Alocasia Leaves Turning Yellow? Dormancy Plus Watering
Alocasia leaves turning yellow can come from overwatering, too little water, low light or a plant slowing down for winter. NC State Extension lists all three watering plus light causes. UW Madison Extension notes older leaves gradually die off as new ones form, so check the soil, light plus season.
The short answer
Yellow alocasia leaves most often trace back to watering or light. NC State Extension notes yellowing can occur from overwatering, too little water or inadequate light. In fall plus winter the plant may slow down, so UW Madison Extension advises drier soil until growth resumes in spring.
Is it dormancy or a problem?
UW Madison Extension notes elephant ears falter when temperatures drop below 50°F for long periods. For plants brought indoors over winter, it advises cutting back all but the top two leaves plus holding plants on the drier side while semi dormant. Restart regular watering plus feeding when growth returns in spring.
| Sign | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Yellow leaves on wet soil | Overwatering plus possible root rot | Let the soil dry somewhat before watering |
| Yellow, drooping leaves on dry soil | Too little water | Water thoroughly |
| Pale, yellowing leaves far from a window | Inadequate light | Move to bright, indirect light |
| Older leaves yellow one at a time | Normal leaf turnover | Remove old leaves |
| Fine speckles plus webbing | Spider mites | Spray leaf undersides with water |
Source: NC State Extension, UW Madison Extension plus UMN Extension.
How should alocasia be watered?
NC State Extension notes alocasia prefers moist, well drained soil plus that overwatering can cause root rot plus leaf spots. UF/IFAS Extension also notes root rot may occur from overwatering. Water when the top of the soil starts to dry, empty the saucer plus water less while the plant is semi dormant.
Can spider mites yellow alocasia leaves?
Yes. NC State Extension notes alocasia is prone to spider mites. UMN Extension explains mite feeding produces tiny white or yellow spots that give leaves a stippled look, plus leaves may drop as damage grows. Webbing on the undersides signals an infestation. Inspect with a hand lens the undersides of discolored leaves.
How to: step by step
- Feel the soil before each watering.
- Water when the top of the soil starts to dry plus empty the saucer.
- Provide bright, indirect light indoors.
- Hold the room above 50°F.
- Check leaf undersides for speckles plus webbing.
- Water less in winter while growth is slow.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves with soggy soil: overwatering. Let the soil dry somewhat plus check roots for rot.
Many leaves yellow at once in fall: semi dormancy. UW Madison Extension advises drier soil until spring growth.
Stippled leaves with fine webbing: spider mites. UMN Extension suggests a forceful water spray to dislodge them.
For related reading see a guide to overwatering and cannabis growth, what factors affect relative humidity control for cannabis plus what cannabis leaves can tell you. Kind Seed Co also stocks cannabis seeds.
Sources
- Alocasia spp. (FPS 33), UF IFAS Extension
- Alocasia, NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Elephant ears (Colocasia, Alocasia plus Xanthosoma), UW Madison Extension
- Twospotted spider mites, UMN Extension
FAQ
Do alocasia lose leaves in winter?
They can slow down. UW Madison Extension notes elephant ears falter when temperatures stay below 50°F plus advises bringing plants indoors before temperatures reach the 30s °F. For indoor wintering it suggests cutting back all but the top two leaves plus holding the plants at room temperature in bright light.
Should yellow alocasia leaves be removed?
UW Madison Extension notes elephant ears continually produce new leaves plus that older leaves gradually die off. Those older leaves can be removed so the plant looks tidy. Remove a leaf once it has mostly yellowed, but check watering, light plus pests if several leaves yellow at the same time.
How can I check for spider mites?
UMN Extension suggests holding a white piece of paper under suspect leaves, shaking them plus looking for tiny mites that fall. A hand lens on the underside of discolored leaves also helps. UMN notes a high pressure water spray can dislodge mites plus wash away their webbing.
What temperature does alocasia like?
NC State Extension notes elephant ears do well where daytime temperatures range from 68 to 77°F. UW Madison Extension notes these tropical plants prefer warm temperatures plus high humidity, plus that they falter when temperatures drop below 50°F for long periods. Place plants away from cold windows in winter.
How much light does alocasia need indoors?
UF/IFAS Extension notes that alocasia grown as a houseplant should be in a location with bright, indirect light. NC State Extension lists inadequate light as one cause of yellow leaves. A spot near a bright window without harsh direct sun suits most indoor plants plus supports steady new leaf growth.
