Troubleshooting
Aeonium Decorum problems — and how to fix them
Aeonium Decorum (Aeonium decorum) is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Leggy, stretched stems
Insufficient light elongates stems and spaces out the rosettes. Move to brighter light and prune leggy stems back; the cuttings can be re-rooted to thicken the plant.
Summer leaf shedding
Dropping lower leaves and curling rosettes during hot, dry summers is normal dormancy. Cut watering back and let it rest rather than overwatering, which causes rot.
Root and stem rot
Overwatering or heavy soil leads to mushy, dark stems. Remove affected tissue, let cuttings callus and replant in dry, fast-draining mix; keep it on the dry side in winter.
Mealybugs
Cottony white pests gather in rosette centres and stem joints. Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab and repeat; quarantine new plants to prevent spread.
Prevent aeonium decorum problems before they start
Most aeonium decorum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for aeonium decorum in general rather than its problems? Read the full aeonium decorum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Aeonium Decorum problems — FAQ
Why is my aeonium decorum leggy, stretched stems?
Insufficient light elongates stems and spaces out the rosettes. Move to brighter light and prune leggy stems back; the cuttings can be re-rooted to thicken the plant.
Why is my aeonium decorum summer leaf shedding?
Dropping lower leaves and curling rosettes during hot, dry summers is normal dormancy. Cut watering back and let it rest rather than overwatering, which causes rot.
Why is my aeonium decorum root and stem rot?
Overwatering or heavy soil leads to mushy, dark stems. Remove affected tissue, let cuttings callus and replant in dry, fast-draining mix; keep it on the dry side in winter.
Why is my aeonium decorum mealybugs?
Cottony white pests gather in rosette centres and stem joints. Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab and repeat; quarantine new plants to prevent spread.