Troubleshooting
Maughan's Cone Plant problems — and how to fix them
Maughan's Cone Plant (Conophytum maughanii) 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
The primary risk; maintain absolute dryness during the June–August dormancy period.
Old sheaths not shedding
Manually remove papery old sheaths in late August if they do not fall away to allow new growth to emerge.
Stretching
Caused by insufficient direct light; relocate to a brighter position.
Root mealybug
Check the roots when repotting; treat with a systemic insecticide solution if found.
Leaf body splitting
Occasional when watering resumes after a dry spell; let the soil dry slightly between waterings.
Prevent maughan's cone plant problems before they start
Most maughan's cone plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Maughan's Cone Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my maughan's cone plant rot?
The primary risk; maintain absolute dryness during the June–August dormancy period.
Why is my maughan's cone plant old sheaths not shedding?
Manually remove papery old sheaths in late August if they do not fall away to allow new growth to emerge.
Why is my maughan's cone plant stretching?
Caused by insufficient direct light; relocate to a brighter position.
Why is my maughan's cone plant root mealybug?
Check the roots when repotting; treat with a systemic insecticide solution if found.
Why is my maughan's cone plant leaf body splitting?
Occasional when watering resumes after a dry spell; let the soil dry slightly between waterings.