Colocasia 'Pink China' problems — and how to fix them

The most common indoor pest, especially in dry air. They stipple leaves with tiny yellow-white spots and spin fine webbing on the undersides. Raise humidity, rinse foliage, and treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Usually a watering or feeding issue. Most often from underwatering or skipped feeding, but persistent sogginess in cool conditions, or pest damage, can also yellow leaves. Check moisture, light and the leaf undersides before adjusting.

Cold, waterlogged, poorly aerated soil rots the corm and roots, causing wilting and collapse. This plant loves moisture but needs warmth and rich, aerated soil; ease off watering in cool dormancy.

Harsh midday sun on hot days, or overfeeding, can scorch the large thin leaves brown at the edges. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates and avoid excess fertiliser.

Wet foliage and poor airflow can bring brown or water-soaked leaf spots. Improve air circulation, avoid wetting leaves late in the day, and remove badly affected foliage.

Growth slows or stops and leaves die back when temperatures fall below roughly 21C (70F). This is normal; reduce watering and keep the corm cool, frost-free and barely moist until spring.