Troubleshooting
Fringed Houseleek problems — and how to fix them
Fringed Houseleek (Sempervivum ciliosum) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Rosette rot (Botrytis or Pythium)
Water trapped between the tightly packed hairy leaves, especially in cold wet weather, causes the centre of rosettes to turn brown and rot. Improve drainage, remove affected rosettes promptly, and allow air to circulate; avoid overhead watering.
Vine weevil larvae
Adult vine weevils notch the leaf edges of rosettes while larvae destroy the roots, causing plants to detach from the soil and die. Treat container plants with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; remove and inspect lifted plants.
Prevent fringed houseleek problems before they start
Most fringed houseleek issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Fringed Houseleek problems — FAQ
Why is my fringed houseleek rosette rot (botrytis or pythium)?
Water trapped between the tightly packed hairy leaves, especially in cold wet weather, causes the centre of rosettes to turn brown and rot. Improve drainage, remove affected rosettes promptly, and allow air to circulate; avoid overhead watering.
Why is my fringed houseleek vine weevil larvae?
Adult vine weevils notch the leaf edges of rosettes while larvae destroy the roots, causing plants to detach from the soil and die. Treat container plants with Steinernema kraussei nematodes in late summer; remove and inspect lifted plants.