Troubleshooting
Nahoum's Alcantarea problems — and how to fix them
Nahoum's Alcantarea (Alcantarea nahoumii) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Root and crown rot from poor drainage
The single most common failure; this cliff-dwelling species cannot tolerate waterlogged roots — use only a very fast-draining grit-and-bark mix, choose a pot with generous drainage holes, and never stand it in a saucer of water.
Leaf scorch in shade
Paradoxically, insufficient light is as damaging as overwatering: Alcantarea nahoumii evolved in full sun and becomes etiolated and pale in low light, losing its ornamental rosette symmetry and failing to build the energy reserves needed to flower. Maximise light exposure.
Prevent nahoum's alcantarea problems before they start
Most nahoum's alcantarea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Nahoum's Alcantarea problems — FAQ
Why is my nahoum's alcantarea root and crown rot from poor drainage?
The single most common failure; this cliff-dwelling species cannot tolerate waterlogged roots — use only a very fast-draining grit-and-bark mix, choose a pot with generous drainage holes, and never stand it in a saucer of water.
Why is my nahoum's alcantarea leaf scorch in shade?
Paradoxically, insufficient light is as damaging as overwatering: Alcantarea nahoumii evolved in full sun and becomes etiolated and pale in low light, losing its ornamental rosette symmetry and failing to build the energy reserves needed to flower. Maximise light exposure.