I bought my first Japanese aralia (fatsia japonica) a few months ago and it looked fantastic on my balcony. But after a few weeks the leaves started turning brown.
It was through costly trial and error that I saved the beautiful plant of my dreams from death. You don’t have to worry as these issues can be fixed.
I decided to share this article on the causes of Japanese aralia leaf browning and the care regimen to consider. But it would be better to begin by answering the question posed.
So why are my aralia leaves turning brown? Direct sun exposure is the main cause, as Aralia grows under the canopy in its natural habitat. Other possible causes include poor irrigation, water quality, low humidity, etc.
Today I am going to show you some of the possible ways to fix these issues and prevent them from happening.
You might also like: why be Are my Aralia leaves turning yellow?
Contents
Causes of Aralia Plant Leaves Turning Brown (With Solutions)
Foliage problems with Fatsia japonica are inevitable both indoors and outdoors. All plant owners should adopt the latest aralia plant care regimen.
Fixing browning Japanese aralia leaves is a simple task. Simply identify the cause for easy correction and restoration of normal plant foliage.
Below are some of the possible causes of aralia plant leaf browning along with their respective solutions:
Prolong exposure to direct sunlight
Aralia species thrive under the canopy in their natural habitat. This implies that the plant prefers indirect direct sunlight to carry out its physiological processes.
Blackening of aralia leaves is caused by prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. High intensity sun rays burn the leaves of your indoor plants.
If this condition persists for a few weeks or months, the plant will eventually wilt and die. The best option is to provide the optimum light requirement.
Placing the houseplant out of direct sunlight is a perfect choice. But be sure to place it in a place where it receives filtered light.
You can also choose to put artificial light in the room to protect the plant from sunburn. The good news is that aralia plants can tolerate low to medium light conditions.
Inconsistent watering habits
Insufficient watering is another hidden cause of your aralia plant showing brown, crispy leaves. The problem is common among factory owners with busy schedules.
The Aralia plant likes a moderate water requirement. But it depends on whether it is a growing season or a dormant stage. Keep in mind that most houseplants need more water in the summer.
If you notice the tips and edges of your aralia leaf turning brown, it’s due to inconsistent watering habits. You must water the houseplant to prevent the leaves from turning brown.
Provide well-drained potting soil and a container with drainage holes in the bottom. This will prevent overwatering problems.
overfertilization problem
Brown leaf tips and edges are the first indicators of excessive salt buildup from fertilizers. Most varieties of aralia do not feed much like other tropical plants.
But these houseplants still need a little fertilizer to promote better growth and health. Too much fertilizer harms the plant.
Excessive salt buildup in the soil prevents the roots from facilitating essential functions like water and mineral uptake.
Dehydration causes the leaves of aralia plants to turn brown at the tips and edges. Flushing the potting soil with enough water will make the situation worse.
The best alternative is to transplant the houseplant into fresh potting soil. Provide the necessary conditions and take care to restore the beautiful leaves of aralia.
water quality requirements
Tap water contains various minerals and chemical compounds. These ingredients are detrimental to the health and well-being of plants (Source: Oregon State University†
Sodium and chloride compounds are the possible cause of blackening of aralia leaves after watering. These chemical compounds are toxic to the plant and should be avoided.
Consider using distilled or filtered water when watering these houseplants. Another better option is rainwater. Improving your plant’s water quality will help prevent the leaves from turning brown.
Problems with too much water
Overwatering is the main cause of blackening of aralia leaves. It is caused by insufficient soil drainage which makes it difficult for the roots to aerate.
Moisture and lack of soil aeration favor the growth of bacteria and fungi. Root rot occurs as a result of fungal growth.
The disease usually damages the root system. The houseplant ultimately does not receive enough water to facilitate its physiological activities.
If the condition persists, the aralia plant will respond by displaying brown leaves. Solving the problem of too much water can be tricky for novice plant owners.
The best option is to transplant the plant. The first thing to keep in mind is to cut the affected roots with sterilized scissors. Use fresh potting soil and a container.
Develop a strict watering schedule to avoid overwatering again. Water the houseplant two to three times during the growing seasons.
root related issues
Most aralia species are fast-growing houseplants. The condition makes these tropical plants more vulnerable to root-related issues.
Watering a houseplant that has a root problem can be tricky. Ultimately, the plant is not getting enough water to support growth and the development of beautiful leaves.
Brown tips and edges are signs of root stress. But transplanting the houseplant more often in a year is the best solution.
Be sure to use a larger pot than the previous one to allow enough room for the roots to breathe and perform their functions more efficiently.
lack of humidity
Aralia plants are native to the tropical rainforests of Asia and America. These tropical plants thrive in high humidity conditions.
Most indoor aralia plants are vulnerable to brown leaf tips and edges due to fluctuations in humidity. Low humidity in the air is responsible for fatsia japonica leaf problems.
If you’re wondering why your Japanese aralia leaves are brown, it could be due to low humidity around the plant.
The best solution is to install an electric humidifier in the house to increase the humidity. Avoid spraying the houseplant to prevent further fatsia japonica leaf problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is my Japanese Aralia dying?
The most common causes are overwatering, temperature extremes, fungal diseases and over-fertilization. You must solve these problems in time to prevent the aralia plant from dying.
Why are the leaves of my Fatsia turning brown?
The main causes are direct sun exposure and excessive salt buildup around the roots due to fertilization. Other causes include low humidity and improper watering.
Why are my Fatsia Japonica leaves turning yellow?
Nutritional deficiencies and insect infestations are the most common cause of yellowing fatsia japonica foliage. Other possible causes include poor lighting conditions and an incorrect watering regimen.
Why are my Japanese Aralia leaves turning black?
Japanese aralia leaves turning black are due to root rot. Transplanting the houseplant into fresh potting soil and cutting off the affected roots will help solve the problem.
Ultimately
Aralia plant leaves turning brown are caused by direct sun exposure, low humidity, underwatering, overwatering, over-fertilizing, and temperature extremes.
The general rule is to examine the plant and find out why the leaves are turning brown. Knowing the exact cause will allow you to consider the necessary measures and combat the problem.
But if the condition persists for a few weeks, the aralia plant may wilt and die. Keep a close eye on your houseplant to quickly resolve any leaf issues.