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Succulent issues #922982

Asked December 18, 2025, 11:49 PM EST

I don't what is going on with this succulent. I have researched online and the answers are catch-alls. Over watering or underwatering, too much sun, not enough sun. Bugs (don't see any), root rot (not obvious without actually pulling out the root). I don't know what to do or not do.

Hennepin County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for reaching out.

This is brown spot, usually caused by too much water.

Remove plant from current soil and replace with cactus/ succulent soil.  If roots are mushy, trim away mushy parts.  Wait 5-7 days to water.  Water only when dry.  Be sure pot has drainage holes.  The plant needs sunlight- east or south facing windows.

If plant is too far gone, you may lose it no matter what you do.  I’m sorry.  Succulents do better dry.  Good luck!

Deb Kroon Replied December 20, 2025, 7:03 PM EST
Thanks for the reply! I should provide back story, I’ve had this succulent for about 4 years, it has been healthy until about 5-6 months ago. I also have a jade in a similar boat, it was healthy and thriving and around the same time it started showing signs of stress. I googled a bunch of stuff, and ultimately I *think* they both got sunburned, I had reshuffled some furniture and the surface these sit on went from indirect south sun to fairly direct south sun in the summer/fall, that's when I realized it might be too much direct sun. Now that it’s winter I’ve left them in that window (I live in Mpls so the houses are close together, any direct sun is only late in the afternoon and only if it’s out). 

I water both plants once a month, this one I watered first week of Dec, it seemed bone dry when I did it. Prior to this month I could see it was stressed but just this month post-water suddenly a few leaves showed that shrively look and the brown spots showed up on almost all the leaves left on the plant. I’m so confused as watering once a month worked well for years, and now all the wheels (leaves) are falling off, brown spots abound on both plants, they nearly ready for hospice. Could it all be because of the shift in light exposure? Which maybe changed their watering needs but I missed the cues and now this is where it’s at?

Thank you again!

Elizabeth 

On Dec 20, 2025, at 6:03 PM, Ask Extension wrote:

The Question Asker Replied December 21, 2025, 12:50 PM EST

There are a couple of things you can try. Understand brown spot is a fungus and it does spread.  There are fungicides you could try.  You are looking for something that treats Septoria leaf spot.  If you choose this route,nfollow instructions on the package.  I Am not allowed to suggest specific chemicals, but you can google fungicides for brown spot.

You also could try removing all of the affected leaves and trim down the stalk to a definite node.  Let it dry out really well.  If you do this do not apply fungicide.  Put plants in bright area.  I agree the south sun in the summer may be too much, but where you have them sounds good.  Just be sure the area isn’t to humid.  I still would check the wetness if your soil and consider new soil.  Sometimes these fungus gets into the soil also.

I would isolate these two plants from others for the time being.

Be aware that this might not work.  I would try cutting back and removing leaves first.  If they come back and still show signs of leaf spot then try the fungicide.
all you can do is try.  Sorry I don’t have a total solution for you.

Deb Kroon Replied December 23, 2025, 12:57 PM EST

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