Troubleshooting
Fingertips problems — and how to fix them
Fingertips (Dudleya edulis) 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.
Crown rot in summer
Watering during the summer dormant period, especially in warm or humid conditions, almost always leads to crown or root rot. Enter full drought mode from late May through September.
Leaf drop or shrivelling
Some shrivelling of outer leaves in summer is normal as the plant enters dormancy. Excessive shrivelling in the active season signals underwatering or root damage. Check roots for rot before increasing water.
Mealy bugs
Mealybugs collect at leaf bases and between the closely packed leaves. Treat early with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or a systemic insecticide. The dense leaf arrangement makes them easy to miss.
Prevent fingertips problems before they start
Most fingertips issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Fingertips problems — FAQ
Why is my fingertips crown rot in summer?
Watering during the summer dormant period, especially in warm or humid conditions, almost always leads to crown or root rot. Enter full drought mode from late May through September.
Why is my fingertips leaf drop or shrivelling?
Some shrivelling of outer leaves in summer is normal as the plant enters dormancy. Excessive shrivelling in the active season signals underwatering or root damage. Check roots for rot before increasing water.
Why is my fingertips mealy bugs?
Mealybugs collect at leaf bases and between the closely packed leaves. Treat early with rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab or a systemic insecticide. The dense leaf arrangement makes them easy to miss.