Troubleshooting
Botterboom problems — and how to fix them
Botterboom (Tylecodon paniculatus) 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.
Caudex rot from summer watering
Watering too freely during summer dormancy is the most common cause of death. The caudex cannot process moisture when leaves have dropped. Virtually cease watering from leaf-drop until the first new leaves appear in autumn.
Failure to develop caudex
Insufficient light prevents the plant from building up the swollen stem. Move to maximum sun; the caudex thickens only under high light conditions over several growing seasons.
Leaf drop outside dormancy
If leaves drop in winter (active season), overwatering or cold damage is the likely cause rather than natural dormancy. Check soil moisture and temperature; reduce watering and protect from cold draughts.
Prevent botterboom problems before they start
Most botterboom issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Botterboom problems — FAQ
Why is my botterboom caudex rot from summer watering?
Watering too freely during summer dormancy is the most common cause of death. The caudex cannot process moisture when leaves have dropped. Virtually cease watering from leaf-drop until the first new leaves appear in autumn.
Why is my botterboom failure to develop caudex?
Insufficient light prevents the plant from building up the swollen stem. Move to maximum sun; the caudex thickens only under high light conditions over several growing seasons.
Why is my botterboom leaf drop outside dormancy?
If leaves drop in winter (active season), overwatering or cold damage is the likely cause rather than natural dormancy. Check soil moisture and temperature; reduce watering and protect from cold draughts.