Alocasia Bambino vs Polly: Is There a Difference?

Written by August Croft
Published: August 17, 2022
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There’s a reason that alocasia bambino vs polly are often confused for one another. Both members of the alocasia plant species, is there a true difference between the alocasia bambino plant and the alocasia polly plant variety? If you are wondering which of these fantastic houseplant varieties is right for you, you’re in the right place.

In this article, we will compare and contrast the alocasia bambino plant with the alocasia polly plant. We will go over their physical appearances as well as their origins so that you can fully understand both of these plants as individuals. We’ll even give you some tips as to how you can best grow both of these plants in your own home. Let’s get started!

Comparing Alocasia Bambino vs Polly

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly
The alocasia bambino plant has smaller, more matte leaves compared to the large, glossy alocasia polly variety.
Alocasia BambinoAlocasia Polly
ClassificationAlocasia amazonica BambinoAlocasia amazonica Polly
DescriptionArrow-shaped leaves in a deep green, with unique white veins and vibrant colors. Mature plants reach no larger than 16 inches tall, and the stalks are narrow and grow tall before sprouting leaves. The leaves are fairly smooth, with straight edges, and they are slightly smaller compared to polly plant leavesHeart-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 longer compared to the bambino variety of alocasia
UsesOne of the most beautiful and prized houseplants around the world; ideal because of its small sizePopular houseplant but can also be planted outdoors in zones 3-11; tends to grow slightly larger outside than in
Origin and Growing PreferencesOriginated in Southeast Asia; prefers indirect, consistent light, humid conditions, and moist soil. Can be tricky to get used to caring for, and may need some time to adaptOriginated in Southeast Asia; enjoys bright, indirect light, humidity, and moisture. A bit less picky compared to bambino, but both plants need some time to adjust
Special Features and Fun FactsOften considered the dwarf or compact version of the alocasia amazonica!Can flower when kept in peak conditions indoors, or flowers outdoors without much extra effort!

Key Differences Between Alocasia Bambino vs Polly

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly

The alocasia polly plant grows larger than the alocasia bambino variety.

©sharohyip/Shutterstock.com

There are a number of key differences between the alocasia bambino and the alocasia polly plant. For example, the alocasia bambino plant has smaller, more matte leaves compared to the large, glossy alocasia polly variety. In addition, the leaves of the alocasia polly plant are more textured and scalloped compared to the smooth leaves of the alocasia bambino plant.

Let’s go over these differences and a few more in detail now.

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly: Classification

There’s a reason why the alocasia bambino plant and the alocasia polly plant look so similar to one another. Both are technically subspecies of the Alocasia amazonica variety of alocasia plant, making them directly related. However, both the bambino and polly varieties of plant were bred for different reasons and have subtle distinctions in their appearances. Let’s talk about that now.

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly: Description

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly

Looking at their leaves, the alocasia bambino has more of an arrowhead shape to it compared to the heart-shaped leaves of the alocasia polly plant.

©mokjc/Shutterstock.com

If you are looking at an alocasia bambino plant and an alocasia polly plant side by side, it’s no wonder why you can’t quite tell the difference. Overall, these plants are strikingly similar, though there are some telltale differences in their leaves and sizes. For example, the alocasia polly plant grows larger than the alocasia bambino variety. However, the bambino variety tends to sprout its leaves at taller heights compared to the more clustered leaves of the polly variety.

Looking at their leaves, the alocasia bambino has more of an arrowhead shape to it compared to the heart-shaped leaves of the alocasia polly plant. In addition, the polly variety leaves are glossy and scalloped along the edges, while the bambino variety has a more matte and smooth look to it. While it can depend on the specific plants you are comparing, the leaves of the polly variety tend to grow longer compared to the leaves of the bambino variety.

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly: Uses

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly

The alocasia polly variety is occasionally grown outdoors while the bambino variety is not.

©Helza Nitrisia/Shutterstock.com

Both the alocasia bambino plant and the alocasia polly plant have extremely similar uses to one another. They are both regarded as popular houseplants for their beautiful hues and large leaves, though the polly variety is occasionally grown outdoors while the bambino variety is not. In addition, the bambino variety was created for its smaller size and ability to be grown in small spaces, which can also be said of the polly plant too.

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly: Origin and How to Grow

Both the alocasia bambino and the alocasia polly plant have similar origins and preferred growing habits. For example, while the exact genesis of these plants is fairly unknown, the bambino and polly plant originated in Southeast Asia. They both enjoy bright, indirect light and humid conditions, and they may need time to adjust to growing in your specific house. Many houseplant experts claim that that polly variety is slightly less picky compared to the bambino variety, but it all depends on your expertise!

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly: Special Features

Alocasia Bambino vs Polly

Many houseplant experts claim that that polly variety is slightly less picky compared to the bambino variety, but it all depends on your expertise!

©Kraiwit Settee/Shutterstock.com

All varieties of alocasia plants are special, including the bambino and the polly. One of the reasons that the bambino variety was created in the first place was so that homeowners could have a more compact version of the alocasia amazonica in their own homes, but the same could also be said for the polly variety. Both of these plants are special in that they produce unique flowers when taken especially good care of, but the polly variety is more likely to bloom outdoors.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © sharohyip/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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