Question
I bought 2 Portulacarias in a Bonsai exhibition, both were in small pots in clay soil. They measure about 8 inches and a pretty thick trunk.I replanted them in a sandy mixture. One is fine and the other lost all its leaves and the leaves that are on the plant are not pulpy, they seem to be drying out and is doing poorly. I don't know if too much rain water. I have not fed yet. I've had them for about 5 months. What can I do. Some roots have fallen off too, but no root root that I can see or feel.I washed the roots and sprayed with soap water and malation (light) and am letting it dry out. Something I read on the internet.

Answer
Wanda,

Portulacaria needs to be in almost pure gravel so the water will drain through quickly. There should be no drain tray under it. If it has rained a lot to much rain is probably the culprit.
Portulacaria do not like chemical such as malathion or soap water so I hope that doesn't finish the plant off. Try to move it to a location where it will get no rain or very little and plenty of bright light. Do not fertilize. If you suspect insects the only thing you should treat them with is rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol. You can spray the plant with that and pour it on the soil if you feel you have insects in the soil. If the leaves are drying out it sounds like root rot even if it doesn't appear to look like it yet. You have to let this plant dry out for several days between waterings and you cannot let it set in a drain tray with any water in it. It will not survive it. If roots are falling off there is root rot. Keep it dryer. Good luck.

Darlene