider supplementing with artificial light.
- Provide water: Preferably lukewarm. Think jungle rainstorm.
Keep this up, without soaking the soil too much, and you should see the first signs of life within a few weeks.
Alocasia x amazonica varieties
There’s only one Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’, but did you know that this is not the only cultivar produced through selective cultivation of its parent plant, Alocasia x amazonica? And that horticulturists have actually produced yet more cultivars using ‘Polly’ as a parent plant? I almost need a plant family tree to keep track of it all!
These are the varieties I’m aware of (feel free to contact me if you have one to add):
- Original Alocasia x amazonica: Daughter of Sanderiana x Watsoniana. Very large, shiny green foliage.
- Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’: Daughter of Amazonica. Medium-large, shiny green foliage.
- Alocasia amazonica ‘Ivory Coast’: Daughter of Amazonica. Arrow-shaped leaves without the wavy edges.
- Alocasia amazonica ‘Bambino Arrow’: Daughter of Polly. Dwarf version with thinner, matte foliage.
- Alocasia ‘Mandalay’: Daughter of Polly. Rounder leaves with more pronounced veins.
Don’t forget, there are quite a few Alocasia species and cultivars that look similar to the ones mentioned here. I used to own an Alocasia ‘Sarian’, for example, whose leaves were not that different but which is an entirely different species!
Did you know? Apparently, Alocasia amazonica ‘Polly’ was originally called ‘Poly’. This ended up changing to ‘Polly’ as the years passed and the plant became more popular.
Where to buy Alocasia ‘Polly’:
How to Care for Elephant Ears Alocasia Plants
FAQ
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