Blue Chalkstick - Over or Underwatered??

5 years ago

I've had this chalkstick in my bathroom in bright indirect light for a few weeks, and it's starting to look very unhappy. I'm just not sure why!

I got it from a friend over the summer, had it outdoors and it had steady growth (??? I thought these were winter growers). When cold weather hit I had to move it indoors. It seemed all right for a while, but over the last couple weeks the leaves have been withering from the bottom up. I put it in its own pot (it was packed in tight in a group pot before) on the off chance this is root rot. Stem is no longer rigid. Roots didn't seem mushy on repotting, but they were a brown color, not white. Also noticed the crown is beginning to rot too.

I've been watering about every ten days, waiting until the soil's dry to water again, as that's what the other cacti in the pot needed.

Does this look like over or underwatering? Can I save it or is it a goner?

Featured Answer

floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK

5 years ago

It looks starved of light.

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Comments (9)

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
...and maybe too humid in the bathroom? Succulents grow in arid locations...
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socks
5 years ago
Try moving it to the window in your home which gets the most light. Just to be sure, before you water, insert a wooden skewer or even a toothpick might work in a small pot like that. If it comes out damp, don't water. No, I would not call it "a goner."
Nil13 usda:10a sunset:21 LA,CA (Mount Wash.)
5 years ago
That looks like it has been starved of light for a while.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
5 years ago
opaque bathroom windows ... or light bulbs simply arent good enough ...

move it out near a real window .. but not into direct sun immediately ... it will need to harden off ... adjust to higher light levels ...

once it starts showing some vigor.. you might want to move it to a larger pot ... i never had a lot of luck with clay pots indoors ....

its going to be stressed from moving it ... and i would want it to get over that.. before i stress it again with a repotting ....

ken
Rebecca/N. IN/z6A
5 years ago
I have some, 1yr old now, in unglazed clay pot w/ only for bark, perlite & turface, 1.1.1 ratio, 1/4 inch size to 1/8 inch sized pieces. What we call gritty mix. No peat, sand or soil. Watered 1x/2wks. Sits in south bay window. Has done well for me. Hope this helps.
Rebecca/N. IN/z6A
5 years ago
That was supposed to be FIR bark, not for bark. Wouldn't let me edit comment for some reason. Reptibark, from pet smart, to be exact. Course grade perlite from HD & Turface from local landscape supply.
Tiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
5 years ago
If you are waiting until the soil is truly without any moisture to water, that's too long.
Matt z5b - Greenhouse 10a
5 years ago
If the top rots off you can always pinch it back if it's not too late..