African mask plants are my favorite tropical houseplants due to their beautiful foliage and striking veining. But this houseplant can sometimes get fuzzy due to poor African mask plant care.
So why is my African mask plant dangling? The African mask plant relies on improper watering, incorrect lighting conditions and heat stress. Other causes include pests, low humidity, dormancy and disease.
I wrote this article to provide a detailed overview of the causes of the decline of African mask plants and their respective solutions. Please take the time to read and prevent these issues from happening again in the future.
Contents
Reasons to Hang African Mask Plants
excess water problem
Many people believe that inconsistent watering habits are the main cause of drooping African mask plants. But too much water causes more serious problems than too little water.
Overwatering makes the soil soggy and soggy to prevent air circulation. The condition eventually smothers the roots and invites fungal growth.
Root rot inhibits water and nutrient uptake to improve indoor plant survival. Lack of water and malnutrition are the reason why the African mask plant falls.
A rotting smell along with leaves that turn yellow and brown are the first signs of root rot. I recommend isolating the houseplant and transplanting it into fresh potting soil.
Be sure to cut off any affected roots with sterilized pruners before transplanting them into a new pot with drainage holes. Make sure the potting mix has better drainage to prevent it from becoming soggy.
underwater problem
Most tropical houseplants thrive in slightly moist soil. Moisture helps the roots to carry out their physiological activities smoothly.
Inconsistent watering habits make it difficult for the African mask plant to compensate for excessive water loss during transpiration and evaporation.
The African mask plant is falling due to lack of water problem. Another sign of inconsistent watering habits is the curling of the leaves of African mask plants.
Soak the potting soil with distilled water until the excess comes through the drainage holes. Be sure to plan a strict watering routine to avoid the drooping problem.
Water your African mask plant once a week in the spring and summer due to its active growth rate. Reduce the frequency of watering in winter and fall due to the dormant period.
thermal stress
African mask plants thrive in a temperature range of 60-80OF (15-28OC). Sudden changes in temperature are the reasons for the drooping leaves of the African mask plant.
Keep your tropical houseplant away from hot and cold drafts to avoid this African mask plant problem. Vents, radiators and window frames are the main sources of drafts.
Use a digital thermometer to detect temperature changes and create an ideal growing condition for your African mask plant.
Incorrect lighting conditions.
African mask plants thrive in indirect sunlight. Poor lighting conditions affect the health of your houseplant.
Low light conditions cause a resting period which slows water absorption and increases the risk of overwatering. Move your houseplant to the north-facing window to fix the problem.
Dim lighting also promotes stunted growth and long stems. The stems fall as they seek enough light. Use artificial light when growing the plant in a dark room.
Direct sun exposure will scorch the leaves and even cause the African mask plant to fall off. I recommend moving the plant to an area with indirect sunlight.
lack of humidity
The natural habitat of the African mask plant is very humid. All indoor plant enthusiasts should replicate the condition at home.
Low humidity will cause your African mask plant to drop and the leaves to develop brown tips and edges. Low humidity causes the plant to evaporate quickly, increasing the risk of flooding.
Use an electric humidifier to increase indoor humidity and prevent your African mask plant from toppling over. Grouping the plant with another houseplant will also increase the humidity.
I recommend using a digital hygrometer to monitor indoor humidity. This will also help determine the minimum and maximum moisture needs of the plant.
To keep your African Mask Plant happy and healthy, make sure indoor humidity is above 40%. If the humidity is below 40%, your houseplant will sag and eventually wilt.
pest infestations
African mask plants are less vulnerable to sap-sucking creatures. But that does not make the African mask plant invincible to pests.
Thrips, spider mites, scale insects, aphids and scale insects attack the leaves of your African mask plant, causing curling and dropping symptoms.
I recommend inspecting your houseplant for signs of pests while watering. Check the undersides of leaves and petioles for signs of pests.
If you notice yellow spots on the leaves and problems with falling, this is a sign of serious infestations. I recommend using insecticidal soap spray to kill all houseplant pests.
Remember to isolate the houseplant from others to prevent spreading. Mist the plant weekly to eliminate all pests.
latency effect
Low temperatures due to winter will cause the dormancy effect. Leaf drop on African mask plants is normal, as this is expected during the dormant period.
Don’t panic, as this is a natural cycle for all species of African mask plants. The leaves drop and die, followed by the reappearance of new leaves over time.
Dormancy among indoor African mask plants is unpredictable due to controlled lighting and temperature. This will happen when the temperature drops in low light.
Reduce watering frequency when your African mask plant goes dormant. Helps prevent problems with too much water.
Provide moderate light and temperature until active growth begins. Try to be patient, as the rest period lasts from a few weeks to more than six months.
Should I cut off the hanging leaves of alocasia?
Yes, old alocasia leaves turn yellow and fall off. Cutting these leaves directs energy to the growing regions.
Why is my Alocasia leaking water?
This is a sign that the plant has been overwatered. Drip water from Alocasia helps remove excess water from the plant. The dripping is produced from the small pores of the leaves.
Why are my alocasia leaves turning yellow?
Yellow alocasia leaves are caused by insufficient soil moisture, poor light conditions, nutrient deficiencies and low humidity. Examine your plant to determine the exact cause for a quick fix.
Why is my Alocasia suspended?
Alocasia sags due to overwatering, under-watering, heat stress, low humidity, inadequate lighting, and transplant shock. Solving these problems is quite easy.
Why are my Alocasia leaves rotting?
Alocasia leaves rot due to bacterial leaf spot. I recommend isolating the plant and cutting off the affected leaves. Do not forget to treat the plant with an antibacterial solution to cure the disease.
Last words
I hope this article guide was helpful. Always remember that water problem is the main cause of African mask plant drop. Test the soil moisture first before suspecting other factors.
The Ultimate African Mask Plant Care will help prevent this problem. Take the time to examine your plant and determine the exact cause. Consider approaches that will help solve the African mask plant problem.
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