Troubleshooting
Two-Lobed Cone Plant problems — and how to fix them
Two-Lobed Cone Plant (Conophytum bilobum) 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.
Rot during summer dormancy
Watering in summer is fatal. The plant must stay completely dry from April/May through August.
Shrivelling papery sheath
Normal summer dormancy behaviour — the plant wraps itself in a protective papery coat. Do not attempt to remove or water.
Failure to flower
Caused by watering at the wrong time or insufficient summer rest. Ensure a completely dry summer period.
Etiolation
Insufficient light causes elongated, pale bodies. Increase direct sun exposure gradually.
Mealybugs
Can shelter under the papery sheath. Treat carefully with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
Prevent two-lobed cone plant problems before they start
Most two-lobed cone plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Two-Lobed Cone Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my two-lobed cone plant rot during summer dormancy?
Watering in summer is fatal. The plant must stay completely dry from April/May through August.
Why is my two-lobed cone plant shrivelling papery sheath?
Normal summer dormancy behaviour — the plant wraps itself in a protective papery coat. Do not attempt to remove or water.
Why is my two-lobed cone plant failure to flower?
Caused by watering at the wrong time or insufficient summer rest. Ensure a completely dry summer period.
Why is my two-lobed cone plant etiolation?
Insufficient light causes elongated, pale bodies. Increase direct sun exposure gradually.
Why is my two-lobed cone plant mealybugs?
Can shelter under the papery sheath. Treat carefully with a cotton bud dipped in isopropyl alcohol.