Incredibly dry soil
Your Alocasia prefers soil that is consistently moist. Be sure you’re not over or underwatering your plant. Keep a consistent watering schedule – water when 25-50% of the soil volume is dry.
If you accidentally let your Alocasia’s soil dry out completely, you may see leaves go limp, droop, and possibly start to brown. If the soil is extremely dry all the way through the pot, a thorough soak is in order.
Here’s how to soak-water your Alocasia:
- Place your plant in your sink or tub without the saucer. Fill your basin up with about 3-4″ of water. Make sure the water isn’t hot!
- Allow your plant to soak up water through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot for at least 45 min.
- Feel the top of the soil after your plant has been soaking–has the water reached the top 2-3” of soil?
- If not all the soil feels saturated, water your Alocasia Polly slightly from the top of the soil to help speed up the saturation.
- When your plant’s soil is evenly damp, drain the sink/tub and allow the plant to rest while it drains thoroughly. Place the plant back on its saucer and back in its proper spot.
Going forward, when you water your plant, make sure you provide enough water so that liquid flows from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and into the saucer. It’s extremely important to discard any excess water in the saucer and not to let your plant sit in any standing water.
Not enough humidity
Your Alocasia is tropical, so it will thrive in more humid environments. Increase the humidity around your plant by misting the leaves on a regular basis, using a pebble tray, or moving a humidifier nearby.
Not enough light
Just because the leaves of this gorgeous plant are dark and moody, doesn’t mean it likes the darkness. Your Alocasia loves a sunny spot with bright indirect light. If placed in a space that is too dark, you may notice leaf droop. If you aren’t sure you have the right light for your plant, try using a Grow Light.
