Polly Flower: How to Get Your Alocasia to Bloom

The Alocasia Polly is a popular houseplant, primarily cultivated for its dramatic foliage. The plant features large, arrow-shaped leaves of a deep, dark green, accented by highly visible, silvery-white veins. These impressive leaves grow from a compact form, making the plant a striking addition to indoor spaces. While the leaves command attention, the Alocasia Polly is capable of producing a flower. A bloom is less common for plants grown indoors, but under the right conditions, owners may be rewarded with this unique display.

The Appearance of the Polly Flower

The flower of an Alocasia Polly is characteristic of plants in the aroid family, which includes the peace lily. Its structure is an inflorescence, consisting of two main parts: the spathe and the spadix. The spathe is a modified leaf that forms a hood-like wrap around the central spike. This spadix is where the plant’s small flowers are located.

The entire floral structure is modest compared to the plant’s bold leaves. The bloom is a greenish-white or cream color and remains relatively small. While it shares a similar form with a peace lily flower, it is much less showy. Often, the flower can be partially hidden by the plant’s large leaves, making it an understated feature.

How to Encourage Blooms

Achieving a bloom on an Alocasia Polly requires providing it with conditions that closely replicate its native tropical environment, signaling to a mature plant that it has the resources for reproduction. Only healthy, well-established plants have the stored energy needed for the demanding process of flowering.

Consistent and appropriate lighting encourages blooms, as the plant needs bright, indirect light to generate the energy for flowering. An ideal location is near an east-facing window that provides gentler morning sun, or a spot where the light is filtered. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves, while insufficient light will inhibit the growth necessary for flower production.

Maintaining consistent moisture and high humidity is also important for triggering a bloom. The soil should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. High humidity levels of 60% or more are ideal, so consider grouping it with other plants, using a humidifier, or placing it in a well-lit bathroom.

Providing nutrients through fertilization during the spring and summer growing season helps the plant produce flowers. A balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, can be applied every few weeks. Some growers find success with a formula slightly higher in phosphorus, which supports blooming. Stable, warm temperatures above 65°F (18°C) are also necessary, as the plant is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden temperature shifts.

Caring for Your Plant After Flowering

The process of producing a flower and potentially setting seed requires a great deal of energy from the Alocasia Polly. Once the flower has begun to fade and wither, it is best to remove it. This allows the plant to redirect its energy away from the spent bloom and back toward producing its foliage.

Using a pair of clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors prevents crushing the plant’s tissue and reduces the risk of introducing disease. The cut should be made as close to the base of the flower stalk as possible without injuring the main part of the plant.

After pruning, continue to provide the plant with optimal care to help it recover and focus on new growth. By removing the spent bloom, you help ensure that the plant’s energy is used for developing the large, vibrant leaves that make the Alocasia Polly a popular houseplant.