Reines has bloomed! :) It smells so wonderful! Ingrid, I have 2 antiques and then an Easy Does It, Strike it Rich, 2 knock outs and a tea rose. First year they're all in the ground so it's taking longer for them to bloom but so much fun coming home each day and seeing what treat my garden has in store. :)

Hold on there. You are jumping to conclusions. Because of the sudden shift to more yellow leaf colors, I think your initial worry about overwatering was probably correct. But maybe not. First, Echeveria and related plants recycle the contents of the oldest leaves. It is normal. The rate of this can pick up a bit if conditions are very dry, but it does not necessarily mean to the plant needs more water. Second, dessiccation of lower leaves can be caused by root or stem rot. That will prevent moisture from getting up to the rosette, leading it to an increased the rate of leaf resorption. So, the symptoms of overwatering and overwatering can appear similar. Removing completely dried leaves is a matter of personal preference. Removing them when growing outdoors in wet climates it may help prevent rot problems. I pop them off of most plants, but leaving a long red 'beard' on some plants looks cool. Perhaps it helps protect the growing point, but that is usually and inch or more above the lowest dried leaf. It's true that pups (branches) are often found under a mass of dried old leaves, and they may be protecting young tender tissues both from the sun, and from loss of moisture. If you think you have root rot problems, there is only one thing to do. Take the plants out of their pots, knock off most of the soil, and have a look. If there is sign of fungal infection, you need to cut the stem above the rot, dry the cut end in the air for 3-5 days, and place on top of dry soil that is 75% or more inorganic material like pumice, perlite, gravel, etc. Do not water until you are sure the plant has grown at least some new roots. If there is no sign of rot, replant in dry soil as described, and don't water for about a week to make sure any damaged or nicked roots have time to callous over which will prevent fungal infection. Succulents can better survive prolonged drought than even a few days too long with wet feet. It is ALWAYS safer not to water than to water. If you have any doubt, DON"T! Brad

I have them in 6oz Styrofoam cups with Earthgro potting soil. As fertilizer I used Miracle Grow all purpose 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of water and using it every other watering. I also water when the soil is dry up to 1/2in down. Brandenthehot made an interesting statement, but it could be quite the opposite. I live in New Mexico and the weather could still get quite chilly on a cloudy day. Since these are "tropical" chilies, maybe they require more higher temps or lack of intense sun. I have Cayennes, NuMex Twilight, NuMex Red,Pequin,hot wax, and Jalapenos doing good, but at work I have 4 Habanero Orange and they are growing like crazy. At work I use the same soil, dont water as often and use Jobe fertilizer sticks, but it also hot in the building. At my house I leave them in a south facing window and move them to a west facing window when I get home. At work I have an east facing window and thats it. What do you guys think?

Second attempt - I accidentally dumped a reply. With the incidence of double postings lately, I thought I ought to post that as a caveat in case it magically shows up later. Those of you who read and post about mysteries are a wonderful resource for me. My DH Tom reads mysteries. I do myself occasionally, but don't know the genre well enough to select holiday and birthday books intelligently for him. Thanks in part to you, I have been able to buy him mysteries he has loved, not just random ones based on the blurbs on the back covers. Flavia deLuce has been a huge favorite. To Janalyn's friend - do join us! You will be very welcome. Rosefolly