Troubleshooting
Johnston's Cyrtosperma problems — and how to fix them
Johnston's Cyrtosperma (Cyrtosperma johnstonii) 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 tip and margin browning
Low humidity or any soil drying causes leaf margin scorch and browning. Maintain permanently wet soil and very high ambient humidity. In greenhouse cultivation, use a humidification system or group with other large-leafed tropical aroids.
Root and stem rot in stagnant water
Though it requires waterlogged conditions, completely stagnant, anaerobic water with no oxygen exchange can lead to root rot. Ensure water trays or pools are refreshed regularly and some water movement occurs to prevent anaerobic conditions.
Scale insects
Scale insects colonise stems and petioles in warm, humid greenhouse conditions. Inspect the undersides of leaves and along petioles regularly. Treat light infestations with isopropyl alcohol; use a systemic insecticide for heavier outbreaks.
Prevent johnston's cyrtosperma problems before they start
Most johnston's cyrtosperma issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Johnston's Cyrtosperma problems — FAQ
Why is my johnston's cyrtosperma leaf tip and margin browning?
Low humidity or any soil drying causes leaf margin scorch and browning. Maintain permanently wet soil and very high ambient humidity. In greenhouse cultivation, use a humidification system or group with other large-leafed tropical aroids.
Why is my johnston's cyrtosperma root and stem rot in stagnant water?
Though it requires waterlogged conditions, completely stagnant, anaerobic water with no oxygen exchange can lead to root rot. Ensure water trays or pools are refreshed regularly and some water movement occurs to prevent anaerobic conditions.
Why is my johnston's cyrtosperma scale insects?
Scale insects colonise stems and petioles in warm, humid greenhouse conditions. Inspect the undersides of leaves and along petioles regularly. Treat light infestations with isopropyl alcohol; use a systemic insecticide for heavier outbreaks.