Troubleshooting
Unequal-leaf Primulina problems — and how to fix them
Unequal-leaf Primulina (Primulina anisophylla) is generally low-drama, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Crown rot at leaf junction
Water pooling between the unequal leaf pairs at the crown creates a reliable site for rot; bottom-watering is strongly recommended for this species, and any affected tissue should be removed immediately with a clean blade.
Mealybugs under unequal leaf axils
The sheltered undersides of the smaller leaf of each pair are a favoured hiding place for mealybugs; inspect the axils of both leaves at each node carefully during routine checks and treat early infestations with isopropyl alcohol.
Prevent unequal-leaf primulina problems before they start
Most unequal-leaf primulina issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Unequal-leaf Primulina problems — FAQ
Why is my unequal-leaf primulina crown rot at leaf junction?
Water pooling between the unequal leaf pairs at the crown creates a reliable site for rot; bottom-watering is strongly recommended for this species, and any affected tissue should be removed immediately with a clean blade.
Why is my unequal-leaf primulina mealybugs under unequal leaf axils?
The sheltered undersides of the smaller leaf of each pair are a favoured hiding place for mealybugs; inspect the axils of both leaves at each node carefully during routine checks and treat early infestations with isopropyl alcohol.