Plants

The African mask plant and the smaller version, the polly, are both hybrid plant divas and are definitely one of the more needier plants to keep alive and growing.

They need high humidity using a humidifier or pebble tray and lots of bright light, cool early morning sunrays but no hot mid-day sun and do not like cold areas or draughts. Adding perlite or coconut coir (Mediterranean soil) to well-draining barky soil will help keep the soil moist but drain well preventing root rot. To propagate, gently separate each plant ball, normally connected each by their intertangled roots. (read also alocasia zebrina).

Prone to root rot, cold and spider-mites.