Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Published: August 17, 2022
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If you are researching what houseplant you should buy next, you may be wondering whether the alocasia amazonica vs polly is right for you. Both of these plants are strikingly similar to one another, and for good reason. They are closely related and have a lot in common, including their popularity and levels of care.

In this article, we will address whether the alocasia amazonica and alocasia polly are related, as well as if they are different in any ways. We will go over their physical descriptions and what they are typically used for. We’ll even give you some basic tips as to how to care for these beautiful plants in your own home! Let’s get started. 

Comparing Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly
The alocasia amazonica has deeper colors compared to the alocasia polly.
Alocasia AmazonicaAlocasia Polly
ClassificationAlocasia amazonicaAlocasia amazonica Polly
DescriptionHeart or arrowhead shaped leaves in a deep green shade, with gray-white veins. Leaves are large and glossy, and mature plants reach up to 3 feet tall. Stems grow further apart compared to the polly variety, and the leaves are typically less scallopedHeart-shaped leaves in a mild shade of green, with veins and a glossy appearance. Mature plants reach 20 inches tall, and the stalks sprout dense leaves side by side. The leaves are covered in texture, with ridged edges and scalloped looks. These leaves typically grow smaller compared to its amazonica parent 
UsesPopular indoor houseplant but can grow too large for some homesPopular houseplant but can also be planted outdoors in zones 3-11
Origin and Growing PreferencesOriginated in Southeast Asia; enjoys plenty of humidity and bright light, as well as fertilizerOriginated in Southeast Asia; enjoys bright, indirect light, humidity, and moisture.
Special Features and Fun FactsAlso known as the African Mask plant given its unique shape!Can flower when kept in peak conditions indoors, or flowers outdoors without much extra effort!

Key Differences Between Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly

The amazonica plant is larger in every way compared to the polly variety.

©mokjc/Shutterstock.com

There are only a few key differences between alocasia amazonica and alocasia polly. For example, the alocasia polly plant is a smaller variety of the alocasia amazonica plant. In addition, the leaves of the polly plant are more scalloped and textured compared to the leaves of the amazonica plant. Finally, the alocasia amazonica has deeper colors compared to the alocasia polly.

Let’s go over all of these differences in more detail now.

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly: Classification

It’s no secret that the alocasia amazonica and the alocasia polly plants look similar to one another- but why might this be? Well, the alocasia polly plant is directly descended from the alocasia amazonica plant, and is considered a subspecies of it. The alocasia polly plant was born out of a desire to have a smaller alocasia amazonica plant; it is largely considered a dwarf variety of the amazonica!

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly: Description

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly

The alocasia amazonica has smoother, less scalloped leaves compared to the deeply textured leaves of the alocasia polly.

©mokjc/Shutterstock.com

As we have already mentioned, the alocasia amazonica and the alocasia polly look strikingly similar to one another. However, there are some ways in which you can tell them apart. For example, the amazonica plant is larger in every way compared to the polly variety. The leaves of the polly variety are shorter and more narrow compared to the leaves of the amazonica plant.

Speaking of the leaves, the alocasia amazonica has smoother, less scalloped leaves compared to the deeply textured leaves of the alocasia polly. In addition, the alocasia polly plant grows slightly closer together and clustered compared to the alocasia amazonica. Finally, while it may depend on the specific plant, the amazonica variety tends to have more gray and maroon tones in its leaves compared to the glossy leaves of the polly variety.

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly: Uses

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly

The alocasia polly plant was created so that smaller homes could accommodate the beauty of the larger alocasia amazonica plant. 

©Antonius Sulistyo/Shutterstock.com

Both the alocasia amazonica and the polly plant have similar uses. They are extremely popular houseplant varieties, favored around the world for their unique leaves. However, the alocasia polly plant was created so that smaller homes could accommodate the beauty of the larger alocasia amazonica plant. 

In addition, both of these alocasia plant varieties can be grown outdoors, in hardiness zones 3-11. This may be something to keep in mind if your amazonica variety outgrows your indoor living space, as a 3 foot tall and wide plant can get pretty big indoors, pretty fast! Thankfully, the polly variety will remain 2 feet or smaller for its entire life.

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly: Origin and How to Grow

Both the amazonica and the polly variety of alocasia originated in Southeast Asia, though the polly variety technically originated from the amazonica variety. In terms of how to grow both of these plants, they prefer bright, indirect light and moist conditions. Humidity is key, though both the alocasia amazonica and the polly plant need time to adjust to specific households. Give them time and plenty of care- these plants aren’t ideal for first time houseplant owners, but they adapt well!

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly: Special Features

Alocasia Amazonica vs Polly

Both the amazonica and the polly variety of alocasia originated in Southeast Asia, though the polly variety technically originated from the amazonica variety.

©Kraiwit Settee/Shutterstock.com

Alocasia plants are special for a number of reasons, not just including their beautiful leaves. Speaking of their leaves, the alocasia amazonica plant is also known as the African Mask plant, given its distinctly shaped leaves. The alocasia polly plant is also special in that it can flower, both indoors and out. While it’s extremely difficult to get your polly plant to flower indoors, it’s a mark of a good gardener should you see an alocasia flower blooming!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © mokjc/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

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