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Cacti & Succulents

Wrinkled succulent leaves?

seattlegardengirl

13 years ago

Hi,

I recently gave to my cousin a succulent that looks like these ones: http://www.etsy.com/listing/52124503/odd-and-unique-succulents-in-vintage-tea?ref=v1_other_1 I had him for a couple months first, and he was quite healthy, but a few weeks ago his bottom two leaves began to wrinkle and start to shrivel some, and now it is spreading upward to his other leaves. What is going on, and is there a way to stop it? Is this some kind of rot setting in?

Thanks!

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Comments (3)

norma_2006
13 years ago
This is a bad time of the year for succulents because they are African plants mostly, coming from below the Equator, they are winter grower here, and we must respect them, not knowing what you have I am not able to open that long link. the lower leave drop off, that is normal with most succulents, not to worry, in the winter new grow will come on the tips and that is where the flowers grow. Do you know the names of your succulets? If so I can help you I don't need to see them. Nothing is wrong, just keep down the amount of water you give them this time of the year until Oct. 1 then I would like you to change out the soil then to jump start them. Put a pinch of Bone Meal into each pot. Keep me posted if you have any more questions. I raise only succulents from Africa and a few from Mexico. Lots of bulbs, juat a few cactus. I know how to raise cactus because of my 20 years of training but can't ID them. Norma
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xerophyte NYC
13 years ago
The picture is Lapidaria margaretae, growing in an unsuitable soil mix and in what to my eyes is a hideous pot, but that is of no relevance.

The intructions given, "long lasting and easy care arrangement is the perfect feminine, funky, and organic touch for your home garden, windowsill, or office" is completely off-base. This is not a houseplant and will never look good long-term in the house.

I sure hope your friend's plant is in a better spot!

Unlike most other S African Mesembs, they tend to grow in the summer and flower in the fall. This species maintains several leaf pairs at once. As new ones grow, the older ones shrivel. They, like many other small Mesembs, are "sippers" - light, frequent watering is best. They do best in a mix that is inorganic, with minimal to no peat, and in full sun.

x
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I thank all of you for your help. This morning I took out the problem succulents and brushed off the dirt as best they would allow. Could you help me identify what is root rot, how do the roots look if they're healthy or if they are rotted? The smaller succulents at the bottom all have relatively shorter roots, and the soil around them was dry. The bigger succulent in the top photo had tightly compact soil around its roots that I found almost impossible to break off without tearing out all its roots with it! It was completely bone dry, I think that is what you all meant by hydrophobic; it was so tight and dry no water was getting through. In the photo you can see some water droplets, where I sprayed lightly with a spray bottle onto the dry soil. All the arrangements you see above are temporary, my main goal is to prepare them all for the nice, larger planter I am creating. I live outside of the US, so I am afraid any brand names or chain stores you mention won't be of any use to me, 'tis why I am trying to make with the best I have, or find similar products by other names. I do realize I have regular potting soil, I went out and got some grit, like small pebbles and clean sand, witch which I plan to mix it altogether like suggested.
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Justine The reason I asked is that soil looks quite wet to me and quite compacted. It would retain too much water for too long, and succulents really don't like that. They need well draining mix, and pots/containers with drainage. 'Moss/greenish part' you removed is not moss, but algae - it grows in moist environment. That is a good indicator of wet soil. Adding organic soil may be adding to the problem down the road. Succulents' natural habitat is typically very lean soil, rocky-gritty, with excellent drainage. It's mostly inorganic. Growing in containers, where the growing area is much smaller, makes drainage even more important. I would suggest that damage on the leaves of your plant is caused mainly by poor drainage. I see you are in location with high temps, so plants could be drying up faster, but drainage is still very important.
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I agree, check for rot. If ok, repot in something much less water-retentive. On the simple end of the spectrum, buy cactus soil and cut 1:1 with perlite- available in any garden center and you have only two things to buy. On the more complex end, research gritty mixes and buy the components available to you to mix your own soil- may have to order some or all online, and you may pick three or four components. The keys are to get oxygen to the roots through porosity of soil, and not have the roots standing in wet, wet soil. If you do have soft, mushy black roots (or trunk), all of it will need to be cut away. Take pictures and post here for more help. ez
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I saw E. Lila (also mentioned about the 'net as Lila China) on succulents.us right before Lilacina and Lola, and the description says "similar to Lilacina and Lola". Probably a Lilacina hybrid like Lola. my Lilacina is a fussy little brat LOL. Her lower leaves always look bad. I've repotted and I think she's doing well now - but the lower leaves have always looked haggard.
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seattlegardengirl
Original Author
13 years ago
Thanks guys, especially xero for the plant ID and info on growing!! My cousin's plant is not in a tea cup, fortunately, but it is in a potting soil mix that probably is not really optimal for it (it came in a potting soil mix that looked identical to the Black Gold I use for my house plants, so I repotted it in this, although I did wonder if that was really the best move at the time). Sounds like the shriveling is not something to be worried about, if I understand you xero, and is mostly likely part of its growth.

Thanks again for your help!
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