Why are the leaves on my Alocasia always drying up even though soil stays wet?

What's likely going on

From the photo, this looks like an Alocasia (often called African mask/Polly). The drooping, papery brown leaves with soil that “is not ever dry” point much more to overwatering and possible root rot than to thirst.

When Alocasia roots sit in wet soil for too long, they rot. Rotten roots can’t move water to the leaves, so the leaves dry, crisp and collapse even though the pot feels wet. A decorative outer pot without drainage, or heavy soil that dries very slowly, can make this worse.

Less likely but possible: very low light or cold drafts slowing growth, so the plant uses less water and stays wet for too long.

What to do

1. Check for drainage
   Make sure the inner pot has holes at the bottom. If it doesn’t, repot into one that does.

2. Inspect the roots
   Gently slide the plant out of the pot. Healthy roots are firm and whitish; rotten ones are brown/black, soft, or smell bad. Cut off all mushy roots with clean scissors.

3. Repot in fresh, airy mix
   Use a mix that drains well: regular potting soil plus 30–40% perlite, bark, or coco chips. Put it back in a pot only slightly larger than the root ball.

4. Adjust watering
   Water thoroughly, then wait until at least the top 2–3 cm of soil are dry before watering again. In cooler, darker rooms this could take a week or more.

5. Give better light and warmth
   Place in bright, indirect light (near a window but not harsh sun) and keep away from cold drafts. Alocasias also appreciate some humidity.

6. Remove dead leaves
   Trim off fully brown, crispy leaves so the plant can focus on new growth.

(Alocasias are toxic if chewed, so keep out of reach of pets and children.)

How to prevent it

• Always use pots with drainage holes.
• Use a chunky, well‑draining mix, not heavy garden soil.
• Water by feeling the soil, not on a fixed schedule.
• In low light or cool seasons, water less often because the soil stays wet longer.

When to worry

• If new leaves also emerge weak, yellow, or collapse quickly.
• If the stem bases get soft and smelly even after repotting.
• If pests (like spider mites) appear on remaining leaves.

If those happen, further root loss or stem rot is likely, and a drastic trim plus repot—or propagating any healthy offsets—may be needed to save the plant.