Troubleshooting
Long-tongue Tongue Plant problems — and how to fix them
Long-tongue Tongue Plant (Glottiphyllum longum) 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.
Root rot
Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil; leaves become mushy at the base. Remove affected roots, dust with sulphur, and repot in dry mix.
Etiolation (stretching)
Pale, elongated leaves indicate insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot with direct sun.
Leaf shrivelling in summer
Some leaf shrivelling during peak summer heat is normal; water sparingly in the evening if severe.
Mealybugs
White cottony clusters appear in leaf axils. Remove with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or treat with neem oil.
Failure to flower
Usually caused by insufficient light or not giving the plant a cool, dry winter rest period.
Prevent long-tongue tongue plant problems before they start
Most long-tongue tongue plant issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Long-tongue Tongue Plant problems — FAQ
Why is my long-tongue tongue plant root rot?
Caused by overwatering or poorly draining soil; leaves become mushy at the base. Remove affected roots, dust with sulphur, and repot in dry mix.
Why is my long-tongue tongue plant etiolation (stretching)?
Pale, elongated leaves indicate insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot with direct sun.
Why is my long-tongue tongue plant leaf shrivelling in summer?
Some leaf shrivelling during peak summer heat is normal; water sparingly in the evening if severe.
Why is my long-tongue tongue plant mealybugs?
White cottony clusters appear in leaf axils. Remove with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or treat with neem oil.
Why is my long-tongue tongue plant failure to flower?
Usually caused by insufficient light or not giving the plant a cool, dry winter rest period.