Troubleshooting
Lion's Angraecum problems — and how to fix them
Lion's Angraecum (Angraecum leonis) 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 overly retentive media or insufficient airflow. Roots turn brown and mushy. Switch to a more open bark mix, improve ventilation, and water only when the medium nearly dries.
Leaf puckering
Fleshy leaves wrinkle when the plant is underwatered or kept too dry. Increase watering frequency and check root health — dehydration is common when mounted in low-humidity environments.
Scale insects
Brown scale and mealybugs colonise leaf axils and root junctions. Wipe off manually with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol and treat with a horticultural oil spray.
Prevent lion's angraecum problems before they start
Most lion's angraecum issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- Common lion's angraecum problems — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Lion's Angraecum watering schedule
- Lion's Angraecum light requirements
- Best soil mix for lion's angraecum
- Lion's Angraecum temperature & humidity
- Full lion's angraecum care guide
Looking for lion's angraecum in general rather than its problems? Read the full lion's angraecum care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Lion's Angraecum problems — FAQ
Why is my lion's angraecum root rot?
Caused by overly retentive media or insufficient airflow. Roots turn brown and mushy. Switch to a more open bark mix, improve ventilation, and water only when the medium nearly dries.
Why is my lion's angraecum leaf puckering?
Fleshy leaves wrinkle when the plant is underwatered or kept too dry. Increase watering frequency and check root health — dehydration is common when mounted in low-humidity environments.
Why is my lion's angraecum scale insects?
Brown scale and mealybugs colonise leaf axils and root junctions. Wipe off manually with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol and treat with a horticultural oil spray.