If your alocasia tips brown, it may be due to several issues like sunburn, overwatering, low humidity, rust spots, fertilization burn and more. Identifying the cause and remedying it can help you resolve the problem.
Alocasia plants are finicky about low light, so keep them in well-lit spots that receive mid to bright indirect sunlight. These conditions will not only prevent nutrient deficiency but also other problems like overwatering, root rot, and edema.
Causes
Alocasia tips brown is a common problem that can be caused by many different factors. Luckily, most of these problems can be addressed and corrected easily.
One of the most common causes of alocasia leaves turning brown is due to improper soil moisture. Overwatering can cause rot in the roots, which then affects the rest of the plant.
Another common cause is pest infestations. Insects like spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scales can all damage alocasia leaves.
These insects can also leave brown areas on the alocasia leaves. Regular inspections help keep these insects at bay.
Another common culprit is low humidity. Low humidity causes localized drying of the leaves at a much faster rate than the plant as a whole, resulting in brown spots or discoloration on the alocasia’s tips and along its veins.
Treatment
The tips of Alocasia leaves can turn brown for several reasons. Depending on the cause of your plant’s browning, there are a number of treatments you can use to revive the plant.
Overwatering is the most common reason for browning on Alocasia plants. This happens when you saturate the soil with water without allowing it to dry out between waterings. The excess moisture restricts airflow in the soil, resulting in root rot.
Another common cause of browning on Alocasia is disease. This is caused by pests like aphids, scales, mealybugs, and spider mites.
These pests eat the nutrients from the plant and will leave behind a raft of dead brown areas on the leaves. If the plant has been infected by any of these pests, it’s important to remove them from the plant as soon as possible.
If you’re unsure what is causing your alocasia tips to turn brown, it’s important to get a close look at the plant’s roots. This is easier with potted plants, but can also be helpful with landscape plants that may be difficult to see beneath the soil.
Prevention
Keeping your alocasias in the right environment will ensure that they do not develop brown tips. Alocasias thrive in bright, indirect lighting and should be kept away from direct sunlight and drafts.
They also need a consistent supply of moisture to thrive and if this is not provided, the plant will begin to wither, wrinkle in leaves, and die. Water your alocasia once or twice a week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings.
Alocasias like a fast-draining soil with substantial bark and perlite for optimal growth. If the potting mix is too wet, you can try adding peat to increase its capacity to hold water.
Alocasias are tropical plants that thrive in temperatures ranging from 60oF to 82oF. They will suffer when they’re exposed to cold drafts that cause frostbite, which damages their cells and causes them to hibernate or denature if the condition persists. They also rot their roots when exposed to too much heat, such as from a heating unit or an open window.
Symptoms
Alocasia tips brown is a common problem that many alocasia plant owners have to deal with. This is usually a sign of a number of issues, including disease, root rot, fertilization burn, or low humidity.
Symptoms of alocasia tip brown include wilting leaves, yellow/brown leaf spots, and dry or shriveled foliage. You’ll also notice a foul odor from the soil and rotted roots.
Incorrect watering and overwatering is another reason your alocasia leaves may turn yellow or brown. Make sure to keep your alocasia in a spot that gets plenty of bright indirect light.
If you live in an area with low humidity, then direct sun can cause your alocasia plants to burn, causing the leaves to turn brown and droop. Use a humidifier device to raise the humidity level in your home.
Pests like spider mites, mealybugs, scale, and thrips can also attack your alocasia plant, leaving your leaves covered in brown spots. If you notice a problem, spray your alocasia with insecticidal soap and horticultural oils to get rid of the bugs.