Question
My first problem has to do with two jade plants I have. In the last 2 months they have both developed a "wrinkled" appearance to their leaves, as if they are not well-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, unsure of the exact name, although the label reads: "crassula-- Ivory Pagoda".  It is a lovely green, looks like little green buttons on a stick (for lack of better words), and at the tips are little green flowerets that resemble miniature roses.  It is beautiful.  Anyway, I've had it since Fall, and it has done well, growing, etc.  The last month or two it has a dark, dead looking area at the base of each stem, (there are 4 stems). The green healthy part of the plants are being supported on these "dead" stems.  I touched one a few weeks back and it broke off at the soil level.  The green continues to do well, and even appears to be growing some.  I have been watering it ONCE a month since winter started-- no fertilizers, and it sits in a southeast window where it gets good light.  Your suggestions would be most welcome.  Thanks in advance.

Answer
Dear Patricia,

Please forgive me for the tardiness of my response. Mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

Your leaves are looking that way because you are not watering them enough. In an indoor atmosphere,one can expect some dehydration, and water once a month is not sufficient. For almost all succulents, unless they're deciduous and out of leaf, the 'general' rule is to water when dry. Additionally, although this isn't your particular concern, they don't want to be cold and wet. I would begin watering them more regularly - a good drink until water runs out the bottom, then water them again - this is assuming they're in porous soil. Also, since these plants grow much of the year, put some diluted Miracle-Gro or some such balanced fertilizer in the water - your plants will like it!

Your Crassula 'Ivory Pagoda' is a relative to your Jade and is a hybrid from two different Crassulas - a Google search should give you more information on its parents. Once again, you're watering way too little for any new growth to start. Start watering regularly, once again ensuring that it's in porous soil, and water when dry.

I daresay the health of your plants is due to the underwatering, but you've done it differently than I have doen. More plants have been killed by overwatering - it's not often that one kills plants from underwatering, and you've kept yours alive. Now it's time for them to grow. As much sun as you can give them after they've been watered will also help.

Let me know if there are any other questions you have.

Warm regards, and thanks again for your patience!

Jeff