My Cremnosedum (Little Gem) Is Sick With A Mystery I Havn’t Been Able To Solve.

Question

I hope this finds you well. I would be so grateful for any assistance you think you could provide for why I am losing my Little Gem. I’ve searched and re-searched but I can’t seem to find the answer. This plant started out as just 2 branches about 1 inch each and with the right soil, sun and watering schedule it grew fast and happily for months. Then, without a change in care one branch on the right started to look a tad wrinkled and there would be a slight sticky substance (no mealy bugs seen) then the leaves slowly start drying and falling off starting at the very bottom and creeping up the stem. Now it’s slowly creeping over to the rest of my plant. There are no bugs I can see. I did try spraying it with 70% alcohol with no change. The stem is not black and when I repotted it the roots were black (see photo). If you have any idea what could my issue I would be so grateful for any info you could provide. Thank you greatly, Mandy You are allowed to use my problem and images on your site if you wish. I didn’t know which option to pick for the quickest answer.

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Answer 1

Usually a sticky substance means aphids or scale, but you aren't finding any. Just to be on the safe side, I would spray it with Neem oil. That will get rid of any bugs that may be hiding. Be sure to spray all surfaces.

Are you careful not to overwater? It also could be root rot from too much moisture, but that wouldn't explain the stickiness.

Did you check for root aphids when the roots were out? They are white and smaller than mealybugs. I have included an article about them and how to get rid of them.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/cremnosedum/growing-cremnosedum-little-gem.htm

https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/root_aphids_the_underground_pest_on_succulent_plants

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/cacti-succulents/scgen/how-to-deal-with-succulent-pests.htm