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Followup To
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THIS QUESTION MAY HAVE BEEN ANSWERED A WEEK AGO. MY EMAIL BOX WAS FULL, SO I WAS NOT ABLE TO GET MAIL, THEREFORE I MISSED YOUR ANSWER.  I APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS CAUSED.
My question has to do with two jade plants I have.  Recently they have both developed a "wrinkled" appearance to their leaves, as if they are not hydrated. I have them both in an east window where they get full sun 4-5 hours a day. I also only water them ONCE a month, no fertilizer. What could be wrong, and what can I do?  I have a second question, if you please:  I have a succulent called Dragon's Blood sedum which did well until the last month or so. It is withering such that I think it may die soon.  The growth is no longer beautiful purplish-red with dark green "flowerets", rather is dull, with the flowerets almost brown, and many of them falling off.  I have watered it probably 1-2 times monthly since bringing it indoors, but was unable to give it direct light due to lack of space. it has received very indirect, almost dim light. When I pinch off a piece it is still green inside and looks hydrated, and not brittle at all.  I love my sedum and want to save it.  It should be sturdier, I thought, because Dragon's Blood are used as ground covers, aren't they??  I will gladly move it for more light if you deem necessary.  Many, many thanks for any suggestions you can offer on either of these plant problems, and Happy New Year.
Answer -
Patti,

Please let me know where you live before I answer your questions.  Just state and city, not address.

Darlene


DARLENE,
I live in CHARLOTTE, NC, (Zone 7, I think).  But, please note that the Dragons Blood sedum is in a PLANTER- I bought it in the Fall in a 4-inch pot, and it flourished well until recently.  It was NEVER planted in my yard though I had it on my patio until cold weather. I'm sorry I did not make that clear.  The jade plants are also inside plants, on an east windowsill.  Thanks in advance for your help!  Patti

Answer
Patti,

It sounds like your jades need more water, but first very carefully remove each jade from it's pot and inspect the roots.  First do the roots hold the rootball together so it stays in the shape of the pot? Do the roots look white and wiry or black and mushy. If they are white and wiry and hold the soil together in the shape of the pot the plant is basically healthy and just not getting enough water.  When you water it you need to water it well so all the soil in the pot is moist and it should not be totally dry more that a week before you water it again. You should probably be watering every 2-3 weeks. If the roots are black & mushy or do not hold the root ball together write me again with a thorough description of the roots, the size of the pots, how large the plants are, how old the plants are and any other info you can think of.  

By the way, just for your information jades are native to the plains of Africa where they go through wet and dry periods. They love the sun. Their worst enemy is animals that nibble on them so be sure to keep your pet elephant away from them.

As for the dragons blood sedum, it is an outdoor plant and needs a cold period which it is not getting indoors. It also needs full sun. If you have an attached garage with a window or an enclosed unheated porch I suggest you move it out there for a couple of weeks and then set it back outdoors on the ground up against the house and put some mulch or straw or even old rags around it to insulate it a bit. It needs a cold semi dormant period.

Good luck with both plants.

Darlene