The Alocasia class of plants, commonly known as elephant ear plants, are a diverse and beautiful choice of houseplants. There are many varieties to choose from, two of the most common being Alocasia Bambino and Alocasia Polly.
Although they share many similar traits and characteristics, they are also distinctly unique, bringing their own elegant style to any home decor. Experts have long praised these plants for their durability and adaptability and here are some helpful tips to help you get the most out of your Bambino or Polly plants!
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Alocasia Bambino vs. Polly at a Glance
Choosing the right plant for any indoor space is essential, as placing a plant in the wrong environment can be disastrous. Deciding whether Bambino or Polly is best for your home or office can be difficult without carefully comparing each plant’s specific requirements.
Here is a useful diagram to simplify things:
Alocasia baby | Polly | |
USDA hardiness zone | 10 to 11 outside 8 to 11 inside | 10 to 11 outside 8 to 11 inside |
Scientific name | Alocasia Amazonica Bambino | Amazonian Polly Alocasia |
adult size | more than 40cm | 25-30cm on average |
Rate of growth | Average with a rest period | Average with a rest period |
Habit | Bumpy and straight | Bumpy and straight |
Light requirement: | Medium light to shade outdoors | Medium light to shade outdoors |
the type of soil | Light and well drained | Light and well drained |
soil pH | 5.0-6.5 | 5.0-6.0 |
Water frequency: | Tempered with drying periods | Tempered with drying periods |
harmful | Cochineal, mealybugs, mosquitoes and aphids | Cochineal, mealybugs, mosquitoes and aphids |
Diseases | Leaf spot and root rot | Leaf spot and root rot |
Key Differences Between Alocasia Bambino and Alocasia Polly
Facing Alocasia Bambino vs. Polly can be tricky. However, careful consideration of the individual requirements each plant needs to thrive in the indoor environment of your home or office can help you make the right choice.
Here’s everything you need to consider when comparing these two beautiful and amazing Alocasia varieties.
Shape and appearance of leaves.
Bambino and Polly’s leaves take on a brilliant shine. They are beautiful, elegant and very striking. Polly has a much more scalloped and sharp appearance on the leaves and a deeper heart shape on the leaves, compared to the arrowhead shape of the Bambino variety.
Leaf color:
The Bambino has green leaves with a dark purple underside. Polly has similar color tones that are often softer and less vibrant. Both varieties have impressive shiny white veins on the surface of the leaves.
Flower:
None: The flower is rare and inconspicuous on both plants, as they are grown primarily for their showy foliage.
Rate of growth:
The Alocasia can take a while to establish, but Bambino and Polly can sometimes grow quickly under optimal conditions. Regular root system checks and repotting can help prevent plants from becoming tangled.
Light:
Both plants thrive in well-lit indoor areas, but need shade outdoors as direct light damage occurs. By placing them in well-lit areas or using special grow lights, you can ensure they get enough light without burning the foliage.
Temperature:
Both plants should be kept warm to promote healthy growth and reduce pest and disease problems. Cold and drafty areas of the home or office should be avoided, so consider air vents and air conditioning fans and general air circulation in the room.
Humidity:
Bambino and Polly need a damp, moist environment to thrive. There are several easy ways to achieve this at home or in the office.
A container of water under the pot can add moisture to the immediate area for the plants to use. Or placing the plants in a bathroom, kitchen, or high humidity area can also help meet humidity needs.
Fertilizer application:
Apply a slow-release fertilizer monthly during the active growing season. Both plant species can tolerate an occasional low dose of fast-acting liquid fertilizer early in the growing season, but should not be over-fertilized as this can lead to lanky stems and spindly leaves.
General Care Tips:
Bambino and Polly varieties require minimal care once established, but there are a few simple things you can do to keep them looking their best.
Prune dead leaves to encourage new growth. Keep in mind that dormant periods are common and do not necessarily mean the plant is dead.
Reduce watering and avoid fertilizing for a few months until new growth appears. Watch out for pests and diseases and remove damaged or infected leaves as soon as possible.
If slower spikes appear, it is best to remove them so the plants send growth energy to the leaves for full, beautiful plants.
toxicity:
These plants are harmful to animals and humans if eaten. The leaves and stems also secrete a sticky substance which can be very irritating to skin and eyes. Keep out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental poisoning.
Origin:
The alocasia species as a whole originated in Southeast Asia. The Bambino and Polly variants are specially developed sub-variants and are based on natural species found in nature. these have been bred and genetically modified to bring out the amazing traits they are known for today.
Where to find it:
Both varieties, along with many others, are usually easy to find at local garden centers and online at specialty nurseries and greenhouses.
Final thoughts on Alocasia Bambino vs. Polly
With a long history of indoor use, it’s easy to see why Alocasia remains a popular choice for the home and office today. Thanks to years of breeding and genetic selection, today there are many beautiful varieties.
However, two of the most common varieties remain Alocasia Bambino and Alocasia Polly. Although there are similar properties and characteristics that are shared between the two and although their maintenance is essentially the same, they are also different and can give interior spaces a unique look.