Howdy,

That looks like mold to my eyes. I predict that the soil has too much peat in the mix. I am certain others will say a blend of bagged cactus mix with additional perlite is what that succulent needs to remain healthy.

Along with that, the container may be an issue if it does not provide enough drainage. One trick that I use for succulents is put a "deep" layer of "packaging popcorn" (the bad for the environment kind, but it was already shipped to me so it exists and I can put it to good use) at the bottom of the container. Packaging popcorn is lightweight and does not break down.

I think if the succulent continues to be in that condition the stem will rot. I would take it out from where it is now and repot it (It may be necessary to shake out the roots if there is a lot of peat trapped amongst them. If there is rot in the roots or stem, you will need to cut off the top, let the cut callous over then place it on top of a good draining mix to root.

Hopefully, this was clear and helpful to you, good luck!

Enjoy,

M

If it were mine, I would detach that leaf.

Tyler

Michael

Adding peanuts (or rocks) inside of container does not solve drainage problem. One should use well draining mix and container with drainage holes.

Agree with what’s been said....Looks like it’s rotting from touching that way too peaty potting mix. Mix needs to be much grittier and faster draining. Leaf needs to be removed, it will spread and infect the stem etc. Best to add layer of grit on top of mix to prevent similar happening again especially so for those ppl who do heavy watering, but soil does need altering anyway, maybe pot too, has it got holes in it?....just my own thoughts.

Gill

Rina, you're quite right that peanuts do not solve the problem of the mix. The soil mix needs to be quick draining.

I have planted numerous succulents into containers which have no drainage at all - with the caveat that I will put a layer of activated charcoal and peanuts at the bottom to deal with keeping the water away from succulents. Needless to say, in these containers it is essential to not overwater.

In situation where there is at least one drain hole, peanuts do help in ensuring access to the drain hole by creating a layer between the soil and the exit the same way that broken pottery or rocks would.

Michael

Maybe it work to some extent in your case, and perhaps in your warm climate, but it isn't very good practice and better not to give that advice to ppl new to growing succulents. Unfortunately, net is full of beautiful photos, "how-to"s and blogs with this kind of advice. It is a shortcut that doesn't work in long run. There are more ppl coming to this forum for help because they did what you suggest, and are having problems. If one has a plant or just few, that person maybe will take time 'fiddling' with watering less - and that isn't best for plants either. They should be watered thoroughly when it is time to water. Watering in sips isn't the best way to go.

Peanuts, charcoal, rocks at the bottom are all just very temporary help. For growing succulents (and any plants in containers), it is best to grow them in a way that will be of benefit to plant. I do understand that some ppl do not care for long term health of their plants, will easily just buy new one to replace rotted one, and that is OK...for them. I do not have problem with that.

Potting succulents in well draining mix is most important step, followed by giving them light they need. I do not worry about them being outside if it rains - mix drains well and I don't even remember when I lost plant to overwatering.

There are some ppl that grow succulents successfully in drain-less containers, or even in quite sand - but this is not recommended to new ppl, and requires good knowledge of each plant.

...:In situation where there is at least one drain hole, peanuts do help in ensuring access to the drain hole by creating a layer between the soil and the exit the same way that broken pottery or rocks would"... Respectfully, I do not agree with this statement. Well draining mix will take care of good drainage. Any soil will fall/be washed between the peanuts-rocks-broken pottery sooner or later, clogging that drainage.

Why not to start with proper mix that will make growing much easier?

Thank you everyone! Reported it with 50% perlite and detached the rotten leaves as well.. hopefully I can save it!