Hi all,

A long-time lurker here, moved from NYC to Jersey City, NJ very recently after getting married. We now have a balcony and many bright south-facing windows so I have been diving into research for plants come spring! So excited.

I have a little family of succulents that seemed to thrive in our new apartment initially (over one month). Not sure what changed, but suddenly three are in rough shape. I included photos. I have had these babies since August 2016 and they declined over the past 1.5 weeks.

I have ordered gritty mix soil (Bonsai Jack, arrives Thursday) and know the candle votives we received these in (no drainage) need to be replaced ASAP for planters that allow for total drainage. Trying to locate a good option for when the soil arrives on Thursday.

The plants live on a sunny window ledge with southern light. On dark days I put them under LED plant lights for about seven hours. About 2.5 feet between the lights and the succulents. I water once a week, only when the soil feels extremely dry, and sparingly - actually I mist the water into the soil.

I have experienced a lot of loss the past several months and caring for these succulents has become very important to me.

Would deeply appreciate your advice. I'm a newbie and humble! :) Is this root rot? Just normal? How to nurture these babies?

Top two photos represent two plants that look the same and are in the same sad state. The third is a photo of a succulent who looks ok on one side but is bald on the other. The last is a photo for reference in case helpful.

With thanks,

Sad Succulents