Troubleshooting
Sempervivum 'Oddity' problems — and how to fix them
Sempervivum 'Oddity' (Sempervivum 'Oddity') 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.
Winter-wet rot
Wet, cold soil rots the crown. Provide razor-sharp drainage and keep nearly dry in winter; cut away any soft, blackened rosettes.
Etiolation and lost tube shape
In low light the distinctive tubular leaves loosen and green up. Grow in full sun and cool conditions to keep the form and red tips.
Parent rosette dies after flowering
Each rosette is monocarpic and dies once it blooms. This is normal; the surrounding chicks replace it, so remove only the spent rosette.
Vine weevil and mealybugs
Root-eating weevil larvae and mealybugs can infest clumps. Inspect roots at repotting and treat any infestation early.
Prevent sempervivum 'oddity' problems before they start
Most sempervivum 'oddity' issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for sempervivum 'oddity' in general rather than its problems? Read the full sempervivum 'oddity' care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Sempervivum 'Oddity' problems — FAQ
Why is my sempervivum 'oddity' winter-wet rot?
Wet, cold soil rots the crown. Provide razor-sharp drainage and keep nearly dry in winter; cut away any soft, blackened rosettes.
Why is my sempervivum 'oddity' etiolation and lost tube shape?
In low light the distinctive tubular leaves loosen and green up. Grow in full sun and cool conditions to keep the form and red tips.
Why is my sempervivum 'oddity' parent rosette dies after flowering?
Each rosette is monocarpic and dies once it blooms. This is normal; the surrounding chicks replace it, so remove only the spent rosette.
Why is my sempervivum 'oddity' vine weevil and mealybugs?
Root-eating weevil larvae and mealybugs can infest clumps. Inspect roots at repotting and treat any infestation early.