Big problem, will my succulent survive?

9 years ago

Second succulent I ever got. Given to by a family member, they had bought it from Home Depot. First week or so, the plant was doing great. Two weeks later, I repotted. I had seen strange browning and yellowing of bottom leaves. I was told to cut it. But you know what? I didn't. It was a stupid decision. I should've cut it. But no, I didn't. And look what's happened. It has been getting worse every day. It was okay a little after removing first browned and yellowed leaves for a few days. Then it got yellow again, and now I have this:

it's getting to the center of the plant.

I watered it once. After I repotted, I havent watered at all.

I've just now put it outside under a covering. I don't want anything happening to my other succulents near it(they're all next to each other in a window until I can find proper lighting). I don't know what will happen to this poor plant. Help is appreciated very much, I will do as much as I can to save it. Before it started turning yellow again, it had very glossy looking leaves.

Thank you:)

Featured Answer

Paul MI

9 years ago

I would simply take cuttings and write off the mother plant. I honestly don't see it surviving as is.

Remove the flower spikes and de-bud each spike. The buds can be discarded, but save the spikes.

Remove the mother plant from the pot and remove all the discolored leaves. Pull off a couple healthy looking leaves like those two at 7 &8 o'clock in your 2nd photo. Cut the stem off with a clean, sharp knife or razor blade below the top four or five healthy looking leaves. If the inside of the stem is brown or if the stem feels squishy, then it's pretty much a goner. In which case remove all healthy leaves.

Allow pulled leaves, the spikes, and the cutoff top section of the plant -- assuming the stem of that section was healthy -- to callous over in a warm, dry, well lit place (no direct sun) for about a week. The pieces can be laid on top of your media. If no disease has infected them, at least a few should send out roots and new growth eventually.

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Comments (13)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
That is how water-logged leaves look like.

Maybe it was kept very wet before you got it? If so, and the rot started, it may have progressed and plant could be rotting. When you repotted, did you get rid of all old soil?
succulentss
Original Author
9 years ago
@rina I got rid of as much old soil as possible, but I didn't remove every last bit because I didn't want to accidentally pluck off any fragile roots.. In the first time this happened I was told to look at the stalk, but through all the leaves I couldn't see the small little stalk very well so I couldn't determine if it were rot or not.
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
That may have happened - if you see many soft & yellowish leaves like that, I would always suspect way too much water. I would check the stalk before buying plant like that. Sometimes, it is not easy to see & tell as in your case.

When repotting, it may be better to lose more roots (they usually regrow if plant is kept in proper conditions) than leaving peat caked on, or leaving damaged roots. If you touch stem at all and it feels soft, it could be rotting.

You could try to take plant out, get off all the soil, and inspect the roots. See if stem is soft-mushy - or blackish color: if yes, it is likely rotting (you can post sharp, lose-up photos if you are unsure). Leave plant on some newspaper/paper towels to suck up extra moisture. It could be left like that for a day or few, out of direct sunlight. Using a well draining mix for all succulents helps to curb overwatering...
Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Could it gave gotten to cold at night:)? When it gets to cold their cells expand and burst. Then you have translucent leaves.
succulentss
Original Author
9 years ago
@rina I hardly watered it the only time I did, so I suppose Home Depot is The one who had done it? I will check the stem soon.

@Kara I doubt it, it's indoors. We keep it warm during the night inside.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Cold and wet is the problem. That's why succulents should be kept drier in colder temps. Freezing temps could be problem too. Did it freeze? (Most succulents have np to survive in temps below 50*F, and many even lower, but not so much if they are wet).
succulentss
Original Author
9 years ago
@rina hmm... Its usually warm in my home though?? I've watered it once.. So was it Home Depot or me who did the wrong thing? If it were me, I would like to know how to prevent in the future:)
succulentss
Original Author
9 years ago
bumpity
ewwmayo
9 years ago
If you still have a receipt, Home Depot has 1 year policy for landscape plants. If you are nice...and they are too... they may allow exchange or refund for your plant.
succulentss
Original Author
9 years ago
@ewwmayo A family member bought it for me and they don't keep any receipts:( the rot has gotten half of the succulent now.
greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
9 years ago
Few more potting tips :-) the pot looks slightly too big for the plant at the mo. Better with one only an inch or so around the rosette. Also, pls use a bit more mix, it's sitting too low down.
succulentss thanked greenclaws UK, Zone 8a
succulentss
Original Author
9 years ago
@Paul The stem is brown and a little squishy. I plucked off the three healthiest leaves, placed them in a saucer. Now we wait:)

@greenclaws Back when this plant was healthy, it was a perfect fit. But now that several leaves have shriveled and died, the plant is too small for my pot. Agreed about the soil.