Troubleshooting
Pleiospilos bolusii problems — and how to fix them
Pleiospilos bolusii (Pleiospilos bolusii) 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.
Rot from overwatering
The leading cause of death. Water at the wrong season or too often and the leaves bloat, split and rot. Follow the spring/autumn growth-cycle watering and keep dry in summer and winter.
Excess leaf pairs / stacking
Watering while the old leaf pair is still being absorbed causes the plant to stack multiple pairs unnaturally instead of replacing them. Withhold water as new leaves emerge to let the old pair dry up.
Etiolation
Too little light makes leaves grow tall, pale and soft, losing the stone-like dome shape. Provide the strongest direct light available.
Mealybugs and root mealybugs
Pests hide in the central fissure and around the roots. Inspect at repotting and treat with alcohol or a systemic insecticide as needed.
Prevent pleiospilos bolusii problems before they start
Most pleiospilos bolusii issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pleiospilos bolusii in general rather than its problems? Read the full pleiospilos bolusii care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pleiospilos bolusii problems — FAQ
Why is my pleiospilos bolusii rot from overwatering?
The leading cause of death. Water at the wrong season or too often and the leaves bloat, split and rot. Follow the spring/autumn growth-cycle watering and keep dry in summer and winter.
Why is my pleiospilos bolusii excess leaf pairs / stacking?
Watering while the old leaf pair is still being absorbed causes the plant to stack multiple pairs unnaturally instead of replacing them. Withhold water as new leaves emerge to let the old pair dry up.
Why is my pleiospilos bolusii etiolation?
Too little light makes leaves grow tall, pale and soft, losing the stone-like dome shape. Provide the strongest direct light available.
Why is my pleiospilos bolusii mealybugs and root mealybugs?
Pests hide in the central fissure and around the roots. Inspect at repotting and treat with alcohol or a systemic insecticide as needed.