Question
QUESTION: I need help, please! I have a Black Jack Sedum that is wilting from the ground up. The base of the stems are turning brown and the damage is creeping up toward the top. Obviously moisture is not allowed to travel up the stem and the leaves are soft and droopy. This plant had been sprayed with something that burned the leaves before I purchased it in the spring but I was assured that the plant was healthy. Could it be the chemical it was sprayed with or could it have the "wilts" (I researched online and the symptoms seem to correspond)?? If it is the wilts, what should I do? We've also lost two fairly young plum trees this year that showed no apparent signs of distress until the leaves started turning brown and falling off. Could this be related to whatever is killing my Sedum or just coincidence? We live in SC and it has been a very hot, dry summer--although we water regularly. Please help!

ANSWER: Hi

I do not know about the chemical, but the plant is suffering from root and crown rot probably caused by a fungus.  This could be caused from overwatering or possibly the chemical.  I would try to root a healthy section of the plant as it has been my experience that once started, there is not much that can be done to stop the rot.  The plum trees may have died from transplant shock or lack of water during establishment.  The two are not related. I hope this helps.  Good Luck.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Several sedum stems have broken off and they are hollow inside at the base. When one broke off below the dirt, it did look very soggy so it very likely is root rot. Should I remove all the old dirt to get rid of the fungus or just the remaining root ball? There are other sedums (stonecrops) and a few sempervivums in the planter as well. You are right...it doesn't seem as if there's any way to save it now but I am trying to root some good cuttings. Regarding the plum trees...these trees are about 6 feet tall and have been in the ground for well over a year. Both died very suddenly--despite our watering--and without any symptoms until it was too late. Any ideas? BTW, you have been very, very helpful!! :-)

Answer
At this point I would pull out all of the sedum root ball.  The disease may spread to the other plants, but it is my guess that the watering was a little too much for the sedums and is OK for the other plants.  Try to root as much as possible since the mother plant will probably die very soon.

On the plums, check the bark to see if the trees are actually still alive.  To do this, take a pocketknife and gently scratch the bark surface.  If you see any green or white tissue under the bark the tree is still alive and I would leave it alone and see what it does over the next few months.  If the tissue is brown then the tree is dead and should be removed.  Start checking the bark at the top and move down the tree.  It may be dead at the top but still alive at the bottom.  Cut off the dead wood only for right now.

Good Luck.