My plant it’s getting worst - Ask Extension
I’ve been trying to care normal this plant but by the time it looks worst then before and now has dots or open cuts.
Knowledgebase
My plant it’s getting worst #890122
Asked November 21, 2024, 9:29 AM EST
I’ve been trying to care normal this plant but by the time it looks worst then before and now has dots or open cuts.
Baltimore City County Maryland
Expert Response
Alocasia can be challenging houseplants, but general conditions they prefer include bright indirect light (either near a window or from grow lights), high humidity, and soil that gets somewhat dry between waterings. If a drained pot sits on top of a saucer to catch drained water, make sure to empty the saucer after watering so the soil doesn't sit in moisture and absorb too much back into the pot. The humidity in the average home is lower than they would like, so a boost from a room humidifier or by putting the plant in a terrarium or glass cabinet with grow lights can help to retain humidity. Avoid misting the plant directly, as wet leaf surfaces are easier for pathogen spores to infect. The leaf symptoms pictured appear to be those of leaf spot-causing fungi or bacteria (we can't tell which), and while there is no curative treatment for existing infections, you can suppress their spread if you can keep the leaves dry.
Without having information on how you are caring for the plant, how long you've had it, and other factors (how close is it to a window, or what type of grow lights is it under?), it's hard to tell what might be causing it stress. We don't see any insect pests, which is good, and even if some leaves die back, the corm (the bulb or tuber-like underground stem that sprouts leaves and roots) may have enough stored energy reserves to regrow after a brief rest period.
You could inquire with the U.S. Botanic Garden as well, since they may have horticulturists on staff with experience in caring for Alocasia and diagnosing their problems, as UMD Extension has unfortunately limited experience with this genus and what specific infections it can develop. Contact information for the USBG can be found on the linked page, and once you connect via email, you may be able to send them these photos to help clarify the appearance of the symptoms.
Miri
Without having information on how you are caring for the plant, how long you've had it, and other factors (how close is it to a window, or what type of grow lights is it under?), it's hard to tell what might be causing it stress. We don't see any insect pests, which is good, and even if some leaves die back, the corm (the bulb or tuber-like underground stem that sprouts leaves and roots) may have enough stored energy reserves to regrow after a brief rest period.
You could inquire with the U.S. Botanic Garden as well, since they may have horticulturists on staff with experience in caring for Alocasia and diagnosing their problems, as UMD Extension has unfortunately limited experience with this genus and what specific infections it can develop. Contact information for the USBG can be found on the linked page, and once you connect via email, you may be able to send them these photos to help clarify the appearance of the symptoms.
Miri