Question
Hello, thank you so much for your help, I really appreciate it. I attached more pictures to an email with the following info and emailed it to you also. Here is more info per your request:

I got the plant from the local Home Depot approximately 1.5 months ago. I immediately repotted it from the shallow flimsy cheap pot it came in to the (I think much too big now) 8" pot in the pictures. I can't remember the details of the potting soil used, but it would have been the generic type from the hardware store that says "Potting Soil" on the bag. I was unsure whether to keep it inside or out but I read that it liked sun so I decide out on the screened porch would be better. It sits under a roof in the screened porch area, which faces East. It gets about 2 or 3 hours of direct sun shining in on it in the morning, and is in the shade with indirect light only the rest of the day. I am in Southwest Florida - zone 9 I think - so the temperature is warm but mild here now, since I got it - in the 70's to low 80's during the day and high 50's to low 60's at night. On the couple occasions that it was supposed to get below 50 at all I brought the plant inside at night and took it back out in the morning. I water exactly once a week with well water with the directed amount of Shultz's 10-15-10 Plant Food Plus in the watering can. I water actually very, very little at a time, as I read over-watering and root rot is a big problem with these. I first noticed any spots about a month ago, just a couple small ones, and now a few weeks later it is getting pretty prevalent.

I hope this helps, please let me know if you need better pictures or more info, I will be happy to help.

Thanks again!

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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Can you identify this brown trouble in the pics? I am emailing you photos with a copy of this question. The plant seems healthy otherwise. This started on one leaf and has spread. I have a fungicide/pesticide spray but am not sure if I should spray it since it is a succulent. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

-----Answer-----
Hi Heather,

Thanks for the photos. Can you also send me a photo that shows the entire plant, including the pot that it is planted in. Plant symptoms, such as dead spots on foliage, often have multiple causes and can only be evaluated in context. That is why I need a larger photo and additional iinformation.

I can tell you that the leaf spots are not caused by a fungus or a pest, so the spray will not help. I also believe that the problem is related to the roots. Improper watering, too large a pot, and poor water quality could all be related. Even light and temperature could be involved.

Please tell me your plant's repotting history, including the type of soil it is potted in.

What is your watering routine?

How close is it to the nearest window and what direction does the window face?

What temperatures is it kept at at this time of year?

How long have you had it?

I look forward to your reply so I can help you identify the problem.

Regards,
Will Creed
[email protected]  

Answer
Hi Heather,

Thanks for the new photos. They show clearly everything I need to see. Your background information is also invaluable.

The 8" pot is too large and puts your desert Rose at risk for root rot. In addition, a cactus potting soil is preferred. Although disturbing the roots is always a bit risky, you can consider gently removing an inch of soil all around the outside and bottom of the rootball so that it will fit into a 6-inch pot. Or you could leave it but reduce the watering frequency. Do not attempt to replace all of the soil.

Desert Rose comes from a region in east Africa where there is a cool, dry period in winter. The bulbous stem is designed to store water so that it can withstand the winter drought. During that time, the temps are cooler and most of the leaves drop off. So what does that tell us about how to care for it?

First, it means that you cannot hurt it by letting it get very dry. On the other hand, the roots will rot quite easily if the soil is kept too moist. Second, it prefers a cool (55-60 degrees), dry environment in winter so that it will flower more profusely in the spring and again in the fall.

Underwatering does not mean giving too much water at one time. It means watering too frequently. Whenever you water a plant it is best to water it thoroughly so that the entire rootball and all of the roots are dampened. The key is how long to wait before watering again. Drought resistant plants (succulents) like yours can dry out very deep into the pot before they need water again. Watering before that happens is what overwatering really is.

The cool, night-time temps that you referred to are perfect for putting your Desert rose into bloom. The leaf spots may be part of its effort to go into dormancy. However, without allowing it to go completely dry you are giving it mixed signals. So water it no more than once every month or two, depending on the pot size from now until April. Let the leaves dry and fall off knowing that the plant will not only survive, but will also reward you with new growth and flowers in the spring. Also do not fertilize at all during this dormant period.

Although your Desert Rose wants some protection from direct outdoor FL sun, indoors it is best to provide as much direct sun as possible.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please take the time to give me a rating and nomination.
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]