Troubleshooting
Pandacaqui problems — and how to fix them
Pandacaqui (Tabernaemontana pandacaqui) 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 from overwatering
The most common cultural problem. Plants wilt despite wet soil. Improve drainage immediately by repotting into a freely-draining mix; trim any black, mushy roots and apply a fungicidal drench (e.g. copper oxychloride).
Scale insects
Brown, waxy scale colonies on stems and undersides of leaves weaken growth. Scrape off with a soft brush, then treat with horticultural oil spray. Repeat every 2 weeks until clear.
Leaf edge browning
Caused by low humidity, salt build-up from tap water, or cold draughts. Flush the soil with clean water periodically to leach accumulated salts, and increase ambient humidity.
Prevent pandacaqui problems before they start
Most pandacaqui issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pandacaqui in general rather than its problems? Read the full pandacaqui care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pandacaqui problems — FAQ
Why is my pandacaqui root rot from overwatering?
The most common cultural problem. Plants wilt despite wet soil. Improve drainage immediately by repotting into a freely-draining mix; trim any black, mushy roots and apply a fungicidal drench (e.g. copper oxychloride).
Why is my pandacaqui scale insects?
Brown, waxy scale colonies on stems and undersides of leaves weaken growth. Scrape off with a soft brush, then treat with horticultural oil spray. Repeat every 2 weeks until clear.
Why is my pandacaqui leaf edge browning?
Caused by low humidity, salt build-up from tap water, or cold draughts. Flush the soil with clean water periodically to leach accumulated salts, and increase ambient humidity.