Troubleshooting
Cliff Cotyledon problems — and how to fix them
Cliff Cotyledon (Cotyledon barbeyi) 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.
Fungal leaf spots
Brown or blackish circular spots, often in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and treat with a copper-based fungicide if severe.
Stem rot at the base
Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The lower stem turns soft and dark. Remove affected tissue, allow to dry, dust with sulphur powder, and repot in fresh dry mix.
Mealybugs
White waxy insects in leaf axils or stem joints. Treat promptly with isopropyl alcohol swabs or a systemic insecticide. Mealybugs spread quickly to neighbouring plants.
Prevent cliff cotyledon problems before they start
Most cliff cotyledon issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Cliff Cotyledon problems — FAQ
Why is my cliff cotyledon fungal leaf spots?
Brown or blackish circular spots, often in humid or poorly ventilated conditions. Improve airflow, avoid overhead watering, and treat with a copper-based fungicide if severe.
Why is my cliff cotyledon stem rot at the base?
Caused by overwatering or poor drainage. The lower stem turns soft and dark. Remove affected tissue, allow to dry, dust with sulphur powder, and repot in fresh dry mix.
Why is my cliff cotyledon mealybugs?
White waxy insects in leaf axils or stem joints. Treat promptly with isopropyl alcohol swabs or a systemic insecticide. Mealybugs spread quickly to neighbouring plants.