Troubleshooting
Curly Racinaea problems — and how to fix them
Curly Racinaea (Racinaea crispa) 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 at the growing centre
Water trapped in the crisped leaves can lead to crown rot if air circulation is insufficient. After misting, ensure the plant is positioned where air can circulate freely.
Trichome damage
Handling the silver-scaled leaves with wet or oily hands can dull or remove the trichomes, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water. Handle by the base where possible.
Mite infestations
Spider mites can colonise the wavy leaf surfaces in warm, dry conditions. Increase humidity and treat with a dilute insecticidal soap spray.
Failure to attach to mount
Roots may be slow to develop on new mounts. Ensure the base is held firmly against the substrate and maintain consistently high humidity to encourage rooting.
Prevent curly racinaea problems before they start
Most curly racinaea issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Curly Racinaea problems — FAQ
Why is my curly racinaea rot at the growing centre?
Water trapped in the crisped leaves can lead to crown rot if air circulation is insufficient. After misting, ensure the plant is positioned where air can circulate freely.
Why is my curly racinaea trichome damage?
Handling the silver-scaled leaves with wet or oily hands can dull or remove the trichomes, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water. Handle by the base where possible.
Why is my curly racinaea mite infestations?
Spider mites can colonise the wavy leaf surfaces in warm, dry conditions. Increase humidity and treat with a dilute insecticidal soap spray.
Why is my curly racinaea failure to attach to mount?
Roots may be slow to develop on new mounts. Ensure the base is held firmly against the substrate and maintain consistently high humidity to encourage rooting.