Succulents are hardy plants that look striking in any garden or home. Performing best in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9, succulents are good plants for novice and expert gardeners alike, as they require little attention. Because they are desert plants, succulents should be watered and allowed to dry between waterings. They get occasional pests, but most succulent problems are bacterial or fungal diseases caused by overwatering, which can lead to root or stem rot. Plants with signs of root or stem rot should be treated immediately.
1. Check the plant for infected areas. These typically appear as dark brown to black spots or areas on the lower part of the plant. Other root or stem rot signs include puckered flesh with a dark tint around the infected area.
2. Stop watering a plant with rot. Remove the plant from its pot, remove the soil, and clean the pot thoroughly to ensure no fungal remnants remain.
3. Cut the infected black stem from the plant with a garden knife. Let the healthy portion of the plant dry naturally for a day or two, keeping the succulent out of direct sunlight. If other plant areas show minimal signs of rot, keep an eye on the plant. Succulents can recover from stem rot if adequately watered and placed in a warm, dry location.
4. Use the cleaned-out pot or a new commercial potting mix for succulents, or combine two parts of soil, one part coarse sand, and one part perlite. Do not reuse any materials used on the infected plant.
5. Pour the mixture roughly 2 inches (5 cm) into the pot. Place the newly doctored succulent into the pot. Fill the pot with the soil mixture until it reaches the base of the stems. Firmly pat the soil around the plant.
6. Place the plant in a brightly lit spot with warm temperatures. Succulents prefer dry climates, so do not place the plant in a humid location.
7. Water the plant with just enough water to moisten the soil one week after repotting. Then, after the soil has completely dried out, you can water it more thoroughly.
Tip
Planting succulents in a clay pot with a drainage hole prevents standing water and ensures the soil dries out between waterings. Most succulents are dormant during winter and should be watered lightly only.
Source: sfgate.com
Links
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus