Saving a Rotting Aeonium: Beheading and Re-rooting

Aeonium Stem Rot: Brown "Bark" Spreading Upward

An aeonium (dark purple in sun) was moved indoors in September. Weeks later, the trunk base shrank, developed a hard brown substance (like smooth bark), which spread upward as lower leaves wilted and fell. The owner suspects overwatering (watering monthly in winter).

Diagnosis: Basal Rot Moving Up

Greg confirms it's rotting from the base up. The only chance is to cut the top off ~2 inches above the discolored area, let the cutting callus for 2 weeks, then replant in well-draining mix. Using rooting hormone improves odds. Water only when soil is dry; reduce winter watering.

Procedure Summary

1. Cut healthy top section (2+ inches above rot).
2. Allow cut end to callus 2 weeks in shade.
3. Plant in cactus/succulent mix; optionally dip in rooting hormone.
4. Water sparingly—only when soil is completely dry.
5. Discard the rotted base; it will not recover.

Act quickly: the rot will continue upward and kill the entire plant if left untreated.