Troubleshooting
Columnea problems — and how to fix them
Columnea (Columnea gloriosa) 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.
Leaf drop and brown tips
Almost always low humidity or dry air, sometimes draughts or under/overwatering. Raise humidity and keep conditions steady to hold its leaves and buds.
Few or no flowers
Caused by too little light or a missed cool, slightly drier winter rest, which many gesneriads need to set buds. Give bright indirect light and a short, cooler dormancy.
Root and stem rot
From cold, soggy compost. Use a free-draining epiphytic mix, water with tepid water, and avoid leaving the pot standing in water.
Aphids and mealybugs
Cluster on soft new growth and buds. Inspect regularly, wipe off mealybugs with diluted alcohol, and treat aphids with insecticidal soap.
Prevent columnea problems before they start
Most columnea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Columnea varieties: common problems
Looking for columnea in general rather than its problems? Read the full columnea care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Columnea problems — FAQ
Why is my columnea leaf drop and brown tips?
Almost always low humidity or dry air, sometimes draughts or under/overwatering. Raise humidity and keep conditions steady to hold its leaves and buds.
Why is my columnea few or no flowers?
Caused by too little light or a missed cool, slightly drier winter rest, which many gesneriads need to set buds. Give bright indirect light and a short, cooler dormancy.
Why is my columnea root and stem rot?
From cold, soggy compost. Use a free-draining epiphytic mix, water with tepid water, and avoid leaving the pot standing in water.
Why is my columnea aphids and mealybugs?
Cluster on soft new growth and buds. Inspect regularly, wipe off mealybugs with diluted alcohol, and treat aphids with insecticidal soap.