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Posted 1Y ago by @Echeveriafriend

Echeveria in distress!

Hi Plant Friends! I’m having trouble with my Echeveria Frosty. I trimmed him several months ago and propagated offshoots/leaves successfully—with help from this community! (hooray!). But the original plant now seems to be suffering—the central stem is desiccated and it looks like the shoots growing off it are putting out their own roots (they are red in the photos).
Should I cut the central stalk and immerse it in soil so that the offshoots can grow? Should I cut the shoots/leaf clusters off the central stalk and plant in soil (or put roots in water to better develop)? Thank you for any advice!🙏🌱 #SucculentLove #HappyPlants #PropagationStation
0ft to light, direct
4” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 week ago
@Echeveriafriend
I would first start out with taking Frosty out of his current home and checking the roots and addressing the following listed below ⬇️

To help a stressed echeveria plant, focus on providing it with the right amount of light, water, and a well-draining environment. If the plant is overwatered, reduce watering, ensure proper drainage, and increase air circulation. If it's underwatered, provide a thorough watering and ensure the soil is moist. Additionally, ensure the plant is getting adequate bright, indirect light and consider repotting if the current pot is too small or has poor drainage.
Elaboration:
1. Identify the Cause of Stress:
Overwatering: Echeverias are drought-tolerant, so overwatering is a common cause of stress. Signs of overwatering include soft, mushy leaves, and a musty smell from the soil.
Underwatering: Echeverias can also be stressed by not getting enough water, leading to wrinkled leaves and wilting.
Insufficient Light: If the plant is not getting enough light, it may become leggy and weak.
Poor Drainage: Water can pool in the soil and cause root rot, leading to stress.
2. Correct Overwatering:
Reduce Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
Ensure Drainage: Make sure the pot has drainage holes and the soil is well-draining. Use a mix of succulent potting mix or a mixture of potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand.
Increase Air Circulation: Place the plant in a well-ventilated area.
3. Correct Underwatering:
Thorough Watering: Water the plant until the soil is moist but not soggy.
Avoid Soaking: Don't overwater after a period of dryness.
4. Provide Adequate Light:
Bright, Indirect Light: Echeverias need bright, indirect light to thrive. They can handle some direct morning sunlight, but should be protected from harsh afternoon sun.
Leggy Growth: If the plant is becoming leggy, it's a sign that it needs more light.
5. Repotting:
If Necessary: If the current pot is too small, has poor drainage, or the soil is compacted, repot the plant into a well-draining pot with fresh succulent potting mix.
Timing: The best time to repot is during the growing season (spring and summer).
6. Other Considerations:
Temperature: Echeverias prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C and 24°C).
Humidity: While they don't need high humidity, they can benefit from a small increase in humidity during the warmer months.
Fertilization: Fertilize sparingly during the growing season with a balanced succulent fertilizer.
By addressing the specific cause of stress and providing the plant with the right conditions, you can help your echeveria recover and thrive.
@TwistedThreads this is why I highly respect people who can grow echeverias successfully. They can have very specific needs for thriving. I feel like so many times they are advertised as easy for beginners , but I’ve killed at least 3 different types, before I realized it just wasn’t a good succulent for my climate and lifestyle. I would like to see the whole Echeveria species treated with more care details than are currently offered by sellers. Just my 2 cents. Echeveria owners should be celebrated more! 😀