My Stapelia seems to be dying

by Beckt
(Milwaukee WI)

It has flowered 3 times this year! It's not a store bought plant. I started it from one piece of plant that a co-worker gave me and it's been doing so well up until now! 3 or 4 years I'd say, and now it's turning purple. I came back from a week long vacation (a coworker watered it for me) and one whole branch was dead, and turning yellow.

Here is a pic of it healthy: Beckts plant: that branch right in front is already purple and wrinkly in this photo!

(I do have another type of plant in there too. the one with the little pods is a different succulent)

What to do? Thanks!

Beckt

Hi Beckt, that is a problem with these plants, if a person (trying to be helpful) overwaters it. I might be inclined to completely remove it from the pot, and have a look at the roots. If the soil is really wet, leave the plant out to dry out a bit, putting it on paper towels or newspaper to soak it up.

I would also sacrifice the flowers, which can be a real drain on a plant that isn't doing so well. If it's already had lots of blooms this year, it's not such a disaster.

Other than that, quick, take a cutting and try and get that established - let it dry out considerably before you water it. I usually pot them right into dry soil mix especially for cactus, or use something like Sunshine Mix #4 which has extra aggregate.

Don't give up! Patience is the key, and simply doing those few things might be the one right action.

Best of luck with your Stapelia!
Jacki


See more about Stapelia here.