Is My Plant Dying? What Can I Do To Fix It?

Question

I got this collection of succulents from a friend in December because I’ve really been wanting to get into plants lately, but I’m new to plant care. For the last few months, the succulent in the photos has had many “leaves” shrivel up, get mushy, and die, so I couldn’t tell if it needed more or less water. I watered them approximately three or four or five times and they all seem to be doing great except that one. I’m pretty sure the container has good drainage because I drilled holes in the bottom, but I have done a little research and I’m worried it might be because of root rot. At first, I thought it was fine because it was also creating a little version of itself and was devoting its energy to that, but recently that one has lost a “leaf” as well. I attached some pictures of the fallen leaves, one that shriveled up and got mushy and fell off and one that fell off still plump. I’ve been worried about it for a while. Any suggestions you have would be much welcome. I love this plant and its name is Conan Gray after the musician and I don’t want it to die. Thanks so much.

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Answer 1

I suspect, both, overwatering and underlighting. All of these succulents, here, are more tropical than they are succulent. Though they will like to dry out, they will also need a deep water.

You did the right thing by adding drainage. The stones on top will make it very difficult to know when to water, though. You want to be able to see and feel the soil down into the container to know when it is time to water. Generally, this will be once it is completely dry down to the bottom, but just as this is happening. They don't like to remain dry for very long.

Make sure to give this as much light as possible. The stretching will indicate that it could use quite a bit more light. If this is not possible with natural lighting, then you may need a small horticultural lamp.

Once the environmental conditions are met, it will stop falling apart on you. Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/euphorbia

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/haworthia-cacti-succulents/haworthia-zebra-cactus.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/succulent-plant-info.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/sedum/sedums-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/echeveria/caring-for-echeveria-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/graptosedum/graptosedum-california-sunset.htm