Question

Desert Rose Base   QUESTION: I live in NC (Raleigh) and purchased the plant in August. It is in a plastic pot and I have been waiting to bring it in to transplant to clay one. I have noticed a soft spot on its trunk. Please see photo. The leaves look OK. What should I do?? I am not able to upload more than one photo. The bark on top of this spot is peeling off like paper.

Thank You

ANSWER: Hi Steph....too much water, you can almost forget to water it.  In fact I have mine sitting in lava rock and have not watered it all year.  It is on my hot porch in Florida to give you an idea.  Water maybe once a month and make sure excellent drainage and get it out of the platter.  Any water left in the platter after 15 minutes will cause rot.

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QUESTION: Thank You. Should I transplant it in a clay pot? What is the best soil to use? I read where they said not to use any with fertilizer already in it(like Miracle Gro).
Can I save my plant??

Answer
Hi Steph...  yes clay pot is fine.  Soil with no fertilizer in it...some large wood chips, styrafoam say from under meat package broken into small pieces or perlite mixed in the soil heavily so the roots don't rot.  You should be able to save your plant as it is not all rotted just a portion and that part could heal if you do not over water.