The stems are fine.The spotted leaves seems to be the only problem.It was in active growth when it started,it was after a few days of rain i noticed it starting!!The leaves come in red then turn yellow then the two tone green.Beautiful colors.I wonder if i've had it in to much sun?Could that cause this ?yesterday i moved it out of direct sun.I thought it would be ok in the sun it's a cactus & succulent but the leaves are a little thinner than most succulent and plants in it's family.But it's got the thorns to prove it's in cactus family