Troubleshooting
Cryptanthus 'Ruby' problems — and how to fix them
Cryptanthus 'Ruby' (Cryptanthus 'Ruby') 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.
Red colour fading to green
Insufficient light, or too much nitrogen, drains the ruby tone. Increase bright indirect light and cut fertiliser back to quarter strength.
Root and crown rot
From an overly wet mix or water in the rosette centre. Use a fast-draining medium and water the soil sparingly.
Brown leaf tips
Low humidity or salt and fluoride build-up from tap water. Raise humidity and water with rain or filtered water.
Parent fades after flowering
Each rosette blooms once and then slowly dies, which is normal. Allow the offsets to mature on the parent to carry the plant forward.
Prevent cryptanthus 'ruby' problems before they start
Most cryptanthus 'ruby' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for cryptanthus 'ruby' in general rather than its problems? Read the full cryptanthus 'ruby' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Cryptanthus 'Ruby' problems — FAQ
Why is my cryptanthus 'ruby' red colour fading to green?
Insufficient light, or too much nitrogen, drains the ruby tone. Increase bright indirect light and cut fertiliser back to quarter strength.
Why is my cryptanthus 'ruby' root and crown rot?
From an overly wet mix or water in the rosette centre. Use a fast-draining medium and water the soil sparingly.
Why is my cryptanthus 'ruby' brown leaf tips?
Low humidity or salt and fluoride build-up from tap water. Raise humidity and water with rain or filtered water.
Why is my cryptanthus 'ruby' parent fades after flowering?
Each rosette blooms once and then slowly dies, which is normal. Allow the offsets to mature on the parent to carry the plant forward.