After I noticed red spider mites on my Colocasia, I jumped the gun and sprayed all of the leaves with a spray that has Pyrethins 0.015%, Canola oil 1%. Within a few days, nearly all of the leaves started dying. :( I only have 4 leaves left, 2 of which are also badly damaged. I cut the burnt leaves off, leaving a 4" stem for each. I feel so bad. She was doing so well before I sprayed. Should I feed her to help her regenerate more leaves or just keep her moist and let her do the rest?
Here's a closer look at one of the scorched leaves. The small green plants in the first pic are week-old scarlet runner beans I planted after they sprouted on their own inside a very moist pod. I know it's weird. ;)
Cut the leaves that are damaged and the stems too, cut them close to the base of the plant. Once you cut a leaf from the stem, the stem turns mushy so you should cut it off. The plant will recover and grow new leaves. Elephant ears are sensitive to most chemicals and the leaves burn easily. For spidermites, I just wash the leaves with plain water, if you do it several times, the mites get the message and leave! The mites seem to love the black leaved ones best.
When I move my ears, I cut all the leaves off except the newest leaf, so it won't hurt the plant if you have to remove most of it's leaves. Hope this helps.
My Alocasia "frydek" has a couple of leaves with what looks like "powdery mildew" on them. Would it be best just to cut them off instead of trying to treat for it? This plant was also sprayed with the pyrethins spray with about half of the leaves damaged.
OH NO .... I sprayed my with something too..... They looked alright last night and I didn't notice any burning..... I'm going to check them tonight .......this is all good advice thanks for info.......
