How to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos (giant taro) and how to fix yellowing leaves
Alocasia macrorrhizos is a common potted plant that helps remove dust from the air, which is why it is favored by many consumers. Many consumers are quite concerned about how to grow Alocasia macrorrhizos, so next we have put together the methods for growing it and what to do when its leaves turn yellow.
1. We all know that Alocasia macrorrhizos is a plant that likes shade and cool conditions, but it also needs a moderate amount of light, and the light should not be too strong. If it gets too much light, the plant will become "wilted." You should know that Alocasia macrorrhizos likes a warm, humid, and shaded environment, but during the flowering period it needs plenty of sunlight, otherwise the spathe will be green, which affects quality. So Alocasia macrorrhizos still needs a moderate amount of light time; ensuring about three hours of light per day should be about right, and this point should also be kept in mind.
2. To grow Alocasia macrorrhizos well, you must know that it can only grow well at a temperature no lower than 18°C. If the temperature is below 18°C, Alocasia macrorrhizos will enter a dormant state, and it will also stop growing. Temperature choice is also a necessary prerequisite for growing Alocasia macrorrhizos well, and this point is also very important.
3. Alocasia macrorrhizos is also a plant that likes fertilizer. It should be given some nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer every month so that it can grow quickly. Fertilizing it about every twenty days can make its leaves larger, thicker, and greener. If Alocasia macrorrhizos is not fertilized for a long time, the lower part of the stem will become bare, yellow leaves will appear, or the leaves will become smaller, so a moderate amount of fertilizer is also very crucial.
4. Due to the influence of its growth habits, Alocasia macrorrhizos needs more water in summer, but not excessively; it is enough to roughly maintain soil moisture. There must be no standing water in the soil, otherwise the tubers of Alocasia macrorrhizos will rot. In winter it goes dormant and needs less water. Always follow the growth habits of Alocasia macrorrhizos when growing it.
Reasons for yellowing leaves in Alocasia macrorrhizos
1. Effects of light. Insufficient light or no light affects plant growth and morphogenesis. Under such conditions, the plant's internodes become especially long and the leaves are underdeveloped and small, causing the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos to turn yellow.
2. Improper watering. Alocasia macrorrhizos has a relatively high water requirement. During the growing season, it should be kept moist rather than dry; during the winter dormant period, watering should be controlled as much as possible. Pay attention to the method when watering; improper watering can easily cause the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos to turn yellow.
3. Unsuitable soil conditions. If the soil used for growing Alocasia macrorrhizos is too alkaline or has not been changed for a long time, the soil will lack nutrients, affecting the plant's growth and leading to drooping leaves, yellow leaves, and sagging.
4. Weather causes. Alocasia macrorrhizos is a tropical plant and is susceptible to cold when temperatures are low in winter. If the growing environment temperature is not changed in time, the root system can suffer cold damage, causing the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos to turn yellow. In addition, after winter, if Alocasia macrorrhizos is rushed outdoors and placed in a warm spot to sunbathe, it may temporarily be unable to adapt to the sudden climate change, which can also cause its leaves to turn yellow.
5. Ventilation environment. If Alocasia macrorrhizos is kept for a long time in a poorly ventilated environment, it will suffer from "breathing difficulty," causing its leaves to turn yellow.
6. Cleaning of the leaf surface. Leaves are the main site for plant photosynthesis. If the leaf surface is not sprayed and cleaned for a long time, dust will accumulate, which will hinder plant photosynthesis, cause insufficient nutrients, and make the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos turn yellow.
7. Disease and pest effects. The main pest that can cause yellowing leaves in Alocasia macrorrhizos is the red spider mite, which likes to suck sap on the underside of leaves. After being damaged, the leaves turn yellow, develop many small white spots, and soon wither, yellow, and fall off. They often breed in high-temperature, low-humidity environments. Pay attention to prevention and control.
8. Human damage. Artificial damage to the leaves and branches of the plant will damage the plant's transport system, so nutrients cannot reach the leaves, causing the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos to turn yellow.
9. No matter what plant it is, water is also very important. For a plant like Alocasia macrorrhizos, the water requirement in summer is relatively high. At noon every day in midsummer, spray water on the leaves to increase air humidity; only then can the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos be large and thick. If it is too shaded, the leaves will become larger but thinner, which still greatly affects the ornamental appeal of Alocasia macrorrhizos, so the water requirement is also indispensable.
Solutions for yellowing leaves in Alocasia macrorrhizos
1. Give Alocasia macrorrhizos reasonable light conditions. Alocasia macrorrhizos likes a semi-shaded environment, so pay attention to shading during care, but be sure not to place it in a dark environment for a long time. In addition, pay attention to the ventilation of the environment and keep the air flowing.
2. Alocasia macrorrhizos has a high water requirement. Water it whenever the soil dries, and water thoroughly at one time until water flows out from the bottom of the pot. Watering should be regular; do not let the potting soil remain too dry or too wet for a long time. While watering, use a spray bottle to clean the leaves as well, keeping them clean, and you can also see the water roll off the leaves.
3. Alocasia macrorrhizos does not have high soil requirements, but the fertility of the potting medium must be ensured. Choose sandy loam or humus loam containing organic matter, change the soil in time, and increase nutrients. To increase the plant's own resistance, do not use only nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers; use them alternately with organic fertilizer. Applying a little ferrous sulfate will make the leaves larger and greener.
4. Keep the living environment of Alocasia macrorrhizos warm and humid. When the weather is cold in winter, move it indoors in time; slowly change its living environment so that it adapts to changes in ambient temperature, and be sure not to place Alocasia macrorrhizos in an environment where the temperature fluctuates suddenly.
5. Prevent human damage to Alocasia macrorrhizos. The sap of Alocasia macrorrhizos is toxic, so try to avoid contact with its body. When red spider mites appear on the plant, spray with 40% dimethoate emulsion at 1000 times dilution or 80% dichlorvos at 1000-1500 times dilution.
The above is an introduction to what to do when the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos turn yellow. We hope it can be helpful to flower lovers.
When red spider mites appear on the plant, spray with 40% dimethoate emulsion at 1000 times dilution or 80% dichlorvos at 1000-1500 times dilution.The above is an introduction to what to do when the leaves of Alocasia macrorrhizos turn yellow. We hope it can be helpful to flower lovers.