Troubleshooting
Swollen-stem Tylecodon problems — and how to fix them
Swollen-stem Tylecodon (Tylecodon ventricosus) 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.
Root and stem rot from summer watering
Watering during summer dormancy when the plant has dropped its leaves is the leading cause of death. The swollen caudex stores sufficient water through dormancy. Withhold water from June to September.
Caudex buried too deep
Planting the swollen stem below the soil surface traps moisture at the most rot-susceptible zone. Position the plant so the narrow neck between caudex and roots sits just at or above the soil surface.
Mealy bugs on roots
Root mealy bugs are common and often undetected until the plant declines. Inspect roots when repotting and treat with a systemic insecticide drench. Above-ground mealy bugs respond to diluted neem oil or isopropyl alcohol.
Prevent swollen-stem tylecodon problems before they start
Most swollen-stem tylecodon issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Swollen-stem Tylecodon problems — FAQ
Why is my swollen-stem tylecodon root and stem rot from summer watering?
Watering during summer dormancy when the plant has dropped its leaves is the leading cause of death. The swollen caudex stores sufficient water through dormancy. Withhold water from June to September.
Why is my swollen-stem tylecodon caudex buried too deep?
Planting the swollen stem below the soil surface traps moisture at the most rot-susceptible zone. Position the plant so the narrow neck between caudex and roots sits just at or above the soil surface.
Why is my swollen-stem tylecodon mealy bugs on roots?
Root mealy bugs are common and often undetected until the plant declines. Inspect roots when repotting and treat with a systemic insecticide drench. Above-ground mealy bugs respond to diluted neem oil or isopropyl alcohol.