Troubleshooting
Blood-red Bertolonia problems — and how to fix them
Blood-red Bertolonia (Bertolonia sanguinea) 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.
Loss of red underside colour
The vivid crimson pigmentation on the leaf reverse fades with excessive light or insufficient warmth. Maintain shaded indirect light and keep temperatures above 19°C year-round.
Leaf browning and collapse
Usually caused by low humidity or cold draughts. Temperatures below 15°C or sudden drops cause rapid cell damage. Relocate to a warm, stable, high-humidity environment.
Fungal leaf spots
Water trapped on the velvety leaves in stagnant air encourages fungal lesions. Water at the base only, and ensure gentle but consistent air movement inside the terrarium enclosure.
Prevent blood-red bertolonia problems before they start
Most blood-red bertolonia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Blood-red Bertolonia problems — FAQ
Why is my blood-red bertolonia loss of red underside colour?
The vivid crimson pigmentation on the leaf reverse fades with excessive light or insufficient warmth. Maintain shaded indirect light and keep temperatures above 19°C year-round.
Why is my blood-red bertolonia leaf browning and collapse?
Usually caused by low humidity or cold draughts. Temperatures below 15°C or sudden drops cause rapid cell damage. Relocate to a warm, stable, high-humidity environment.
Why is my blood-red bertolonia fungal leaf spots?
Water trapped on the velvety leaves in stagnant air encourages fungal lesions. Water at the base only, and ensure gentle but consistent air movement inside the terrarium enclosure.