This is my sedum dendroideum which I grow outdoors year round. Usually after winter it just grows back happily as warmer weather returns, but this time around it is not faring well. Although it has been actively forming new growth up and down the stem and branches, at a certain point some branches begin looking sullen, seems to be caving in from the middle part of the branch, then drying out. I wonder if my plant is just on its last leg.

At first I tried to adjust watering, spraying a bit more, seems to have perked up then back to its sullen growth. So gave a different approach allowing it to dry out, but it still does not work. I do not know if our fickle temps is affecting it too as it has suddenly gone cooler last week then now heading back to hotter temps. On the good side I do see new growths from below but it seems mother plant is ready to go bye bye..

New growth from below seems okay:


Branches in distress:



Would appreciate any input

I know I suggested a little pruning sometime last year? and everyone said wait till end of Fall and winter to be over. Well, maybe a good time now?

Sure I can prune it..but I was wondering, what could be causing it?

Have you looked very closely at the branches, healthy and otherwise, to see if there's any insects sucking the stem juices? How about looking into the soil for any kind of harmful insects?
I would prune off the dead stuff and keep close eye on healthy branches to see if there's any kind of infestations? Also check soil for possible anything.
Strange that there is healthy branches and sick branches. Easier to monitor if looking at one type.

There is a lot of healthy looking older stems, it seems to be affecting the younger thinner stems?

Thanks..I will try and see after pruning a bit if I can pull out the plant and maybe do a repot. I have been delaying that seeing it a bit fragile to handle.

Let us know how it goes tarev. That will also give you and chance to look at the roots and soil, incase there is anything lurking in there.

Sure thing..but I will have to do it next week, having heat wave here by the weekend, too stressful for the plant. Ah but I can start some pruning.

Have started to prune this plant yesterday:
Before pruning:


After pruning: putting it in shade



I see lots of new growth at the base of the plant.


cuttings to callus:


Will try to pull out this plant and see what's going on below in awhile.

Wow, that is just so weird tarev. It is a good sign to see all that new growth. Have you read anything on longevity of this sedum?

Hi Lynn, no, I have no idea on the longevity of this sedum..and same as your observation, I find it so weird the way the new growth seems happier at the base of the plant. I was thinking, could it be because the new growth at the base has more shade, compared to the new growth above that were fully exposed to direct sun, could the branches be feeling fried now that there were no bigger leaves protecting it. Oh well, will take it one step at a time. Just a bit antsy about pulling out the plant from the container, seeing the little ones around the base, hopefully I do not kill them in the process.

I would love to see/know what you find when you take it up from the container. I have admired that plant for a very long time.

So here is how the root zone area looks like:


removing some more soil to check further the roots:


inner part of container after plant base removed:


Nothing..nothing at all..soil looks okay, not even compacted. Roots looks okay, rhizomatous on some strands, more fibrous ones on the upper part, longer, older roots digging in below as should be. No insects found.

So I just removed an older stem that has dried off, and removed a straggler aeonium but other than that, nothing significant that may give a clue as to what's ailing this plant. Unless it just wants to be dug out and breathe who knows

Anyone likes to have some cuttings??

How long was it in the container? Maybe it just needs new soil? I am so relieved that nothing was wrong with the roots.

I'd say in that container since 2010. Not that long yet. I do not repot my succulents often, as most of them do not like being disturbed a lot. Yeah, at least nothing wrong with the roots, at least something good Learning and adjusting my succulent planting as always

I am very relieved, that has been such an awesome plant. I love looking at the photos of it. I hope someday mine will do as well.

I think mommy sedum got fried during the recent heat wave.. though I still see something green..it looks much weaker growth.. Although temps are no longer at the 100's, it is hovering on the low to mid 90's with nice evening cool downs.

On the good side, its little ones on another container are doing well..keeping fingers crossed it will continue on, a replacement in training.

Wow, this has been a tough summer so far for that sedum. It is good to know that it is leaving a legacy behind.

Good thing having those nice cuttings indeed. I guess like all good things..it comes to an end eventually..but let's see how it really pans out the rest of the season.. still the sedum optimist