Troubleshooting
Bolivian Columnea problems — and how to fix them
Bolivian Columnea (Columnea boliviensis) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Failure to flower
Most commonly caused by insufficient light or overly high winter temperatures; a brief cool period (around 16 °C) combined with reduced watering in winter encourages the next flush of blooms.
Aphids
Soft new growth attracts aphid colonies; check stem tips regularly and remove infestations with a strong jet of water or treat with insecticidal soap, repeating every five to seven days until clear.
Prevent bolivian columnea problems before they start
Most bolivian columnea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Bolivian Columnea problems — FAQ
Why is my bolivian columnea failure to flower?
Most commonly caused by insufficient light or overly high winter temperatures; a brief cool period (around 16 °C) combined with reduced watering in winter encourages the next flush of blooms.
Why is my bolivian columnea aphids?
Soft new growth attracts aphid colonies; check stem tips regularly and remove infestations with a strong jet of water or treat with insecticidal soap, repeating every five to seven days until clear.