Troubleshooting
Dinteranthus microspermus problems — and how to fix them
Dinteranthus microspermus (Dinteranthus microspermus) 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 excess moisture
Highly susceptible. Watering in summer or winter dormancy, or in a soil that holds water, turns the body translucent and mushy fast. Keep dry during rest and use a sharply draining mineral mix.
Failure to shed the old leaf pair
Watering too much during the renewal phase keeps old leaves plump and traps the new pair. Withhold water so the old pair shrivels and is absorbed.
Etiolation
Low light makes the body elongate, pale and soft. Provide direct sun or supplement with a grow light to keep it compact.
Mealybugs
Cottony pests lodge in the leaf fissure and around the roots. Check regularly, especially at repotting, and spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol.
Prevent dinteranthus microspermus problems before they start
Most dinteranthus microspermus issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for dinteranthus microspermus in general rather than its problems? Read the full dinteranthus microspermus care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Dinteranthus microspermus problems — FAQ
Why is my dinteranthus microspermus rot from excess moisture?
Highly susceptible. Watering in summer or winter dormancy, or in a soil that holds water, turns the body translucent and mushy fast. Keep dry during rest and use a sharply draining mineral mix.
Why is my dinteranthus microspermus failure to shed the old leaf pair?
Watering too much during the renewal phase keeps old leaves plump and traps the new pair. Withhold water so the old pair shrivels and is absorbed.
Why is my dinteranthus microspermus etiolation?
Low light makes the body elongate, pale and soft. Provide direct sun or supplement with a grow light to keep it compact.
Why is my dinteranthus microspermus mealybugs?
Cottony pests lodge in the leaf fissure and around the roots. Check regularly, especially at repotting, and spot-treat with isopropyl alcohol.