If you are interested in knowing the problems of the elephant ear plant, you've probably noticed that something doesn't seem to be right with your indoor plant. Although it is very resistant, mistakes in care can cause it to not be as healthy and beautiful as it should be.
Keep reading to find out what could be happening to your plant and what you need to do to fix it as soon as possible.
1. Root rot
With plants of tropical origin it is not always easy to find the appropriate watering frequency and control the amount of water to be provided at any given time, and this It is a source of health problems for these varieties.
In the case of elephant ear, it is not uncommon for its roots to rot, either because too much water has been applied or because the substrate used does not have a good drainage capacity.
When water accumulates around the roots it creates an environment that is perfect for proliferation of fungal pathogens which can kill the plant.
To know if this is one of the problems with the elephant ear plant you have at home, pay attention to these symptoms:
- Yellow or brown leaves that wither and eventually fall off.
- Stems that soften and show weakness.
- Unpleasant odor coming from the substrate.
- Blackened and soft roots with a rotten appearance.
The solution is to apply less water and reduce the frequency of watering, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings. If the case is severe, try the following:
- Remove the plant from the pot, remove the substrate and cut off any rotten roots with disinfected scissors.
- Let the rest of the roots air dry for a day or two.
- Apply a specific fungicide for the roots.
- Plant in a clean pot with new substrate that has good drainage capacity.
2. Brown spots on leaves
The brown spots on leaves They are a common problem in many plants, the causes of which can be very varied. In the case of the elephant ear plant, this can occur if we have exposed it directly to the sun, if we are not watering properly and even if a fungal infection is occurring.
What we will notice is that brown or black spots begin to appear on the leaves, which spread and dry out the affected parts. If these spots appear surrounded by a yellow halo, this is symptom of a fungal infection.
The solution depends on what the origin of the problem is:
- Irrigation and humidity. If the cause is inadequate watering, make sure the plant is getting enough moisture and that you are watering as frequently as recommended.
- Light. In case of incorrect sun exposure, move the pot to a place where the plant receives bright, indirect light. If you have it located in front of a window, use a curtain to help filter the light.
- Fungicide. When brown spots are caused by fungi, it is advisable to cut off the affected parts of the leaves and apply a fungicide.
3. Yellow leaves
Another problem with the elephant ear plant is that the leaves take on a yellowish tone as a result of overwatering, lack of nutrients or because they are not receiving enough light. However,This can also be a condition that manifests itself temporarily. if the plant has been exposed to a cold draft or has just been transplanted.
What we see in these cases is that the leaves lose their green color and turn yellow. Although the phenomenon usually begins on the oldest leaves, it soon spreads to the new ones and, frequently, causes premature hair loss.
The solution depends on the origin of the problem:
- Irrigation. Adjust the watering frequency by allowing the substrate to dry slightly before adding water again.
- Nutrients During the active growing season (spring and summer) fertilize the plant every four to six weeks.
- Light. Place the pot in a location where it receives bright indirect light.
- Transplant. Provides stable temperature and humidity conditions to reduce the stress that the plant is feeling.
- Air currents. Move the pot to a place where it will not be exposed to them.
4. Falling leaves or wilted leaves
This can be due to lack of water, too much sun, stress from changes and low temperatures. What happens is that the leaves lose their turgidity and bend downwards, and It is common for the edges to turn brown or have a dry appearance.
To avoid this problem you can do the following:
- Make sure the plant is getting enough water.
- Increases the humidity around it.
- Do not expose it directly to the sun.
- Maintain a warm environment, avoiding extreme temperature fluctuations in the room and cold air currents.
5. Brown leaf tips. A classic problem with elephant ear plants
It is not uncommon to see the tips of the leaves turn brown, dry out and shrink in this or other plants. In some cases, this phenomenon It is also associated with yellowing of the leaves.
The solutions we can apply are these:
- Increase the humidity around the plant.
- Apply uniform irrigation, avoiding the use of water with a high salt or chlorine content.
- Wash the substrate occasionally to remove salt build-up. To do this, water it thoroughly and allow it to drain through the drainage holes.
6. Pests
If the plant is weakened by stress, insufficient air circulation or inadequate watering, it is more sensitive to the action of pests such as scale insects, mites and aphids.
The symptoms that alert us to the presence of these insects are:
- Appearance of small yellow spots or discoloration on the leaves.
- Presence of cottony secretions from mealybugs, fine spider webs from mites or small, mobile insects on leaves and stems.
- Leaves that look damaged and weak.
To put an end to this problem we will regularly inspect the leaves to notice any symptoms of infestation. If we detect the presence of insects We are going to clean the leaves with a damp cloth or a cotton swab.
In case of severe infestation, we apply insecticidal soap or neem oil and finally, we increase humidity and ventilation to prevent future infestations.
These are six common problems with the elephant ear plant when we enjoy it as an indoor plant. Luckily, you have just discovered that they are easily solved. Can you tell us your tips for taking care of this beautiful plant?