Troubleshooting
Contrayerba problems — and how to fix them
Contrayerba (Dorstenia contrajerva) 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.
Rhizome rot
Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. The stem base turns soft and brown. Remove affected tissue, dust with sulphur powder, and repot into fresh dry mix, allowing the wound to callous before re-watering.
Leaf curl and tip burn
Usually a response to low humidity or dry air from heating systems. Increase ambient humidity to 55%+ and move the plant away from direct heat sources.
Fungus gnats
The humus-rich moist soil attracts fungus gnat larvae that damage fine roots. Allow the topsoil to dry more between waterings and apply a Steinernema feltiae nematode drench as a biological control.
Prevent contrayerba problems before they start
Most contrayerba issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Contrayerba problems — FAQ
Why is my contrayerba rhizome rot?
Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil. The stem base turns soft and brown. Remove affected tissue, dust with sulphur powder, and repot into fresh dry mix, allowing the wound to callous before re-watering.
Why is my contrayerba leaf curl and tip burn?
Usually a response to low humidity or dry air from heating systems. Increase ambient humidity to 55%+ and move the plant away from direct heat sources.
Why is my contrayerba fungus gnats?
The humus-rich moist soil attracts fungus gnat larvae that damage fine roots. Allow the topsoil to dry more between waterings and apply a Steinernema feltiae nematode drench as a biological control.