Question
Hi, I have a Pachypodium lamerei that has developed a blackish growth tip and leaves.  It is ~2 feet tall in a 6" clay pot and has been happy and a fast grower up until recently.  The problem began with old leaves developing a blackish-purple color down the midrib and falling off.  Now the last ~1 inch of the growth tip has the same blackish purple color, as do new leaves and spines.  The new leaves are also growing in curled under.  The black part of the trunk is very friable - if I poke at it, a layer of black "skin" pulls off easily.  Underneath is green with lots of sap coming out. The remainder of the trunk looks healthy and feels solid, all the way down to the base. I've pulled it out of the pot, and the roots actually look pretty good to me - I didn't notice any obvious rot.  Any thoughts or suggestions would be very much appreciated!  Thank you.

Answer
Hi Erin, you may be giving it too much water.  Black usually indicates too much.  If you have a container under it to collect water you need to empty it out after 15 minutes or the plant will rot.  A newly planted plant needs mostly to be watered from the outside rim as the center may still be wet.  kathy