African Mask Plant

African Mask Plant (Alocasia x amazonica) is grown for one thing: the leaves. Each is a deep, almost metallic green arrow, scalloped at the edge and cut through with thick white veins. A mature plant sits around 80cm tall and 70cm across, which makes it a feature rather than a filler. It is not the most forgiving indoor plant, and it is toxic to cats and dogs.

Why you'll love it

• Leaves that look engineered. Arrow shaped, dark and glossy with bold white veining, they read as sculpture rather than foliage.
• Feature scale without bulk. At 80cm by 70cm it fills a corner or a plant stand without sprawling across the room.
• Humidity is its friend. Bathrooms, kitchens and sheltered subtropical verandahs suit it better than a dry lounge room.
• It tells you what it needs. Drooping leaves mean water, browning edges mean dry air. That feedback makes it easier than its reputation suggests.

Where it works best

Indoors as a feature. A bright bathroom or an east facing room with filtered light is ideal. Shower humidity keeps it out of the dry air that browns leaf edges.

Pots and containers. One plant to a 250mm or 300mm pot with a drainage hole. Alocasias sulk in oversized pots, where the mix stays wet around roots not using it.

Outdoors in the tropics and subtropics only. In a frost free garden it can go into a shaded, sheltered bed under a canopy. Anywhere colder it stays indoors.

Growing African mask plant in Australia

Position and climate. Bright indirect light. Direct sun scorches the leaves and deep shade slows it to a standstill. It is a frost tender tropical and subtropical plant, so in temperate and cool gardens it lives inside all year.

Soil. A free draining indoor mix opened up with perlite or fine bark. Heavy mix holding water around the roots is the most common way these are lost.

Water and feed. Keep the mix lightly moist through the warm months, watering once the top two centimetres dry, and tip out the saucer. In winter it slows and may drop leaves, so water sparingly. A half strength liquid feed monthly in spring and summer is plenty.

Pruning. There is very little to prune. Remove old leaves at the base as they yellow, which is normal while new ones unfurl. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and check the undersides for mite.

What to expect when it arrives

It is sold in 250mm pots, in packs of three. Plants at that size are established, usually carrying several full leaves, and can go straight into a decorative pot.

Large soft leaves do not love a courier box, so expect a creased leaf or two. Remove anything badly damaged at the base and the plant carries on. Give it a fortnight in stable light and warmth before you look for new growth. Delivered Australia wide, delivery from $29.95, with our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Elephant ear plant care covers the needs of alocasias
• Indoor plant tips for beginners
• Browse the wider indoor plants range
• Match it with an indoor pot that drains properly

Common questions

Is it safe around cats and dogs?

No. Alocasias contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats and dogs, bringing on mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed. Keep it away from pets.

Why are the leaf edges going brown?

Dry air, most of the time. Move it to a more humid room, group it with other plants, or sit the pot on a tray of pebbles and water.

It lost all its leaves over winter. Is it dead?

Probably not. Alocasias slow right down and can go dormant in cool weather, then reshoot from the tuber in spring. Keep the mix barely damp and wait for warmth.

Can I grow it outside?

Only in a frost free tropical or subtropical garden, in a shaded and sheltered spot. Everywhere else it is an indoor plant, or a potted one that winters under cover.