Alocasia Polly vs Alocasia Zebrina
Same care. Polly is grown for its hard, white-veined arrow leaves; zebrina for its striped stems. Zebrina needs the brighter spot to stay upright.
Alocasia Polly originates in Southeast Asia; Alocasia Zebrina in Philippines. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
What they share: both are toxic to cats and dogs, both are rated hard, both want bright indirect light, both take moderate watering, both are happy in the same humidity and both stay medium.
Choose
Alocasia Polly if…
- ✓the look is what you are after: Dramatic arrow-shaped dark leaves with white veins.
Choose
Alocasia Zebrina if…
- ✓the look is what you are after: Arrow-shaped leaves on striking zebra-striped stems.
Alocasia Polly vs Alocasia Zebrina: side by side
| Attribute |
Alocasia Polly
|
Alocasia Zebrina
|
|---|---|---|
| Plant type | Foliage | Foliage |
| Difficulty | hard | hard |
| Light | ●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
●●●●○ 4/5 Bright indirect light |
| Water | ●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
●●●○○ 3/5 Moderate |
| Humidity | ●●●●● 5/5 High |
●●●●● 5/5 High |
| Pet safe | Toxic to cats and dogs | Toxic to cats and dogs |
| Mature size | Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
Medium 30-90 cm (1-3 ft) |
| Growth rate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Air purifying | No | No |
| Native to | Southeast Asia | Philippines |
Key differences between Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Zebrina
They come from different habitats
Alocasia Polly originates in Southeast Asia; Alocasia Zebrina in Philippines. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
How to tell Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Zebrina apart
Polly is grown for the leaf -- arrow-shaped, hard, deeply veined in white. Zebrina is grown for the stem, which is striped like a zebra's leg under a plainer shield-shaped leaf. Zebrina needs the brighter spot of the two to keep its stems short and upright.
Care at a glance
Alocasia Polly
African Mask Plant, Elephant Ear
Dramatic arrow-shaped dark leaves with white veins.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, keep moist, very high humidity.
Full Alocasia Polly care guide →
Alocasia Zebrina
Zebra Alocasia
Arrow-shaped leaves on striking zebra-striped stems.
Care in one line: Bright indirect light, moist soil, high humidity.
Full Alocasia Zebrina care guide →Alocasia Polly vs Alocasia Zebrina: common questions
What is the difference between Alocasia Polly and Alocasia Zebrina? +
Polly is grown for the leaf -- arrow-shaped, hard, deeply veined in white. Zebrina is grown for the stem, which is striped like a zebra's leg under a plainer shield-shaped leaf. Zebrina needs the brighter spot of the two to keep its stems short and upright. On care, alocasia Polly originates in Southeast Asia; Alocasia Zebrina in Philippines. Matching the original habitat is the quickest way to guess what each one wants indoors.
Which is easier to care for, Alocasia Polly or Alocasia Zebrina? +
Neither - both are rated hard. The practical difference is they come from different habitats.
Is Alocasia Polly or Alocasia Zebrina safe for cats and dogs? +
Neither. Alocasia Polly is toxic to cats and dogs and Alocasia Zebrina is toxic to cats and dogs. Both need a spot pets cannot reach.
Which needs less light, Alocasia Polly or Alocasia Zebrina? +
They are the same. Both score 4/5 for light, meaning beside a bright window, no midday sun on the leaves.
Which needs more water, Alocasia Polly or Alocasia Zebrina? +
Neither - both score 3/5. For each one, water when the top 2-3 cm is dry, roughly weekly.
Comparing something else?
Put any two or three of our 116 houseplants head to head on light, water, humidity, size and pet safety.
Build your own comparison →