Alocasias are tropical rainforest plants native to Southeast Asia. The lush beauty will bring a tropical flair to your home. In addition, they are less prone to leaf problems.
But they are not invincible to common problems. Alocasia leaves turning brown and yellowing are the issues that concern many gardeners.
So why are my alocasia leaves turning brown? Common culprits are sunburn, over-fertilization, over-watering, low humidity, rust spots, disease, etc.
Identifying the cause of alocasia brown spots on the leaves will help resolve it. The general rule is to examine your plant and find the cause before fixing it.
This article takes a closer look at these issues to uncover the exact cause of yellowing and browning of alocasia leaves. Please take the time to read it and learn how to repair alocasia silver dragon brown spikes.
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Contents
Causes of Alocasia Leaves Turning Brown
underwater stress
The natural habitat of the alocasia is rich in humidity. Due to the high moisture content of the soil, the plant develops beautiful leaves that retain their color for a long time.
But submerged alocasia tends to wilt, drop dead leaves and die. If you notice your alocasia leaves turning brown, it may be due to a lack of water.
Examine the soil by inserting your index finger. If the topsoil is dry, consider watering your plant to revive the beautiful leaves.
Water the houseplant once in the morning to promote hydration. Hydrated Alocasia will not experience leaf problems.
Follow a healthy watering routine to avoid overwatering. A damp environment causes the roots of alocasia plants to rot, which can cause other leaf problems.
Water the alocasia once a month in the winter, as the growth is dormant. I recommend watering the houseplant two to three times a month in spring and summer.
Over-fertilization problem
We have a desire to grow and maintain a healthy houseplant. Proper plant nutrition contributes to better growth and health.
But most gardeners tend to overdo the feeding routine. Keep in mind that alocasia plants don’t feed much like other outdoor plants.
If you notice alocasia leaves turning brown, this is due to excessive buildup of fertilizing salts around the roots. These chemical compounds prevent the roots from performing their functions.
I recommend rinsing the potting soil thoroughly with distilled water. This will help remove salt buildup around the roots.
You can also consider transplanting the houseplant. This is the best method because it reduces the chances of overwatering your houseplant.
Apply fertilizer once a month in spring and summer. Avoid fertilizing your houseplant in the winter, as its growth is dormant. The plant will not fully utilize the nutrients contained in the fertilizer.
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nutrient deficiency
The natural habitat of alocasia plants is rich in nutrients. The plant can survive and thrive without fertilization.
But the indoor environment does not naturally provide essential nutrients. The gardener should fertilize the houseplant once a month to provide the necessary nutrients.
Alocasia leaves turning brown may be due to a lack of nitrogen, zinc, iron and magnesium. The plant will also experience stunted growth, chlorosis, necrosis, and spotting.
Use a diluted growth fertilizer to revive your alocasia plant. Remember to apply fertilizer only during the growing season. Helps prevent toxic fertilizer salt buildup.
You can also use a fresh organic mixture to dissolve the golden leaves of alocasia. This is the best method to avoid nutrient deficiencies in your houseplant.
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cold dams
Cold drafts are the main cause of blackening of alocasia leaves. These tropical plants thrive in warmer conditions.
Cold drafts cause frostbite, and this condition eventually damages alocasia leaves. Leaf cells usually overwinter and become denatured if the condition persists for an extended period.
Frosts cause irregular brown spots on the leaves. The condition usually affects the plant and damages vital leaf tissue.
The best method is to keep the houseplant away from cold drafts. Consider closing all windows in the winter to create a favorable environment for alocasia plants.
low humidity
Alocasia plants prefer warm, humid conditions. These tropical plants show their leaf stress when there are changes in humidity.
Alocasia leaves dropping and turning brown are the first signs of low humidity. Dry air usually discolors leaves over time.
Low humidity is common in winter and results in low humidity in the air. Crispy alocasia leaves are other signs of low humidity.
Install a convection heating system at home to revive the houseplant. Note that too high humidity can also have adverse effects.
Alocasia leaves are prone to fungal diseases and edema when exposed to excessive moisture. These conditions can also be the reason that alocasia leaves turn brown and yellow.
thermal stress
Alocasia plants thrive in a temperature range of 64-85OF. The condition allows the plant to develop beautiful leaves that make a bold statement in any room.
But maintaining the temperature at home can be a daunting experience. Indoor temperature is dynamic and this can pose a health risk to your plant.
Hot and cold drafts can impact your houseplant. These extreme temperatures damage vital plant tissues and facilitate leaf blackening.
Many gardeners panic when they see elephant ears turn yellow and brown. But you don’t have to worry because the problem can be solved by adjusting the indoor temperature.
Use a digital thermometer to detect temperature changes. Try to make sure the indoor temperature is below 60°F at night and around 70°F during the day.
You can also keep your alocasia plant away from radiators, air vents, and unsealed windows. This will help prevent the alocasia leaves from turning black and falling off.
low light conditions
Alocasia plants like indirect sunlight. Exposure allows the houseplant to perform photosynthesis and other vital physiological processes.
Low light is an indirect cause of brown leaves. The condition causes stunted growth and increases the risk of root rot and nutrient deficiencies.
Browning Alocasia leaves are a sign of aversion. The best option is to install strong artificial light or place the plant in a place with lots of indirect light.
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insect plague
Insect infestation is another common cause of browning of alocasia leaves. Mealybugs are the main culprits of damaging the alocasia leaf.
These insects attack stems and leaves. They suck the sap from the cells by piercing the foliage and eventually damage the tissues. Insect infestation produces brown spots of alocasia on the leaves.
Other pests that attack the alocasia are spider mites, aphids and scale insects. Always inspect your houseplant more often to avoid excessive infestation.
Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to get rid of these insects. Regular application of horticultural oil helps prevent insect infestations in houseplants.
plant diseases
Alocasia plants are less prone to disease. But that doesn’t mean the houseplant is immune to common diseases.
Alocasia leaves turning brown may be due to fungal diseases. The conditions usually result in brown spots of alocasia on the leaves.
Bacterial spot is caused by a damp environment. Always avoid watering your plant from above to avoid the appearance of fungal diseases.
Use antifungal and antibacterial sprays to treat brown alocasia leaves. Isolate the plant from other houseplants to prevent the spread of disease.
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too much water problem
Overwatering is the main cause of yellow and brown alocasia leaves. The problem is due to poor soil drainage.
Soggy soil creates a favorable environment for the development of root rot. It hinders the aeration of the roots and the absorption of vital nutrients and water.
Alocasia leaves that turn yellow and brown are indicators of overwatering. The best option is to treat the fungal infection to prevent it from spreading and causing the leaves to turn black.
I recommend transplanting the houseplant into fresh potting soil. Trim affected roots and leaves and ensure better growing conditions.
direct sun exposure
Alocasias are native to the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia. The canopy provides shade for plants to avoid direct sun exposure.
If you notice your alocasia’s leaves turning brown inside, it may be due to sunburn. Direct exposure to sunlight often burns alocasia leaves.
Drooping alocasia leaves and curled leaves are another possible sign of sunburn. The condition can also cause brown tips of snapdragon alocasia.
Keep your houseplant out of direct sunlight. I recommend using artificial light rather than placing the houseplant in an area that receives direct sunlight.
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final thoughts
Alocasia leaves turning brown are caused by bacterial leaf diseases, direct sun exposure, low humidity, lack of water and pests.
Treating these conditions can help revitalize your houseplant. There is no need to panic because the problems are preventable and treatable.
I recommend following a healthy watering routine, providing the proper fertilizer, and providing ideal moisture levels. These measures will help prevent alocasia leaves from turning brown.
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