Troubleshooting
Short-Sepalled Lewisia problems — and how to fix them
Short-Sepalled Lewisia (Lewisia brachycalyx) 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.
Summer dormancy rot
Rain or irrigation reaching the dormant caudex almost always causes fatal fungal rot. Keep completely dry from the time foliage dies back until early autumn regrowth, using a cloche or alpine-house placement where summer rainfall is common.
Aphids under glass
Greenfly can colonise young spring growth, especially when plants are grown in an alpine house. Inspect regularly in early spring and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or introduce biological controls.
Slugs and snails outdoors
Fleshy rosette leaves are very attractive to slugs in spring. Apply a sharp-grit topdressing and use wildlife-safe slug pellets; damage to the leaves before flowering can significantly reduce the floral display.
Prevent short-sepalled lewisia problems before they start
Most short-sepalled lewisia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Short-Sepalled Lewisia problems — FAQ
Why is my short-sepalled lewisia summer dormancy rot?
Rain or irrigation reaching the dormant caudex almost always causes fatal fungal rot. Keep completely dry from the time foliage dies back until early autumn regrowth, using a cloche or alpine-house placement where summer rainfall is common.
Why is my short-sepalled lewisia aphids under glass?
Greenfly can colonise young spring growth, especially when plants are grown in an alpine house. Inspect regularly in early spring and treat promptly with insecticidal soap or introduce biological controls.
Why is my short-sepalled lewisia slugs and snails outdoors?
Fleshy rosette leaves are very attractive to slugs in spring. Apply a sharp-grit topdressing and use wildlife-safe slug pellets; damage to the leaves before flowering can significantly reduce the floral display.