---
title: "My Alocasia dragon scale has been very unhappy and has started to…"
description: "My Alocasia dragon scale has been very unhappy and has started to kill off leaves. Suspecting overwatering, but unsure if I should do anything in the meantime…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/5xBoD4gi4SWoKa0VoKLEP4"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "PetRock"
published: "2025-12-10T16:33:37.710223Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ps1GebeyV7ZgLcKKRrMm5hOlMTv6ksKqefz8rtVdBxU/weafsIokT_SEQ8SJhE_CKA.webp?size=large"
---

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# My Alocasia dragon scale has been very unhappy and has started to…

_Posted by PetRock on 2025-12-10_

My Alocasia dragon scale has been very unhappy and has started to kill off leaves. Suspecting overwatering, but unsure if I should do anything in the meantime to help it out. It’s potted in coconut coir/ potting soil mix for drainage, and doesn’t get much direct sunlight (all my windows are SW facing, but blocked by taller buildings). Any suggestions? Tips? Thanks!

![Attachment 1 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ps1GebeyV7ZgLcKKRrMm5hOlMTv6ksKqefz8rtVdBxU/weafsIokT_SEQ8SJhE_CKA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 2 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ps1GebeyV7ZgLcKKRrMm5hOlMTv6ksKqefz8rtVdBxU/9Xn5GV6uSF2wolnRjEfH1Q.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 3 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ps1GebeyV7ZgLcKKRrMm5hOlMTv6ksKqefz8rtVdBxU/2STuoPuPQxiuZP7vxMF_SA.webp?size=large)

![Attachment 4 of 4](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/Ps1GebeyV7ZgLcKKRrMm5hOlMTv6ksKqefz8rtVdBxU/5J05ZhqETK-iDDWgVXNSfA.webp?size=large)

## 8 comments

### Plant Newbie commented on 2025-12-10

When in doubt I add a grow light, these are nice ones \& affordable.  
💡 🪴 😀

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/aej-Wk7cXRHwuhyXLYOR1qPyjEyvNtE1AGYoQUv7FSE/cUXj0I8_TM-Wjpb0jo2WsA.webp?size=large)

#### PetRock replied on 2025-12-11

Will definitely get some grow lights!

### Debbie commented on 2025-12-10

And I’d check roots to make sure no rot. Add perlite and orchid bark to mix to make it chunkier also. So grow lights for sure and my advice. Good luck.

### Ryan commented on 2025-12-10

Another idea is to put it in a bigger pot :)

#### Waspinator replied on 2025-12-10

Not bigger. Smaller. Alocasias appreciate a relatively tight fit, and tend to have a small root mass in proportion to the overall plant. Oversized pots can retain too much moisture at the sides and bottom while it gets used in the middle, which can cause rot. Ideal fit for most plants is about 1-2 inches of pot diameter larger than the root ball

#### Ryan replied on 2025-12-10

Oh! Thank you for letting me know! I’ll keep that in mind for my plants at home. :)

#### PetRock replied on 2025-12-11

Interesting! Thanks for the tip!

### Waspinator commented on 2025-12-10

Yep, likely overwatering. Check for root rot and improve drainage, especially at the bottom of the pot. You might want to downsize the pot a bit. Alocasias are also drama queens, so it might shock and throw a tantrum from the repot

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