Troubleshooting
Opposite-leaf Cliff Stonecrop problems — and how to fix them
Opposite-leaf Cliff Stonecrop (Prometheum oppositifolium) 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 wet winters
The combination of cold and moisture is lethal. In pot culture, move to an unheated but frost-protected dry location in winter or cover with a cloche to keep the rosette dry.
Monocarpic rosette loss
Flowering rosettes die after setting seed, which can be startling. Ensure offset pups are developing before the parent flowers; remove the spent rosette cleanly to prevent decay spreading.
Poor germination from old seed
Seed viability declines quickly; sow fresh seed in autumn using a cold-stratification period outdoors for best results. Offsetting is a more reliable route than seed propagation.
Prevent opposite-leaf cliff stonecrop problems before they start
Most opposite-leaf cliff stonecrop issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Opposite-leaf Cliff Stonecrop problems — FAQ
Why is my opposite-leaf cliff stonecrop crown rot in wet winters?
The combination of cold and moisture is lethal. In pot culture, move to an unheated but frost-protected dry location in winter or cover with a cloche to keep the rosette dry.
Why is my opposite-leaf cliff stonecrop monocarpic rosette loss?
Flowering rosettes die after setting seed, which can be startling. Ensure offset pups are developing before the parent flowers; remove the spent rosette cleanly to prevent decay spreading.
Why is my opposite-leaf cliff stonecrop poor germination from old seed?
Seed viability declines quickly; sow fresh seed in autumn using a cold-stratification period outdoors for best results. Offsetting is a more reliable route than seed propagation.