Is my crassula dying?

by Ann Denton
(Deal, Kent, UK)

The bottom of the stems on my Crassula mucosa have turned brown. Is this normal or do I have a problem, please? Should I start taking cuttings from the healthy upper part? It is kept in an unheated well-lit greenhouse and watered only when bone dry.

Comments for Is my crassula dying?

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Oct 15, 2021
 Normal
by: Jacki Cammidge, Certified Horticulturist

This is a normal event in the life of a Crassula - especially those with smaller leaves. There is not much you can do to prevent it, they all seem to sense the shortening days and act accordingly by shedding the older leaves, which of course, are at the bottom.

Giving it lots of light from a non-natural source might help, for future, but this one is too far gone.

In the interests of aesthetics, yes, take cuttings and raise some new plants that could take over from the original.

I always recommend doing this, even before a plant shows signs of stress. Often, the new plants are much more adapted to your conditions and do well, without any kind of reaction to changing light levels, watering regime and so on.

You are doing the exact right thing with your watering schedule, and gotta say - love your greenhouse!
Oct 16, 2021
 Cuttings taken
by: Ann

Thank you, Jackie, for such a fast response. I've taken my cuttings already and I'm just waiting for them to callous over. The greenhouse was built by my husband specifically for my succulent collection!
Oct 16, 2021
 Note to Ann
by: Jacki

You're so lucky to have such a handy hubby! I would love to know more about your greenhouse, if you could contact me directly. Maybe a page about it?

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