It is hard to grasp, the ends are very green and growing really well, the base of most of the stems is also in good shape. The main problem is the middles. They look like they are losing all their moisture or simply getting old. I don't know what is causing it but I need to fix it if I can. I don't care if it is time to butcher the plant and replant them. It is getting very "ugly" and need to help it be happy. Any suggestions as to what may be causing the problems? Could it be the soil has been drained and it is time to replant or fortify the soil? Bugs maybe, not as likely because I have sprayed for bugs. I have lightly fertlized but no response from the bad parts.
I have never grown one of these. I could hazard a guess but first a few questions: Is the problem happening to most if not all mid sections of the plant? Is it happening at about the same time? Does the plant get direct sunlight? Hypothesis: At some point in the plants growth it experienced a dry spell or was exposed to drying heat, while not enough to kill the stalk it was enough to inhibit or desiccate the plant 'leaves.' The plant moisture returned or heat was removed and the plant returned to its previous growth pattern. Slowly the leaves in the affected portion dried to the point you see today. My guess is that it is the result of an older watering pattern or exposure to heat. Judging by the present good health of the plant the problem is now cosmetic. That's my guess, Jerry
It is all of them and runs down some to the base of the plant also. It could be over watering but I only water once maybe twice a month. It could be that they went through a dry spell as I know I forgot to water then for along time this winter. Could have been as long as 2 month and they dry out a lot faster on my in the winter. The base of most is good but some of them do show signs of going all the way to the base with drying/dying of the leaves. They get no sunlight, all artificial light. I may have been over watering too but I don't know. Is the only succulent suffering but it could have different needs. Is there any chance the leaves will come back or do I need to restart them?
I haven't grown succlents for a long while. I'm wondering if you scrape the brown, dried pieces off will new growth start. It might be worth giving it a try. dooley
Since I have never grown this plant I looked at internet pictures to see what similar plants looked like. Some had, but to a smaller degree, the same affliction. As the ends of your plant are good I would start a couple of plants with new stem cuttings. The cutting ends have to heal. Then plant in soil that retains moisture and drains well. You may have to mist occasionally till the ends root. I think it is worth trying what Dooley suggested, When experimenting with a plant you learn no matter what happens. You may be surprised. As for the main plant, a wait and see to find out what may happen with Dooley's suggestion. Jerry
Is worth a shot, the plant is absolutely huge so there is no lack of starts and stuff I can to experiment. I just want to get to the bottom of what I did to make sure it doesn't happen again. I have also been looking for hours trying to find out what happened with no avail. I won't stop until I find out why so I can prevent it from happening again.
This is a beautiful plant. I hope you can solve the mystery here. Making new starts from healthy peices of the plant does sound like a good idea. I have had other succulents like burro tails and alligator tongues do similar things with the middle leaves drying out and falling off.
