Troubleshooting
Pleiospilos simulans problems — and how to fix them
Pleiospilos simulans (Pleiospilos simulans) 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 chief killer: off-season or excessive water swells and splits the flat leaves and rots the base. Follow the spring/autumn watering cycle and keep dry in summer and winter.
Stacked leaf pairs
Watering before the old pair is reabsorbed leads to unnatural stacking instead of clean replacement. Withhold water as new leaves emerge.
Etiolation
Too little light makes the leaves tall, soft and green, destroying the flat stone-like form. Give the strongest direct light you can.
Mealybugs and root mealybugs
Pests hide in the central fissure and around the roots. Check at repotting and treat promptly with alcohol or a systemic insecticide.
Prevent pleiospilos simulans problems before they start
Most pleiospilos simulans issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for pleiospilos simulans in general rather than its problems? Read the full pleiospilos simulans care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Pleiospilos simulans problems — FAQ
Why is my pleiospilos simulans rot from overwatering?
The chief killer: off-season or excessive water swells and splits the flat leaves and rots the base. Follow the spring/autumn watering cycle and keep dry in summer and winter.
Why is my pleiospilos simulans stacked leaf pairs?
Watering before the old pair is reabsorbed leads to unnatural stacking instead of clean replacement. Withhold water as new leaves emerge.
Why is my pleiospilos simulans etiolation?
Too little light makes the leaves tall, soft and green, destroying the flat stone-like form. Give the strongest direct light you can.
Why is my pleiospilos simulans mealybugs and root mealybugs?
Pests hide in the central fissure and around the roots. Check at repotting and treat promptly with alcohol or a systemic insecticide.