2 small leaves 'retiring'? No improvement on Oracle except for tiny new leaf

Question

Today, I discovered two small leaves had 'retired' (going yellow and limp). One was new and tiny, the other was there when I bought it, so I had no idea on age. Both look crispy, but the larger one took on a leathery texture, just like the texture on leather gardening gloves. I suppose the smaller one took on a similar texture. I'm noticing a new leaf coming in, but the edge of it feels crisp. I don't think this is just like the regular "three-leaf-Alocasia" thing, I think it is a little different. This is AFTER a repot into Black-Gold potting soil. Recently, I bought Miracle-Gro Tropical Potting Soil, so I can repot into that. What is seriously wrong here?
#happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddict #planttherapy #plantcorner #plantlove #iloveplants #newgrowth #planttlc #greggang #adhdplantlovers #alocasiaaddicts #alocasia #alocasiasilverdragon

#happyplants #plantsmakepeoplehappy #plantaddict #planttherapy #plantcorner #plantlove #iloveplants #newgrowth #planttlc #greggang #adhdplantlovers #alocasiaaddicts #alocasia #alocasiasilverdragon

@TheOddAsity · Accepted Answer

@Catplantaddict soooo…. @PoisedAlbo and @BabeVila know this as I have chatted about it with them. But the reason the repot could have done this is the pH. I don’t believe in this three leaf alocasia thing, as first off , when I got them they had anywhere from 7-11 leaves, second, I have been looking at pH on these guys. They prefer acidic soil, between 5.5-6.5. In fact if it’s a younger plant they prefer closer to 4.8. So I checked all my alocasias that were doing this (because people will jump on the fungal wagon and I KNEW it wasn’t fungal, I had treated the crap out of it) and drumroll…. 7.1-7.8. I have grown blueberries in the past and they like acidic soil. When they don’t have it their leaves look like they’re rotting. I attached a screen shot to show you what they look like. And the other two are my Melo. But I also have a stingray, black velvet, tiny dancer, and a Polly and silver dragon and ALL of them were losing leaves. My silver dragon I have had for only 6 weeks so it wasn’t as desperate as the rest. Sooo, as I researched them to see what I was missing I picked up on that “acidic” word. I recently got some fast acting sulfur (you can use white vinegar or lemon juice but it’s really temporary). Anyhow, I added the sulfur 5 days ago… my melo is growing a flower and my black velvet is growing a new leaf. So, take it for what it’s worth.

@Lifeis2short · Answer

Whatever you do, DON'T go back to the MiracleGro. When you were repotting it, did you look for root rot?

@Lifeis2short · Answer

@TheOddAsity I had no idea about that! I'ma have to check the soil on all of my Alocasia now. First, I need to order a tester. Any recommendations as to which one to order?

@TheOddAsity · Answer

@Lifeis2short I didn’t either. I just couldn’t see what I was doing wrong. And it’s funny how you read about a plant and the article will mention “acidic” and it never really resonated. Well, now it does! 😂

Yes, there are two I recommend. I have this one, it requires 4 AAA batteries, works well from what I use it for:

https://a.co/d/0R7rGhL

And my sister likes this one better than mine

https://a.co/d/1azevju

@BabeVila · Answer

Miracle Gro Tropical soil is the devil! It killed huge amount of my previously healthy, beautiful plants in mere weeks. I want to sue them! That said. I agree with @TheOddAsity !

@nellz4estfairyz · Answer

@Catplantaddict hello! I have found that this alocasia is send to inconsistent watering and soil that retains water too long. I lost all leaves but one and then planted this one into leca and have brought it back to life. I think my problem prior to the leca was that the soil mix it came in was mostly peat and it stayed wet forever. The yellow leaves are usually from the staying wet too long. The brown tips are from drying out too much. I hope this helps. The silver dragon is truly beautiful when it holds onto its leaves.