Expert: Maureen - 5/30/2010

Question
I live in Southern California and grow "Donkey Tail" outdoors.  I have noticed that the beads are fading, turning kind of yellow.  Do you know why?  Thank you.

Answer
Dear Kathryn,

It could be a number of things: over watering, too much sun, age, disease.  This sedum is prone to rot because it has delicate roots.  It needs to dry out completely between waterings and like other sedums prefers poor, sandy soil with no fertilizer.  It likes bright, but not direct sun as well.  Too much could also cause yellowing.  Also, when's the last time you repotted it?  It may need some new well draining soil to refresh it. Another cause of yellowing if Aphids, but they also distort the beads and you didn't mention that. Lastly, over crowding can cause this plant to fail.

I'd look at the roots and if they look OK, repot.  If they are soggy, brown/black then I'd take some cuttings and start a new plant.  Either way I'd take some cuttings.  They root easily. Sometimes sedums just get old and poop out, so one starts new plants. If it does have rot, and I hope it doesn't, throw out the roots, soil and sterilize the pot or throw it out. Rot is usually caused by a fungus or bacteria and that soil will spread it unless it gets thrown out.

Make sure it's not getting hot, hot sun.

I don't mean to be vague but yellowing can be caused by a lot of things and without seeing the plant and it's roots it's hard to say exactly what's going on, only what the possibilities are and what I'd do.

Hope it helps.

Maureen