This plant is fairly easy in terms of cultivation, so something was really bothering it about its treatment. It likes sun but should be fine in bright light without direct sun. Yes, I have one, yes, I knew it has been linked to blindness among those how have had the sap in their eyes. I would cut out the dead parts back to healthy tissue. Does the soil feel dry? This is not a cactus but a Euphorbia (as identified above w.r. to species). Yes, they appreciate drying out in the Winter, but you might have gone overboard in denying water. We have had ours for decades (with pets) and no one has died, gone blind, become insane..., whatever, but DO respect the potential potency of its sap in causing harm as stated above when pruning. Good luck!

I will try to provide a bit more specifics but thanks in advance for the comments thus far. Over the winter time, I initially continued to water as I did in the summer/spring, to the plant's purported demise. So, over the last month, I've been denying it water (in theory only, since the type of filtration system in place apparently takes a very long time to dry out). After heading to my local gardening store today, I was advised (just as inidicated in the comments) to prune the half of the plant which is wooden/dead and allow it to recover by not overwatering and increasing sunlight. During this process, I intend to wear latex gloves and wash my hands as much as possible. Does anyone want to add any more insight to this process? THANK YOU !

I think you have it all well covered. I would add to double check the soil - it would be of concern for any succulent if ..."it takes a very long time to dry out"...More of the plant may die off if it is left sitting in soggy soil.

They all need good drainage and aeration. If the mix is slow in drying out, it may be too dense/compacted. If so, consider improving/replacing existing mix.

When you do water, make sure the soil really gets wet. Many name brand potting mixes are GARBAGE!!! They are mostly PEAT MOSS. When peat dries, it becomes extremely hydrophobic (resisting of hydration). Then, when they do get wet..., they take too long to dry out.

Yes, you need to check the soil, to make sure it is not staying too wet. And it is crucial that you give this plant as much bright light as you can for proper growth.

Christopher

I have a stick plant for almost 8 years. I kept it in the original nursery pot I purchased it in (where it thrives and is now 6’ tall!!) until last summer when I repotted. This winter I noticed it started having branches dry out, even though I had it on same minimal watering schedule and sunlight. I know that poor drainage and overwatering is the #1 killer, and it seems the potting soil I used to repot plus not adequate drainage holes in new pot are what are causing the branch death. So: low water, high drainage soil, holes in bottom of pot.