I started growing and caring for houseplants during lockdown to keep myself busy. African mask plants have been my favorite choice due to their low maintenance requirements. But problems with African mask plants are inevitable.
So why are the leaves of my African mask plant curling up? Too little water and low humidity are the main causes of curling or curling of alocasia leaves. Other causes include inadequate lighting, heat stress, pests and fungal diseases.
I wrote this article to break down each problem and help you identify the exact problem with your African mask factory. I’ve also shared tips to prevent these problems from happening again to help your houseplant live longer.
Contents
Reasons to curl the leaves of the African mask plant:
watering under water
African mask plants cannot thrive in an environment with too much or too little water. Ultimate African mask plant care includes regulating water and keeping the potting soil relatively moist.
If you stop watering your African mask plant, the leaves will start to curl. Even in extreme conditions, sharp brown leaf edges or tips can be seen.
I recommend rehydrating the potting soil to save the African mask plant underwater. Test the moisture content of the potting soil before watering your houseplant.
The rule of thumb is to water the plant twice a week in spring and summer due to its active growth rate. Reduce the frequency of watering in winter due to dormancy.
parasitic infection
African mask plants are vulnerable to insect pests. Aphids, mealybugs, spider mites and scale insects are the main sap-sucking creatures that attack African mask plants.
High humidity and inadequate ventilation increase the risk of pests. Inspecting your houseplant while it is watering can help spot early signs of infestation.
Use a magnifying glass to inspect small insects on leaf and petiole surfaces. Excessive pest invasion on African mask plants will lead to leaf curl issues.
Use insecticidal soap spray to get rid of these sap-sucking critters on your African mask plant. Be sure to isolate the plant from others to prevent the spread of pests.
Over-fertilization
African mask plants are among the few tropical plants that require fewer nutrients to survive and thrive. Fertilizers help the plant to experience its full growth.
But too much fertilizer will cause the leaves of the African mask plant to curl. Excess salt tends to burn the roots and prevents them from carrying out their physiological activities.
Additionally, overfeeding the plant will damage the leaf cells and cause the leaf tips and edges to turn brown or curl. Be sure to flush the potting soil every three months to remove excess salt.
I recommend feeding your African Mask Plant monthly during the spring and summer seasons. Stop fertilizing the houseplant in winter due to dormancy.
lack of food
Curling and drying of the leaves of African mask plants is another sign of nutritional deficiencies. The problem usually affects the lowest and oldest leaves first.
I recommend feeding your plant a high potassium fertilizer to solve the problem. Another option is to use homemade fertilizer for indoor plants to solve the problem of potassium deficiency.
thermal stress
African Mask Plant prefers a temperature range of 68-80OF (20-30OC) to thrive. Any indoor plant lover should ensure that the indoor temperature is constant.
The sudden change in indoor temperature could be the cause of African mask plant curling problem. African mask plants do not tolerate temperatures below 50°C (10°C).
Use a digital thermometer to track indoor temperature changes. This will help raise or lower the interior temperature.
give too much water
Overwatering is the main cause of root rot in African mask plants. Brown leaf spots or curling leaves are an indicator of root rot.
Watering African mask plants can be tricky, as they like high humidity and relatively moist soil. Roots damaged by too much water will give your plant a lack of water.
Save the overwatered African mask plant by transplanting it to a new pot and new potting soil. Make sure the container has drainage holes in the bottom to drain excess water.
Use sterilized scissors to prune the rotten roots and transplant the plant. Remember to use well-drained soil to avoid waterlogging issues.
Water quality
Many people use tap water to hydrate their African mask plants. But tap water contains many mineral salts that accumulate in the soil to inhibit water absorption.
Insufficient water supply causes the leaves of the African mask plant to curl. Use distilled water or rainwater to prevent the leaves from curling.
Another option is to let tap water sit overnight before using. The mineral salts settle at the bottom of the bucket.
bad lighting
African mask plants prefer indirect sunlight to thrive. But too much or too little sun can be detrimental to your African mask plant.
Direct sunlight will curl and scorch or scorch the leaves. Curled leaves are indicators that the plant cannot tolerate direct sunlight.
I recommend moving the houseplant to a location that receives direct and indirect sunlight. Another option is to use artificial light to solve African mask plant problems.
lack of humidity
African mask plants are tropical plants that prefer high humidity to stay happy and healthy. Low humidity will cause the leaves of the African mask plant to curl and develop brown tips or edges.
Low humidity increases water loss and then the rate of uptake, leading to lack of water in leaf cells. Insufficient water supply causes the leaves to curl and dry out.
Use an electric humidifier to increase indoor humidity. I do not recommend spraying the leaves as this leads to infections.
Why are my Alocasia Black Velvet leaves curling?
Improper watering and pests are the main cause of black velvet alocasia leaf curl. Other possible causes are low humidity, heat stress and incorrect lighting.
Why are my alocasia leaves turning brown?
Direct sun exposure and over-fertilization can be the reason Alocasia leaves turn brown. Move the plant to a location that receives direct sunlight and reduce overfeeding the plant.
Why are my alocasia leaves turning yellow?
Yellowing Alocasia leaves are caused by overwatering, nutrient deficiencies, and pests. Practice ultimate alocasia plant care to prevent leaves from yellowing.
Why are my alocasia leaves hanging down?
Inconsistent watering habits, lack of nutrients, and pests can be the reason for alocasia leaves to drop. Pay close attention to your houseplant to solve the leaf problem.
final thoughts
Problems with the leaves of African mask plants are inevitable. Leaves that curl, drop and turn yellow or brown are common signs.
Practice maximum care of African mask plants to alleviate the problem of curling leaves. The essential care requirements are indirect sunlight, high humidity and regular watering.
I hope this information has been helpful. Feel free to share with your friends or family and don’t forget to leave a comment below about your experience with Alocasia Leaves.
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