If you are searching for Elephant Ear Leaf Problems so before that let me tell you Elephant Ear Plant (Colocasia esculenta) is a perennial plant grown widely as food crops. This plant gets its nickname from heart shaped big sized Leaves & Now Cultivators have made its variegated variety including purple, green and white. Its Included in Colocasia genus which has many other species. Taro, Dasheen is another name of this gigantic leafy plant. With huge Leaves come with other problem like edge browning , dying and much more. Today will discuss on Elephant Ear Leaf Problems that every owner should know so they will do proper care for the plant. Lets know common problems why Why elephant Ear Plant dying?
Elephant Ear leaf problems – Elephant Ear Plant disease is white fungal leaf blight and the symptoms includes tan spots and it appears as pale Leaves due to constant moisture & poor nutrients. Other Problems with the leaf are bacterial leaf spots , leaf scorch, spider mites and Phyllosticta leaf spot. To fix this Leaves spots diseases and pests you need to carefully spray fungicide or will discuss various other ways to get rid of these problems. These plants get fungal disease due to wet conditions and sometimes warm climates have caused these problems.
Elephant Ear Leaf Problems
Fungal Leaf blight
Fungal leaf blight is the most common problem occurring in Elephant Ear Plants (Colocasia esculenta) and signs include lesions that damage Leaves and turn it into yellow or purplish. Fungal blight increases leaf spots in neighboring Leaves. Phytophthora colocasiae is a fungus that causes leaf blight. It is a serious fungal disease that makes round lesions on the leaf and makes a fluid shape that turns yellow when it dries also , In some cases dark purple spots that do spread on the Leaves and increase its size from time to time. Also You may notice a white thing covering those fungus infections after that. After that leave will die back and fall. It can also reach to the bottom if not resolved.
How to Fix:
Using a fungicide made from copper can get rid of this leaf blight. It should be sprayed every week in the rainy season or other days you can pour in every 2 weeks. It can be used after you detect any such problem.
Also Experts believe that you need to pour water on roots not in Leaves it will help the plant to not get any of this issue in the first place.
How do you treat fungal leaf blight?
Fungal leaf blight diseases can be treated with Baking soda which contains bicarbonate soda that can be sprayed and best part is this is organic treatment and safe for the elephant ear plant.
Instructions:
- Taking 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 4 liters of water, this teaspoon would be 2.5-3 ml to be exact.
- Spraying it into the Leaves would work.
- Make sure to remove all the leaves that already have leaf spots.
- As you may encounter the fungus spreading to other plants quickly so cutting off such leaves would prevent the larger damage.
Quicker Solution: Find Leaves and Prune it as soon as you find fungal leaf blight lesions.
Spider mites
The tiny spider hides behind the Leaves and makes many side webs to disappear immediately if anything happens. They are creepy little bugs.
How to Fix:
What you can do is use insecticidal soaps or Neel oil to prevent them from coming back. You can also try excess water on Colocasia leaves to do that but it’s not recommended as this creates another fungal problem on the leaf.
Phyllosticta Leaf Spot
Phyllosticta leaf spot elephant ear is a problem that is a minor plant disease. It creates small lesions on the Leaves, making the leaf discolor and drop.
How to Fix:
You can prevent this issue by adequate watering and if your elephant plant is already caught in this disease then try pruning off that leaf so the disease doesn’t spread.
Elephant Ear Leaf Problems include leaf spot, Pythium rot and leaf blight are more problematic than this Phyllosticta Leaf Spot as this is not a major issue that made the plant die.
Bacterial leaf spot
This bacteria causes spots which in brown in colour on the leaf and you can easily notice the dots there.
How to Fix:
Same way it can be solved with fungicide having copper. The best time to use is when you detect this problem so it can be solved in early days. You can change the location else it will also cause other plants to have this same type of bacterial infection.
Thrips
If the Leaves are distorted having spots , yellowing areas , black spots it is all signs of thrips. Colocasia generally feed on fungal spores on leaves and it can be found if your landscape plant becomes tall. They like warm or cool places to survive. when they eat may also transmit disease that can affect the plant.
How to Fix:
You can use Insecticidal soap , Neem oil also works. For Higher infestation you can directly use any pesticide to control its population.
Did you know thrips are one such pest that is common in gardens and outdoor grasses. These thrips like to have a taste of juices filled inside the fruits or plants and leave spots, Leaves may become dried, pale, change color to brown and die back.
Not only elephant ear, if you want to get rid of thrips, first remove the grasses, weeds grown outside. This way you may prevent them from staying too long in the garden or lawn.
Also If you check all your houseplant and regularly monitor them about pests then it could save your plant from getting any damage with that you would be focusing on the watering schedule.
Although I have already suggested the pesticide for thrips in elephant ear plant, you can also take home predatory thrips that eat the eggs of those tiny insects and larvae. It may help to reduce the numbers of thrips in the garden.
Thrips many times sitting on plant’s Leaves and flower in that case pruning would be the best option you can have and cut off those stems/leaves that are diseased or damaged. Most people who have healthy plant gardens do pruning very often to keep the new growth coming and older ones should be eliminated.
If you’re looking for tips on how to fix an Elephant Ear Plant Broken Stem, check out this helpful guide.
Pythium Rot
This one is Last Problem that will discuss and it is one of dangerous diseases among every other leaf problem as this affects the whole elephant ear plant , it is caused a parasite called Pythium and it’s not fungus but it does act as fungus like spreading on wet layer of soil as this one loves watered area more. This is sometimes called the water rot problem as this one likes an irrigated environment. If this disease happens to your plant then it results in down on its overall growth and the plant feels wet and quickly dies due to rotting on the root section or on the ground layer.
How to Fix:
You should check your water as this may be contaminated , make sure to give clear water to plants and avoid any Pythium rot problem. Newly seedling can be affected in early stages also.
If you want to buy this plant below are links to buy it.
Buy Elephant Ear plant From ETSY(recommended)
Other Problems
Elephant Ear Leaves getting smaller
The Leaves on your Alocasia are getting smaller due to is low light. Alocasia plants require strong, indirect light to flourish. Without it, their growth may decrease and their leaves may shrink. Underwatering is another reason. Alocasia leaves may droop and shrink if they don’t receive enough water. Overwatering is another issue. Root rot caused by moist soil may shrink and discolour plant leaves.
How to Fix:
The plant may be lacking nutrients. Fertilize the soil if your Alocasia Leaves are shrinking. Here is the best fertilizer for elephant ear plant.
Pot-bound Alocasias may not have enough area to develop and generate bigger leaves. If so, repot the plant.
Check your Alocasia plant’s water, light, and nutrients frequently. To promote development, cut yellow or damaged leaves. Care for your Alocasia to help it grow big, robust leaves and flourish in your home or yard.
Elephant Ear Leaves turning yellow and brown
If Leaves on your elephant ear plant turning yellow or brown it may be due to over or under-watering, insufficient sunlight, and low humidity levels. Overwatering or underwatering may make Leaves yellow or brown. Watering frequency is another consideration for discoloured elephant ear plants. Over- or under-watering may cause plant leaves to develop yellow patches before becoming yellow.
Insufficient sunshine may cause elephant ear plant leaves to become yellow. Elephant ear plants need strong, indirect light otherwise their foliage may turn yellow or brown. If its container is too tiny, your elephant ear plant may not obtain enough nutrients to produce strong leaves.
Low humidity may make elephant ear plant leaves yellow or brown. If your house or yard has low humidity, these plants’ leaves may dry up and become yellow or brown.
How to Fix:
Avoid yellow or brown elephant ear plant leaves by over watering, lighting, and humidifying it. Make sure the dirt drains and the container is big enough for the plant. You can keep your elephant ear plant healthy for years by taking care of it.
Elephant Ear Plant soft stem
Elephant Ear leaves has soft stem due to lack of water. Elephant ears’ stalks droop and soften without enough water. Water Elephant Ear plants when the top inch of soil is dry.
Overwatering causes stem rot, which softens Elephant Ear stems. Fungi that decay the plant’s stem may grow in moist soil. If your Elephant Ear plant has a mushy stem, check soil moisture and water appropriately.
How to Fix:
Elephant Ear plants with fragile stems may have poor soil quality. The plant might grow weak and drooping if the soil lacks nutrients or drains poorly. A well-draining, organic-rich soil mix promotes healthy development and prevents root rot.
Elephant Ear plants may develop mushy stems from poor illumination. The plant’s stem and leaves may grow narrow and delicate without adequate light. Elephant Ear plants need bright, indirect light. Give your plant enough light.
Elephant Ear leaves droop and soften in cold weather. Tropical plants like warm temperatures. Temperatures below 60°F may stress and weaken plants.
Overwatering, poor soil quality, insufficient sunlight, and low temperatures are the main reasons of Elephant Ear plant soft stems. Make sure your plant has well-draining soil, nutrition, light, and warmth. With appropriate care, your Elephant Ear plant should recover from its soft stem and flourish again.
Should I cut off yellow elephant Ear Leaves
Yes, you can cut off yellow elephant ear leaves because Pruning is essential for the health and growth. Elephant Ears need pruning to thrive.
Sharp blades clip drooping leaves. This will not hurt the plant and may promote growth. Cut off fading or brown leaves at the stem. Disinfect the blade after each cut to avoid illness. This will provide more energy for leaf growth.
Your Elephant Ear plant’s yellow leaves indicate nutrition, water, and sunshine deficiencies. Cutting off these dead leaves can assist the plant’s energy flow to other sections that require it. Pruning improves airflow and prevents pests and illnesses.
Cut golden leaves at the stem. This protects nearby healthy leaves. Don’t worry about your Elephant Ear plant’s yellow foliage. Older leaves die naturally. Simply watch your plant and remove any yellow or brown leaves.
Elephant Ear plants need trimming. It promotes development, prevents illness, and beautifies your plant. Cut off any yellow or brown leaves on your plant. Elephant Ear plants appreciate it!
Tiny bugs on elephant ear plant
One common pest that affects elephant ear plants is tiny green aphids. Green aphids—also called plant lice—suck plant fluids and excrete honeydew. Aphid infestations discolour and wilt leaves, stunting growth. Elephant’s ear leaves have aphid colonies.
How to Fix:
To avoid additional harm, remove little bugs from your elephant ear plant immediately. To prevent pests from spreading, isolate the plant first. Examine the plant and determine the pest. Soap and water may kill green aphids. Spray the undersides of the leaves with a spray bottle with a few drops of dish detergent and water. This will suffocate aphids and inhibit reproduction.
Insecticidal soap or neem oil are natural and efficient green aphid remedies. These products dehydrate and kill bugs by destroying cell membranes. Some items might be hazardous if not used properly, so follow the label directions.
Elephant ear plant pest prevention is crucial. To achieve this, give the plant enough water, nutrients, and light. Water the plant just until the top inch of soil is dry to avoid creating a pest-friendly environment. Additionally, avoid putting the plant in direct sunlight, since this may cause the leaves to burn and become more prone to bugs.
Fungal Leaf Blight Elephant Ear treatment
Fungal leaf blight, which appears as little dark brown or purple patches on elephant ear plant leaves, may be treated.
Foliar copper fungicide may cure elephant ear plant fungal leaf blight infections. For best results, spray this on plants at least four weeks old weekly. Copper fungicide, a broad-spectrum fungicide, helps prevent fungal infections like fungal leaf blight.
This natural remedy may be sprayed on the afflicted vegetation. It is crucial to remember that this treatment may not be as effective as copper fungicide and should be used as a secondary choice if copper fungicide is not available.
Spider mites, thrips, and fungal infections may affect elephant ear plants. Elephant ear leaves with clusters of little, green aphids may have a pest problem. Green aphids extract plant fluids and emit honeydew. Aphid infestations discolour and wilt leaves, stunting growth. Neem oil or rubbing alcohol swabs may be used to treat elephant ear plant pests. Defective leaves should be removed to stop the infestation.
Elephant ear plant holes in leaves
Most common reason for elephant ear plant with holes in the leaves is due to insects like squash bugs, beetles, sawfly caterpillars, slugs, cutworms, aphids, grasshoppers. Holes on the edges or inside the leaves can be insect problems that can be solved by spraying insecticide.
Elephant leaves that are already damaged with holes can’t be reversed but you can treat this with horticultural oil.
You can also use bonide and monterey so can’t compare it depends how much you want to use it. For Heavy insect infestation you need 1 gallon otherwise go for 32 oz.
Most common reason for Elephant ear plant with holes is due to slugs as they feed the foliage at night, that’s why they often have no trace. larger slugs try to make bigger holes but smaller ones create lines, catchy choppy holes inside the leaves that you can clearly see. Elephant ear plant holes causing slugs can be removed using insect spray. I would recommend you use this Garden Safe Slug & snail bait for slug problem which is so helpful and easy to use.
Elephant ear Turning white
White spots on elephant ears – Most common reason for an elephant ear turning white is due to chlorosis, meaning when a plant can’t produce its normal green color due to lack of chlorophyll it results in leaves turning white, yellowish. When your ear plant is not getting enough sunlight to make food then it will change color. To fix white leaves just make sure your elephant plant is getting enough sunlight by moving its place to a more bright light area indoors or check if sunlight is getting blocked or shaded by other houseplants or by a tree.
All Seasons Horticultural Oil/Insecticide
Horticultural Oil Concentrate Insecticide
FAQ’s
Why is my elephant ear dying?
Major reason for elephant ear dying is root rot and you might yellowing of leaves and fall. To prevent this if you grow this on a small pot change that, secondly repot it and cut the roots which are rotted. You can spray water and don’t need to pour plenty of water as this creates soggy soil. You can also use fertiliser that could be all purpose and spray on every 13-15 days. Also Try this solution – Make sure soil dries to the top about 1 inch left then do watering and see the result.
Why are the leaves on my elephant ear plant turning yellow?
There are 2-3 answers to the leaves problem but the most common reason for elephant ear plants to turn yellow is because of either over-water and no sufficient bright light. Try to give them less water and change the location to more bright light, use of plant food can solve this problem it has nutrient deficiency. Or If it is in dormant season then don’t worry it will grow back next time.
Wrap Up
I Hope you get the solution by reading all the problems I provided on “Elephant Ear Leaf Problems”, If you want to see other posts please check below.
Also Read :
Jacob’s Ladder Plant – Full Guide Growing Caring(Polemonium caeruleum)
Japanese blood grass – How to Grow & Care (Imperata cylindrica) – Guide
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