Troubleshooting
Caralluma speciosa problems — and how to fix them
Caralluma speciosa (Caralluma speciosa) 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.
Basal stem rot
The thicker stems hold water and rot readily if overwatered or kept cold and damp. Remove affected tissue and re-root clean cuttings in dry gritty mix.
Mealybugs and root mealybugs
White cottony masses appear in stem angles and around the roots. Treat foliage with alcohol and drench or repot to clear root infestations.
Toppling or etiolated stems
Tall stems flop or stretch in weak light. Provide strong direct sun and stake young growth until it firms up.
Sunburn after sudden exposure
Moving from shade to intense sun bleaches or scars the stems. Acclimatise gradually over a couple of weeks in spring.
Prevent caralluma speciosa problems before they start
Most caralluma speciosa issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for caralluma speciosa in general rather than its problems? Read the full caralluma speciosa care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Caralluma speciosa problems — FAQ
Why is my caralluma speciosa basal stem rot?
The thicker stems hold water and rot readily if overwatered or kept cold and damp. Remove affected tissue and re-root clean cuttings in dry gritty mix.
Why is my caralluma speciosa mealybugs and root mealybugs?
White cottony masses appear in stem angles and around the roots. Treat foliage with alcohol and drench or repot to clear root infestations.
Why is my caralluma speciosa toppling or etiolated stems?
Tall stems flop or stretch in weak light. Provide strong direct sun and stake young growth until it firms up.
Why is my caralluma speciosa sunburn after sudden exposure?
Moving from shade to intense sun bleaches or scars the stems. Acclimatise gradually over a couple of weeks in spring.