Plant questions

Real questions from home gardeners, the kind people post with a worried photo, answered by GrowPls: what's likely going on, what to do about it, and when to worry.

Showing questions tagged #leaf-browning · show all

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  monstera

  Why is my Monstera new leaf browning before it fully opens?

  That brown edge on the new leaf is usually from stress while the leaf is still tightly rolled – most often low humidity, underwatering, or the leaf getting stuck and damaged. Check watering, light, and humidity, and focus on helping the next leaf grow in better.

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  protea

  How can I save my potted protea that is browning and sparse?

  The protea in the photo is stressed, likely from a mix of poor drainage/over‑watering and an unsuitable potting mix. Trim back the dead stems, improve drainage, and refresh with a very free‑draining, low‑fertility mix, then water deeply but only when the top of the mix has dried out.

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  variegated monstera

  What should I do with my new variegated Monstera with browned leaves?

  Those badly browned leaves are old damage, not a disease. You can safely cut off the worst ones and let the plant settle in its pot for a few weeks, only repotting if it’s very rootbound.

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  Alocasia (African mask/Polly type)

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

  The soil staying constantly wet is likely causing root rot, so the plant can’t take up water and the leaves dry and die. Let the soil dry out between waterings, check for drainage holes, and repot into a well‑draining mix if the roots look mushy or black.

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  Alocasia (elephant ear type)

  Why are the leaves on my Alocasia turning brown and yellow at the edges?

  Those crispy brown edges and yellowing leaves are usually from stress: too much direct sun and/or watering issues, especially after a recent repot. Move it to bright shade, keep the soil evenly moist (not soggy), and let it recover without extra fertilizer for a while.

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  calathea (prayer plant)

  How can I save my dying calathea (prayer plant) with crispy, drooping leaves?

  This calathea is badly stressed, most likely from a mix of very dry soil at times and root problems from poor watering or low humidity. Check the roots, repot into fresh mix if they’re still firm and pale, cut off the dead leaves, and then keep the soil lightly moist in medium, indirect light.

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