Why does an Elephant Ear Plant (Alocasia) Lose Leaves
I have done everything that the tag tells one to. I’m on my third (just becasue I love they way the look) but can’t seem to keep it alive.
The tag say to water 1-2 times weekly, but every day I loose two more leaves that turn brown/yellowish.
On top 1″ down with my finger the soil is dry. When I put in my digital probe it says zero, when I put in my analogue probe it says wet.
Any advise would be most grateful.
I am an avid indoor plant lover but do not have a lot of time just now. I would love to set up reminders etc. when I have time to sit down and do this. I live on disability but I’m sure I can give up something up to help keep the website going, it’s a small price to save my plants.
Thanks Yvonne
Hi Yvonne,
An Alocasia Plant may lose a leaf every time it gets a new leaf when it is an imature plant. Small young Alocasia Plants are unable to maintain more than a few leaves. This is because the Alocasia Plant stalk is constantly expanding. As the Alocasia Plant stalk expands it forces the smaller leaves to drop off. Once the stalk becomes larger and stouter, your Alocasia Plant will be able to maintain more leaves.
You appear to be watering too often. Always allow the top 2″- 3″ of the soil of an Alocasia Plant to dry out before watering, and try to keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Over-watering, wet leaves, and soggy soil makes an Alocasia plant susceptible to a variety of serious fungal infections. Check the soil frequently until you are sure of the plant’s watering needs. Water an Alocasia Plant less during the winter when it is dormant.
An Alocasia Plant requires very bright indirect light. Direct sun burns the leaves.
Fertilize an Alocasia Plant every two weeks from late March through September with a basic houseplant food at 1/2 the recommended strength. Never fertilize an Alocasia Plant during the winter. Too much fertilizer causes salts to build up in the soil and burn the leaves of an Alocasia Plant.
You can read all my care tips for an Elephant Ear Plant (Alocasia) in the popular Houseplant section of the website.
https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/alocasia-elephant-ear-plant-how-to-grow-care
These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonous in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants
