The African mask plant is the most beautiful member of the aroid family. Attractive foliage with dark green colors and white streaks makes this elephant plant attractive.
But growing and caring for African mask plants can be tricky. The African Mask Plant Problems are unavoidable, regardless of your experience with houseplant care.
So why is my African mask plant dying? Too much water, too little water, heat stress, incorrect lighting, pests and nutritional deficiencies are the main causes.
I wrote this article to share the detailed reasons for the death of an African mask plant. I have also shared tips for revive a dying african mask plant.
Contents
Reasons African Mask Plants Die
Unusual leaves make African mask plants interesting and attractive. Every Houseplant Lover Should Exercise African Plant Care Mask for successful growth.
But African Mask Plant Problems they are unavoidable. Here are the reasons why an African mask plant dies and tips for reviving it:
Incorrect lighting conditions.
The African mask plant is a tropical houseplant and thrives in indirect sunlight. Mimicking the plant’s natural growing conditions in the home will result in successful growth.
Direct exposure to sunlight is the main cause of death for an African mask plant. The sun burns the leaves to inhibit the synthesis of nourishment and well-being.
In low light, your African mask plant will grow stunted with long stems. The houseplant will later die from lack of food to support healthy growth.
I recommend moving your houseplant to a location with direct and indirect sunlight. Consider watering your tropical plant to find a balance between absorption and transpiration.
underwater problem
Alocasia plants prefer slightly moist soil to thrive. If you keep the roots of your African mask plant dry for an extended period of time, they will die.
Dry soil prevents the tropical houseplant from absorbing water to carry out its physiological activities. The houseplant will be lost if dry soil conditions persist for too long.
Check the moisture level of the soil by pressing on it with your index finger. If 2 to 3 inches of topsoil is dry, hydrate the soil to keep the roots moist.
Remember to plan a strict watering routine to prevent the soil from drying out. It also helps to avoid inconsistent watering habits.
excess water problem
Too much water can kill your elephant ear plant. Keeping the roots of the African mask plant moist at all times is detrimental to the plant.
Soggy and waterlogged tend to choke the roots. You will notice that you African mask plant leaves turn brown. This will eventually cause the houseplant to wilt and die.
The overwatering problem is caused by inadequate soil drainage and a lack of drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Leaves of African mask plants turn yellow this is the harbinger of excess water.
I recommend repotting an overwatered African mask plant to revive it. Inspect the roots for signs of root rot and cut off the affected areas.
Use fertile, well-drained soil to avoid the problem of overwatering. Make sure the pot has drainage holes in the bottom to drain excess water.
thermal stress
Elephant ear plants prefer a temperature range of 64-79OF (18-26OC) to thrive. But the indoor temperature is vulnerable to fluctuations for many reasons.
The Alocasia plant will die if the temperature drops below 55.OF (13OC) drops due to cold damage and causes dormancy and stunted growth.
Be sure to move your plant to sunny areas in winter and fall. Another option is to use artificial light to revive the dying African mask plant.
lack of nutrients
African mask plants are light feeders compared to other tropical plants. But the nutrients in the fertilizer help promote a healthy growth rate.
A nutritional deficiency can also be a reason an alocasia plant dies. These plants need fertilizer every two months in spring and summer.
Over-fertilizing also increases soil toxicity, which can kill the elephant ear plant. I recommend drying the potting mix every three months to remove excess salt.
Do not feed your African mask plant in the winter due to dormancy. Winter is the time when most plant growth stagnates and does not use fertilizer.
transplant shock
African mask plants are less vulnerable to root problems. Leaves that turn yellow or brown are among the root-related symptoms.
Repotting the alocasia plant is the best option as this will revive it. but inappropriate African Plant Care Mask the post-transplant routine can kill it.
Correct the growing conditions to prevent the houseplant from dying. It will take time to adapt to the new environment and overcome death.
pest infestations
Leaves of African mask plants turning brown are another sign of insect infestation. These invasive insects extract nutrients from the plant and inject poison to kill it.
Leafhoppers, scale insects, aphids, spider mites and scale insects are the most common pests that attack elephant ear. These tiny creatures pull and damage the leaves of the plant.
Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oils to kill pests on the leaves of African mask plants. I recommend spraying the plant weekly to kill the pests.
low humidity
Brown spots on the leaves of African mask plants they are a sign of low humidity. These tropical houseplants thrive in a high humidity environment in their natural habitat.
Any indoor plant lover should emulate the high humidity of the house. This will prevent your elephant ear plant from developing brown leaf tips and edges.
Use an electric humidifier to increase indoor humidity and revive the dying alocasia plant. I also recommend cleaning the leaves to remove dust and increase humidity around the plant.
Some people prefer to move the houseplant to the bathroom due to the high humidity. Grouping the alocasia with other houseplants is another best alternative for increasing humidity.
plant diseases
African mask plants are less susceptible to common plant diseases. But this does not mean that the houseplant is invincible to plant diseases.
Common problems with African mask plants are due to bacterial and fungal infections. Bacterial spots on the leaves make the leaf look wet and less attractive.
Brown spots on the leaves are a sign of fungal infections and can kill the plant if left untreated for a long time.
Use Bordeaux mixture to kill pathogenic bacteria and fungi. Be sure to isolate your tropical houseplant to prevent the spread of disease.
How often should I water my African face mask?
Water your African mask plant once a week in spring and summer. Reduce the frequency of irrigation during the winter season. Test the moisture level of the soil before watering your alocasia plant.
When should an African mask be transplanted?
Transplant your elephant ear when the roots fill the container or the potting mix becomes soggy and stops draining water.
How tall are African mask plants?
African mask plants can grow up to 4 feet tall with leaves 20 inches long. Houseplants of alocasia can grow 2 to 4 feet tall with leaves a foot wide.
Last words
African mask plant care includes providing direct indirect sunlight, well-drained soil, regular watering, high humidity, room temperature, and feeding monthly in spring or summer.
Most problems with African mask plants are due to improper grooming routines. I hope this information helps you resolve these issues and prevent your alocasia from dying. Please feel free to share this information with your friends and family.
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