Troubleshooting
Burchard's Caralluma problems — and how to fix them
Burchard's Caralluma (Caralluma burchardii) 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.
Stem base rot
Soft, dark discolouration at the stem base is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected stems with a clean blade, allow to callous, and repot into fresh dry gritty mix.
Flower odour attracting flies
The carrion-scented flowers attract blowflies for pollination — this is natural. Move the plant outdoors during flowering if the odour is unpleasant indoors, or remove spent flower clusters promptly.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs hide in stem angles and between ribs. Treat with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol for small infestations, or apply a systemic insecticide for severe cases.
Prevent burchard's caralluma problems before they start
Most burchard's caralluma issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for burchard's caralluma in general rather than its problems? Read the full burchard's caralluma care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Burchard's Caralluma problems — FAQ
Why is my burchard's caralluma stem base rot?
Soft, dark discolouration at the stem base is usually caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Remove affected stems with a clean blade, allow to callous, and repot into fresh dry gritty mix.
Why is my burchard's caralluma flower odour attracting flies?
The carrion-scented flowers attract blowflies for pollination — this is natural. Move the plant outdoors during flowering if the odour is unpleasant indoors, or remove spent flower clusters promptly.
Why is my burchard's caralluma mealybugs?
Mealybugs hide in stem angles and between ribs. Treat with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol for small infestations, or apply a systemic insecticide for severe cases.