This is not a succulent but a true cactus, Leuchtenbergia principis. I believe it is the only species in the genus, making the genus monotypic. They're tough little nuggets. -Ming This post was edited by mingtea on Mon, Apr 21, 14 at 10:27

Cut off Harold's head now about an inch below his lowest leaves. If you're lucky, pups will pop up along the beheaded stem in time. They can be removed when they are large enough. Dry Harold's disembodied head in the air for a few days (not on a pike) to callous the cut, then plant the short stem in dry soil, mist slightly every few days, and wait for roots to form before giving large amounts of water. You have to kill Harold to save and propagate Harold. Off with his head! He is immortal. He is of course Echeveria runyonii 'Topsy Turvy' grown a little too long and lean for his own good. He feeds on sunlight and water, so give him lots of the former and little of the latter and he will thrive. Brad

I think it needs a good soaking. It is trying to conserve moisture and is dropping old leaves. If you are unsure, stick a long toothpick or wooden kebab skewer deep into the soil and leave it overnight. Pull it out tomorrow, and if it doesn't feel dampish, you should water. It is possible your soil is compacted into a hard mass which water cannot soak into. When you water, watch if the water comes out the drainage holes immediately or if it actually soaks into the soil. If it pours out immediately, immerse the whole pot in a deep tray of water and let it soak for a few hours. Then use the wooden skewer to determine when it needs to be watered again. The purple colour is likely from the high light levels. happy growing! Breton

They need full sun, bright sun. Your plants are getting tall because they are stretching for light. Move them outside in direct light or in a very sunny window, preferably open. Slowly bring them into the light, first start with indirect bright light then to direct bright light, or they could get sunburned. Terraniums are not good for succulents. They need an appropriately sized pot with a drainage hole. Too much humidity in terraniums and not enough drainage. Your soil looks water retaining. Please repot your succulents separately into the right size terracotta or plastic pot with a drainage hole at the bottom in 50/50 cactus soil and perlite. Wash off all old soil from the roots. I suggest not having a watering schedule, but for the taller one I would say water it every other week. Your smaller succulent is a sempervivum, your taller one is an Echeveria.