Alocasia plants belong to the family Araceae. They feature striking foliage and are popular indoor plants. There are roughly 80 to 97 species of these plants, which are natives to subtropical Asia and Eastern Australia. Some grow to almost three feet high, and like most plants, they can suffer from disorders that turn their leaves yellow.
Alocasia Leaves Turning Yellow: Common Reasons
Exposure to direct sunlight or insufficient light
Direct sunlight could cause yellowing and browning of alocasia leaves. Placing alocasia plants in a bright room without any shade could harm them. Rather place them in filtered light within a bright room. Inversely, placing the plants in poorly-lit areas could also pose issues, so it is ideal to create a balance when it comes to lighting.
How to fix the problem: Place the plants in a room with indirect sunlight. You can also opt for sheer curtains if the room is very bright.
Watering and soil moisture issues
Overwatering and too much soil moisture could cause alocasia leaves to turn yellow. Only water the plants weekly and do not drench the soil with water. Maintaining soil moisture is essential for alocasia plants, but do not overdo the watering as this could lead to root rot. Always settle for moist but not drenched soil.
During winter, plants go to hibernation. At this time, place your alocasia plants in a warm place in your home. Reduce watering during dormancy, but do not let the soil dry out.
How to fix the problem: Invest in a water meter as it allows you to check the soil moisture and achieve the perfect moisture level. See to it that the leaves do not fill with water and make sure the soil is well-drained.
The plants should be potted in the proper soil, which is loose and well-draining. The soil should act as a water filter as it helps the roots to acquire the right amount of water.
Establish a regular watering schedule, since consistency prevents periods of dryness. If you do not stick to a reliable schedule, it could result in over-or underwatering.
Humidity and temperature issues
The Asian rainforest is the natural habitat of alocasia plants, meaning humidity and temperature as essential factors for the plants. Alocasia plants thrive in humid areas and need constant moisture in the air to prevent leaf dryness. You need to keep this in mind especially if you are in a place with a dry climate. Your home temperature should be around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
How to fix the problem: Use a humidifier at home to correct any humidity or temperature issues. Humidifiers provide moisture in the air and release water vapor for misting. This replicates the natural habitat of the alocasia plants. Moving your plants to a different location may also address the issue; you may want to place them near kitchens or bathrooms that have a humid atmosphere.
You can also create humidity by wetting some stones and placing them in a pebble tray under the plant.
Insects or pest infestation
Insects can inflict damage to plants, as they damage the plants’ cells and deform stems and other plant parts. Common pests include aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites. These pests suck the sap from plant tissues and cause yellowing and browning of the leaves. You may also notice curling leaves.
How to fix the problem: You need to assess why insects are invading your alocasia plants. Treat with an insecticide solution to halt the problem permanently. You could also wash the leaves or wipe them often, as this promotes circulation and stress reduction in plants. Neem oil is also effective at killing bugs and preventing new hatchlings.
Why Are My Alocasia Leaves Drooping?
Just as with yellowing leaves, drooping leaves are usually caused by over-or underwatering, insufficient light, or pests. It could also happen due to insufficient nutrients in the soil. You may need to check whether the soil is draining properly and drying out between waterings. Aside from refreshing the soil, see to it that you are planting the plants in a sufficiently spacious pot or planter.
Conclusion
It is inevitable that alocasia leaves will turn yellow if the plant is overwatered or underwatered, or if subjected to humidity and temperature irregularities. The leaves may also be yellow due to full exposure to sunlight or a lack thereof, as well as due to pest infestation.
Image: istockphoto.com / Jamaludin Yusup