African Mask Plant 'Amazonica'
Bring instant tropical drama to your space with Alocasia × amazonica. Its glossy, dark leaves and bold white veins look like living architecture—perfect for modern homes, lobbies, and meeting rooms. With bright filtered light, an airy mix, and consistent moisture, it rewards you with standout foliage that turns any corner into a design feature.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Alocasia Amazonica, African Mask Plant, Kris Plant
Botanical Name: Alocasia × amazonica
Plant Variant: Amazonica
Plant Color: Green with white/silvery veins and purple undersides
Plant Country: Unknown (Horticultural hybrid)
Arabic Name: ألوكاسيا
Stems: 4
Family: Araceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Alocasia × amazonica is a hybrid of the genus Alocasia within the Araceae family. It is a cross between Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana. Despite its common name, it does not naturally occur in the Amazon rainforest.
3. Origin & Distribution
This plant is a man-made horticultural hybrid created in the mid-20th century in Miami, Florida. The parent species originate from tropical Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
4. Visual Characteristics
The leaves are glossy, leathery, and dark green (almost black) with a distinct arrowhead or "V" shape. They feature thick, prominent white or silvery-green veins and wavy margins. The undersides of the leaves are typically a deep purple color.
5. Size & Dimensions
In indoor environments, the Amazonica typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Individual leaves can grow between 12 and 16 inches long depending on maturity and care.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to stop growing or lose its vibrant coloration.
7. Watering Needs
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. They are sensitive to both drought and overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Needs a well-aerated, loose, and fast-draining potting mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal to mimic its natural epiphytic-like requirements for root oxygenation.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. High humidity is essential (60% or higher). Low humidity can cause brown leaf edges and attract pests.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize during the dormant winter period.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Moderate to High. This plant is considered finicky because of its strict requirements for high humidity and consistent moisture levels.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows from a central rhizome. Propagation is best achieved through division of the rhizomes or by removing "corms" (small baby tubers) during repotting in the spring.
13. Common Problems
Highly susceptible to spider mites if the air is too dry. Other issues include root rot from overwatering and leaf spot diseases if water sits on the foliage for too long.
14. Benefits & Uses
Mainly used for its dramatic aesthetic appeal in interior design. It is also an effective air-purifying plant, capable of filtering common household toxins from the air.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to humans and pets. Like most Alocasias, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause severe irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested.
African Mask Plant 'Amazonica'
Bring instant tropical drama to your space with Alocasia × amazonica. Its glossy, dark leaves and bold white veins look like living architecture—perfect for modern homes, lobbies, and meeting rooms. With bright filtered light, an airy mix, and consistent moisture, it rewards you with standout foliage that turns any corner into a design feature.
1. Basic Identification
Common Name: Alocasia Amazonica, African Mask Plant, Kris Plant
Botanical Name: Alocasia × amazonica
Plant Variant: Amazonica
Plant Color: Green with white/silvery veins and purple undersides
Plant Country: Unknown (Horticultural hybrid)
Arabic Name: ألوكاسيا
Stems: 4
Family: Araceae
2. Taxonomy & Classification
Alocasia × amazonica is a hybrid of the genus Alocasia within the Araceae family. It is a cross between Alocasia longiloba and Alocasia sanderiana. Despite its common name, it does not naturally occur in the Amazon rainforest.
3. Origin & Distribution
This plant is a man-made horticultural hybrid created in the mid-20th century in Miami, Florida. The parent species originate from tropical Southeast Asia and the Philippines.
4. Visual Characteristics
The leaves are glossy, leathery, and dark green (almost black) with a distinct arrowhead or "V" shape. They feature thick, prominent white or silvery-green veins and wavy margins. The undersides of the leaves are typically a deep purple color.
5. Size & Dimensions
In indoor environments, the Amazonica typically grows to about 1 to 2 feet tall and wide. Individual leaves can grow between 12 and 16 inches long depending on maturity and care.
6. Light Requirements
Prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to stop growing or lose its vibrant coloration.
7. Watering Needs
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out slightly between waterings. They are sensitive to both drought and overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
8. Soil & Potting
Needs a well-aerated, loose, and fast-draining potting mix. A combination of peat moss, perlite, and orchid bark is ideal to mimic its natural epiphytic-like requirements for root oxygenation.
9. Temperature & Humidity
Thrives in warm temperatures between 18°C and 27°C. High humidity is essential (60% or higher). Low humidity can cause brown leaf edges and attract pests.
10. Fertilization
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength once a month during the active growing season (spring and summer). Do not fertilize during the dormant winter period.
11. Maintenance & Care Level
Care Level: Moderate to High. This plant is considered finicky because of its strict requirements for high humidity and consistent moisture levels.
12. Growth & Propagation
Grows from a central rhizome. Propagation is best achieved through division of the rhizomes or by removing "corms" (small baby tubers) during repotting in the spring.
13. Common Problems
Highly susceptible to spider mites if the air is too dry. Other issues include root rot from overwatering and leaf spot diseases if water sits on the foliage for too long.
14. Benefits & Uses
Mainly used for its dramatic aesthetic appeal in interior design. It is also an effective air-purifying plant, capable of filtering common household toxins from the air.
15. Toxicity & Safety
Toxic to humans and pets. Like most Alocasias, it contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause severe irritation to the mouth, throat, and digestive tract if ingested.