Don't be too hard on yourself. Petting your plants, especially houseplants, isn't necessarily a bad habit. It can have a positive effect on them because it stimulates a thigmomorphogenic response. Even more effective than petting them is to scrub the stems and leaves lightly with a dry tooth brush. The light abrasion stimulates the production of ethylene gas, which in turn stimulates production of lignin - a part of all plants, but better known for being the natural polymer that makes woody plants woody. More lignin = a stronger plant and one more resistant to insects and disease. In addition to natural senescence, the shedding of lower leaves can be associated with a number of causes. Tight roots is a big cause ..... also, mites, under-watering, over-watering or soil compaction, a high level of dissolved solids in the soil solution, and light issues. Plants are usually better able to adjust to increased photo load (over time) than a decrease in light, but the ability to adjust in either direction isn't unlimited. Just as an illustration: If we imagine that a new leaf appears on a houseplant under light conditions of 5 on a 1-10 scale, that leaf might be able to adjust, gradually, to a level of 8 on the brighter side, but maybe only a 3 or 4 on the dim side before the plant's internal chemical messengers help it "decide" to shed the leaf because it's unable to adjust to the new light environment. Nothing definitive, but some things to think about. Al

Hi Don, Yes, Frosted Jade is a wonderful plant. I'd replace it in a second. Below is a picture of it in context showing it along side other plants to get a feeling of how large it is. For what it's worth this picture also shows Regal Splendor and Zippity Do Dah on opposite sides of a path. I think they are different enough (Regal Splendor still showing a bit blue) for contrast but if it came down to a choice, I'd pick Zippity Do Dah first. You got me thinking about Lakeside Kaleidoscope. I always loved this plant and don't want to discourage anyone from growing it. I've posted lots of pictures of it over the years. I decided to go back and look at when it got ratty looking. I'm starting a thread on it if you are interested. Myrle

Hi Liz! Well, after being devastated at how quickly my plants roasted out there after I spent so much money and energy hauling them over, I’m not sure I want to risk it again. I was running a literal infirmary all summer through fall, trying to recover just one cutting or piece on every windowsill in the house. I changed out the soil in most of my pots from gritty mix to potting soil with perlite in hopes of maybe increasing their ability to survive out there, but I think perhaps I did too much perlite because they are drying out rapidly. Guess I’ll have to see. Thanks!

We're where the soil begins leaning alkaline just a few counties west of P. caroliniana's natural range, so don't commonly see them in our urban landscaping or nurseries. Though it does seem a good match... and an excellent excuse to buy a jar of maraschino cherries for a scent comparison. Pretty clear whatever it is, it must be moved. There are actually two of them growing against the house that I can pot up after vacation and try to keep alive long enough to confirm the ID. Thanks!