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Succulent wrinkling and cactus Turing black!!!!!
kriddle20
Posts: 1
hey everyone!!! I have very little experience with taking care of plants but I have followed all instructions that the garden center gave me. That was where I made my terrarium. My cactus has a large black spot. The bottom leaves of my succulents have become wrinkly. I water everything once a month (2 tablespoons worth). I was careful to avoid watering on top of the actual plants because the center said that induced rotting. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm quite fond of my plants and just want to take good care of them!!! 
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Posts
kriddle20
Unfortunately your cactus has stem-rot ; this is induced by poor air-circulation and dampness . Cacti need no water whatsoever during their dormancy , which is from around November-March, and temperatures around +3C to +7C to avoid growth , but still kept in as bright a position as possible .
The Echeveria is probably shrivelling because of root rot . The lower leaves are simply drying out because they're not getting the moisture they require .
There is little hope for the cactus , but try checking the other and repot if necessary in a gritty well draining growing medium . Keep dry and fairly cool until Spring ; (if you've access to a greenhouse it will do better), then hopefully new roots will emerge and growth should be as normal .
(Rain water is preferable to tap-water)
To add to Paul's excellent advice - does the container have good drainage? As Paul says, cacti hate damp conditions - I can see that you have a good mix of sand and grit and perhaps you have used a special succulent mix to plant them into.
They do need plenty of light and although most don't grow in the winter they require little if any water whilst they are dormant. Personally I wouldn't repot at this time of year - I would wait until April/May time to do this.