The main difference between the two plants is their size. Indeed, Alocasia Polly is a cultivar of the hybrid Alocasia Amazonica, from which the name comes. In other words, Alocasia Polly is a dwarf version of the larger Alocasia Amazonica species.
Alocasias are popular houseplants with a distinctive bold and beautiful appearance. For starters, they can grow up to three feet tall, and their large, evergreen leaves look a lot like elephant ears.
I could go on and on about the prominent veins, scalloped edges, and shiny surfaces, but I’m more interested in clearing up the confusion about the difference between Alocasia Amazonica and Polly (is there a difference?).
If you too like to get to the bottom of things, wait a minute while I walk you through my well-researched details.
| Amazon Alocasia | alocasia polly | |
| USDA hardiness zone | 10-12 | 10-12 |
| Scientific name | It is not a scientific name because it is not a species. | It is not a scientific name because it is not a species. |
| adult size | 2-3 feet tall, depending on care. | Up to 2 feet tall. More compact than Alocasia Amazonica |
| adult width | The extension can be similar to the height. | The extension can be similar to the height. |
| Rate of growth | Vary carefully. With proper care, up to 2 leaves can be opened per month. | Vary carefully. With proper care, up to 2 leaves can be opened per month. |
| Habit | Place in a very humid place with enough shade or partial shade. | Place in a very humid place with enough shade or partial shade. |
| Light requirement: | Bright indirect or filtered light. | Indirect or intense filtered light |
| the type of soil | Porous soils drain well but can still retain moisture. For example, you can add peat moss and pumice stone to your potting soil. | Porous soils drain well but can still retain moisture. For example, you can add peat moss and pumice stone to your potting soil. |
| soil pH | Slightly acidic, for example 5.5 to 6.5. | Slightly acidic, for example 5.5 to 6.5. |
| Water frequency: | Enough to keep soil moist, plus frequent misting. Not too dry and not too soggy/saturated! | Enough to keep soil moist, plus frequent misting. Not too dry and not too soggy/saturated! |
| harmful | Watch out for aphids, mites and scale insects. | Watch out for aphids, mites and scale insects. |
| Diseases | Susceptible to leaf spot and rot around the root, stem and crown. | Susceptible to leaf spot and rot around the root, stem and crown. |
Contents
Differences between Alocasia Amazonica and Polly
Alocasia Amazonica vs. PollyTo give you a comprehensive answer on the differences between Alocasia Amazonica and Polly, I have done extensive research in the following key areas:
- Leaf shape and texture
- Sheet size:
- leaf color
- Flower
- growth habit
- Toxicity
- height and structure
- Nomenclature
- Increased demands and care
Now that you know what to expect, let’s get started!
Leaf shape and texture
Alocasia Polly underside of leavesThere is a unique difference that can be used to tell Amazonica and Polly apart. This bright feature is unique to Alocasia Polly and appears at the corners of the leaves in what appear to be buds and folds.
However, Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Amazonica have large, waxy, arrow-shaped leaves that protrude from long, single stems.
sheet size
The leaves of Alocasia Amazonica are slightly larger than those of Alocasia Polly. However, the difference may not be noticeable until the plants are fully grown.
leaf color
The leaves of both plants have a dark green color with beautiful silver streaks. Both also have dark purple undersides. Sometimes the underside of Alocasia Amazonica is burgundy.
Gardeners who have experience with Alocasia Polly and Amazonica report that the latter has many grayish streaks. This turns out to be the only difference when it comes to the color of the leaves.
Flower
alocasia flowerYou’ll be lucky if you see both plants blooming! This rare phenomenon has a long peduncle-shaped inflorescence. The flowers are small (Polly’s may be smaller) and usually consist of a green spadix and white foliage. Doesn’t that remind you of a giant flower?
growth habit
Both Alocasia hybrids thrive in a humid environment, with plenty of indirect or filtered light. They can suffer if the temperature drops below 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Toxicity
There is not much difference here. Go with what the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) says that both plants can be toxic to pets and humans. This is because alocasias contain compounds called calcium oxalates which can cause irritation.
Therefore, they should not be chewed or eaten. It is also best to wear gloves if you have to handle the plants for a long time.
height and structure
With proper care, Amazonica can grow up to 3 feet. As the smaller variety, Polly typically grows up to 2 feet tall. It seems that the width or extension is usually equal to the height, so both plants tend to have a broad structure.
Nomenclature
It’s time to set things straight. First of all, Alocasia Amazonica and Polly are hybrids (not plant species), so what you see are not scientific names, but horticultural names. I searched many scientific databases, including the Missouri Botanical Garden, and found no mention of these two plants.
These two plants don’t even come from the Amazon rainforest! The Alocasia Amazonica is believed to come from a nursery in Florida called the Amazon Nursery. According to the story, the owner raised him. Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderianaalthough some sources list the parents as unknown.
Alacosia Amazonica is sometimes passed for Alocasia x amazonica, while you may see Polly called Alocasia Amazonica “Polly” or spelled Alocasia “Poly”. Both can also be labeled as the African mask.
Growing demands and care
Alocasia Amazonica and Polly don’t differ much when it comes to growing requirements and care. They both need:
- Bright and indirect lighting
- Wet ground and misting (remember not to soak the ground too much)
- transplant regularly
General appearance
As you can see, it can be a little tricky to tell Amazonica from Polly. In fact, most stores don’t even bother to tell the two plants apart, largely because their care is pretty much the same.
However, in terms of general appearance, the main difference I found between the two plants is that Alocasia Polly is generally considered a dwarf version of Alocasia Amazonica. Alocasia Polly may also have folds and ridges on the side of the leaf.