Troubleshooting
Large-Leaf Lycaste problems — and how to fix them
Large-Leaf Lycaste (Lycaste macrophylla) 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.
Crown rot in new growths
The broad leaf bases trap water easily. Always water at the base of the pot and ensure strong airflow. At first sign of soft brown tissue, remove affected material and apply a fungicide powder or spray.
Spider mites in dry conditions
Common under low humidity, especially indoors in winter. Look for fine webbing and bronze leaf stippling. Increase humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and treat with neem oil or an appropriate miticide.
Sparse flowering
Requires a modest cool-dry rest in winter (reduce watering and allow temperatures to drop to 14–16°C at night) to initiate multiple flower spikes per pseudobulb. Insufficient rest results in leaf-only growth.
Prevent large-leaf lycaste problems before they start
Most large-leaf lycaste issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Large-Leaf Lycaste problems — FAQ
Why is my large-leaf lycaste crown rot in new growths?
The broad leaf bases trap water easily. Always water at the base of the pot and ensure strong airflow. At first sign of soft brown tissue, remove affected material and apply a fungicide powder or spray.
Why is my large-leaf lycaste spider mites in dry conditions?
Common under low humidity, especially indoors in winter. Look for fine webbing and bronze leaf stippling. Increase humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and treat with neem oil or an appropriate miticide.
Why is my large-leaf lycaste sparse flowering?
Requires a modest cool-dry rest in winter (reduce watering and allow temperatures to drop to 14–16°C at night) to initiate multiple flower spikes per pseudobulb. Insufficient rest results in leaf-only growth.