Troubleshooting
Conophytum ficiforme problems — and how to fix them
Conophytum ficiforme (Conophytum ficiforme) 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 from off-season watering
Watering during summer dormancy or overwatering in growth causes the bodies to turn mushy and collapse. Respect the winter-growing cycle and keep dry in summer.
Bodies splitting or bloating
Over-fed, over-watered, or under-lit plants swell and split. Increase light and reduce water and feed to keep them compact.
Stuck old sheaths
Each year a papery old skin should dry around the new body. If kept too wet it can hold moisture and rot the new growth; keep dry during the rest so the sheath dries cleanly.
Mealybugs
White cottony pests hide in the fissures and at the root crown. Treat with an alcohol swab or systemic insecticide and inspect the roots when repotting.
Prevent conophytum ficiforme problems before they start
Most conophytum ficiforme issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for the species overview? Conophytum (Living Pebbles) — the full care guide.
Other Conophytum (Living Pebbles) varieties
Conophytum ficiforme problems — FAQ
Why is my conophytum ficiforme rot from off-season watering?
Watering during summer dormancy or overwatering in growth causes the bodies to turn mushy and collapse. Respect the winter-growing cycle and keep dry in summer.
Why is my conophytum ficiforme bodies splitting or bloating?
Over-fed, over-watered, or under-lit plants swell and split. Increase light and reduce water and feed to keep them compact.
Why is my conophytum ficiforme stuck old sheaths?
Each year a papery old skin should dry around the new body. If kept too wet it can hold moisture and rot the new growth; keep dry during the rest so the sheath dries cleanly.
Why is my conophytum ficiforme mealybugs?
White cottony pests hide in the fissures and at the root crown. Treat with an alcohol swab or systemic insecticide and inspect the roots when repotting.