Saving an Alocasia (Elephant Ear) from Brown Tips, Yellowing, and Mealybugs

An Alocasia (elephant ear) showed brown leaf tips progressing to yellowing and death, plus a mealybug infestation.

Primary Causes of Brown Tips

• Low humidity – Alocasia needs high humidity.
• Water quality – Fluoride, chlorine, and hard‑water minerals in tap water burn leaf tips.

Corrective Measures

1. Use distilled water exclusively.
2. Increase humidity: set the pot on a pebble tray half‑filled with water (pot not sitting in water), group with other plants, and mist lightly morning and evening.
3. Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; water thoroughly until a little drains out, then empty the tray.
4. Use a well‑draining mix: commercial potting soil amended with extra perlite and vermiculite.
5. Provide bright, indirect light (curtain‑filtered east or west window).
6. Inspect frequently for pests. For mealybugs, dab with alcohol‑soaked cotton swabs or spray with alcohol solution.