Why would my Alocasia Polly Plants leaves turn brown?
I had this Alocasia Polly Plant for just a little over a month. I repot it 4 weeks after delivery as recommended from the guide that came with it. But the last few days the leaves have been turning brown. I have been watering it like normal when the thermometer turns white but I also check to see if the fertilizer is dry before watering. The grow light hasn't seem to help so been putting it outside these last couple of days indirect sunlight in a shaded area where the sun just peaks through. What could cause the plant's leaves to turn? I'm new to trying to care for a Plant lol.
1ft to light, indirect
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 2 weeks ago
6
Best Answer
Hi David, there are several possibilities as to why your leaves are turning brown. First one could be too much water or not enough water. I use what gardeners called “the chopstick test”. That is taking a chopstick, putting it down in the soil when you pull the chopstick out at the dirt. If dirt is stuck to it. It has enough or maybe too much water. If there is no dirt sticking to the chopstick, the soil is a little too dry. That’s the first thing you want to check. Secondly, is it too close to the window? If it’s near a window, place your arm next to the plant facing the window and leave your arm there for a minute. If the heat is too much on your arm, it’s too much heat for the plant. Third it could have a fungus. I use Neem oil and as the last resort copper fungicide on my outdoor plants. Next, do you have adequate drainage in the bottom of the pot? Is the soil is too wet? If so I would take the plant out of the pot. Sniff the roots if they smell bad, they need to be pruned off. Be careful not to prune all the roots. Just the dead ones. Repot it with adequate drainage in fresh soil. I realize this is a process of elimination. Good luck. And please post how your plant is doing. Bob 👍
@Malagueña Thanks for the information. I noticed yesterday the thermometer was still showing blue but the top seemed dry but this app told me to water it today and I stuck it back outside in a shaded area and noticed the leaves trying to turn green again. But the window I have it near I have a tree in front so not too much heat or sun gets through it. But I plan to buy some neem oil today. I noticed little webs and brown specs on the webs so that could be an issue correct? I will try to see if the roots smell rotted or not.
@Malagueña ok so I'll just go back to the thermometer method not listen to the app lol. I will also try the chop stick method as well. But I will buy the neem spray today. Do I spray the leaves and wipe them down softly or just spray them with the neem spray? I do appreciate the information as well.
Appreciate it. I will be buying some today. Also, on your first response, the 8" pot has one hole at the bottom. Should I buy something with more holes in it?
