Yellow Alocasia

Keep the soil moist at all times, using filtered water or rainwater to prevent your plant from drying out. If you’re not sure whether the soil is dry, you can use the modern method of stick your finger 1-2 inches into the soil and feel for moisture. If it’s moist, you don’t need to water. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings and never allow the plant to sit in water. In winter, water the plant sparingly.

Like most aroids, the Yellow Alocasia thrives best in bright, indirect light. Place it near a naturally-lit window that doesn’t have direct sunlight or right beside a sheer curtain with filtered light. However, ensure your Alocasia isn’t in a space that’s too dark as the leaves might become limp and the colors might be dull. Direct strong sunlight for long hours can scorch or bleach your Alocasia’s leaves.

The Yellow Alocasia prefers temperatures between 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). In winter season, when the plant is dormant, temperatures ranging between 55°F to 70°F (12°C to 21°C) are suffice. Alocasia Amazonica will suffer if exposed to temperatures below 50°F (10°C) for a long period of time.

This plant prefers high humidity; ideally 30 - 60%. If the humidity level is lower than 40%, you can mist the leaves to increase the humidity around the plant, however ensure while misting that the leaves are dry and moisture-free. Placing it in a stable environment with some humidity-boosting methods, like heating pads, humidifiers, and grouping your plant with other houseplants can help.

Alocasia Polly prefers fast-draining soil for best growth. However, you can use a standard potting mix that consists of mix of compost, soil, peat or coco coir. If you want to make your own soil mix, use equal portions of potting soil and orchid bark. This soil mix gives the plant proper drainage and aeration.

Your Alocasia Amazonica should be fertilized once in every 1-2 months with a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 for best results. Dilute the fertilizer to half its strength and dissolve the fertilizer in the water before applying to the plants base. However, avoid fertilizing your plant in its resting period which is during autumn and winter months.

The Yellow Alocasia is susceptible to common pests found in houseplant, like aphids, mealybugs, scalp fly, and scale. Check for white fuzzy substances, which could indicate a mealybug infestation, or yellowing and wilting leaves which could indicate aphids. To get rid of them, use an insecticidal soap. Spray it directly on the affected leaves, making sure the pests do not escape. It usually takes a few days for the pests to die out. Wipe the leaves with a soft cloth, or cotton swab with alcohol gently afterwards to clear any dirt or debris.

Your Alocasia 'Polly' should ideally be repotted at least once in a year, in springtime, using a well draining potting mix. If you’ve waited too long or the pot is getting cramped, repot it anytime. Repot in one size bigger pot, never into a gigantic container, and make sure to use a lively potting mix that’s enriched with organic matter.

The Yellow Alocasia requires minimum pruning to ensure that the leaves remain neat and healthy. If any diseased, damaged, dead, or wilted leaves are observed, make sure to prune them off. Additionally, removing any growths, such as stem suckers, from the base of the plant helps it to take a more consistent shape as overgrowth can be distracting and aesthetically displeasing.

Mulching helps in providing additional fertilizer and keeping your Alocasia's soil moist and well drained which is essential for its growth. Use small pieces of bark or coco coir for mulching around the base of the plant and avoid using compost or manure over the plant which may burn or damage it.

Alocasia 'Polly' can be propagated by division or by cutting. For division, remove the plant from the pot and divide the rootball into smaller sections. Make sure each section has at least one flower bud or eye. Repot the divided pieces in separate containers and water them well. For cutting, cut off the side shoot from the base of the main stem and plant it in the potting mix. The shoot should have two leaves and some roots to ensure successful propagation.

Many times, the stem of the Alocasia poweantha tends to become wobbly as it grows taller. In this situation, use a stake or bamboo stick for providing added support for the stem so it grows upright. It will also help in evenly distributing the weight of the large leaves.

Your Alocasia Polly should be given a rest period of 2-3 months during winter season. Stop fertilizing the plant and reduce the amount of water given during the cold months. The plant may start shedding its leaves during this period, but don't worry. It will gradually start to grow as soon as temperatures begin to rise and winter season ends.

The Yellow Alocasia is toxic to pets and animals, so please keep your pets away from it. Ingestion of the plant or any part of it can cause stomach irritation, vomiting, difficulty in breathing, and excessive salivation if eaten in large quantities.