Troubleshooting
Hairy Bertolonia problems — and how to fix them
Hairy Bertolonia (Bertolonia hirsuta) 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.
Leaf margin desiccation
Brown, crispy leaf edges indicate humidity below the plant's threshold. Move to a terrarium or enclose in a humidity tent; ambient room humidity is rarely sufficient.
Botrytis (grey mould)
The hairy, moisture-trapping leaves are prone to Botrytis cinerea in stagnant high-humidity conditions. Ensure gentle air circulation inside the terrarium and avoid overhead watering.
Root rot from overwatering
Fine roots are vulnerable to waterlogged media. Use a very free-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water consistently but never allow the pot to sit in standing water.
Prevent hairy bertolonia problems before they start
Most hairy bertolonia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Hairy Bertolonia problems — FAQ
Why is my hairy bertolonia leaf margin desiccation?
Brown, crispy leaf edges indicate humidity below the plant's threshold. Move to a terrarium or enclose in a humidity tent; ambient room humidity is rarely sufficient.
Why is my hairy bertolonia botrytis (grey mould)?
The hairy, moisture-trapping leaves are prone to Botrytis cinerea in stagnant high-humidity conditions. Ensure gentle air circulation inside the terrarium and avoid overhead watering.
Why is my hairy bertolonia root rot from overwatering?
Fine roots are vulnerable to waterlogged media. Use a very free-draining mix and a pot with drainage holes. Water consistently but never allow the pot to sit in standing water.