Troubleshooting
Tweedy's Lewisia problems — and how to fix them
Tweedy's Lewisia (Lewisia tweedyi) 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 and summer crown rot
Far more common in cultivation than in the wild due to excess moisture. Plant in a vertical crevice or angled in a trough, protect from prolonged rain, and ensure perfect drainage at all times.
Heat intolerance
Dislikes hot, humid summers. In zones 7–8, provide afternoon shade and excellent ventilation. Cool roots with a grit mulch. Failure to establish is often caused by summer heat rather than winter cold.
Poor germination from seed
Seed germination is slow and erratic. Fresh seed sown in autumn in a cold frame improves results. Many gardeners propagate by carefully removing side rosettes in early summer.
Prevent tweedy's lewisia problems before they start
Most tweedy's lewisia issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Tweedy's Lewisia problems — FAQ
Why is my tweedy's lewisia winter and summer crown rot?
Far more common in cultivation than in the wild due to excess moisture. Plant in a vertical crevice or angled in a trough, protect from prolonged rain, and ensure perfect drainage at all times.
Why is my tweedy's lewisia heat intolerance?
Dislikes hot, humid summers. In zones 7–8, provide afternoon shade and excellent ventilation. Cool roots with a grit mulch. Failure to establish is often caused by summer heat rather than winter cold.
Why is my tweedy's lewisia poor germination from seed?
Seed germination is slow and erratic. Fresh seed sown in autumn in a cold frame improves results. Many gardeners propagate by carefully removing side rosettes in early summer.