Troubleshooting
Kohleria problems — and how to fix them
Kohleria (Kohleria eriantha) 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.
Stems dying back
Usually natural dormancy rather than a problem. Reduce watering, keep the rhizomes cool and barely moist, and growth restarts within weeks to a couple of months.
Leaf spotting and marks
Cold water or droplets sitting on the hairy leaves cause pale or brown blotches. Water at the soil with tepid water and avoid wetting the foliage.
Leggy growth, few flowers
A sign of insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot with bright indirect light and pinch stem tips to encourage bushier, more floriferous growth.
Spider mites and mealybugs
Favoured by dry air; check leaf undersides and joints. Raise humidity, isolate the plant, and treat with insecticidal soap or dab mealybugs with diluted alcohol.
Prevent kohleria problems before they start
Most kohleria issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Kohleria varieties: common problems
Looking for kohleria in general rather than its problems? Read the full kohleria care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Kohleria problems — FAQ
Why is my kohleria stems dying back?
Usually natural dormancy rather than a problem. Reduce watering, keep the rhizomes cool and barely moist, and growth restarts within weeks to a couple of months.
Why is my kohleria leaf spotting and marks?
Cold water or droplets sitting on the hairy leaves cause pale or brown blotches. Water at the soil with tepid water and avoid wetting the foliage.
Why is my kohleria leggy growth, few flowers?
A sign of insufficient light. Move to a brighter spot with bright indirect light and pinch stem tips to encourage bushier, more floriferous growth.
Why is my kohleria spider mites and mealybugs?
Favoured by dry air; check leaf undersides and joints. Raise humidity, isolate the plant, and treat with insecticidal soap or dab mealybugs with diluted alcohol.