Types

• The Sclerotium rolfsii fungus causes stem rot, also called crown rot, southern stem rot or southern blight. The Pythium and Phytophthora fungi cause root rot, while the Colletotrichum fungus causes sedum stem rot or Colletotrichum stem rot. The Rhizoctonia solani fungus causes root and crown rot.
  
  

Effects

• Sedum plants infected with crown rot develop yellowed and dying leaves, discolored and damaged stems and rotting plant tissues. Cottony fungal matter appears near the base of the plant. The Pythium and Phytophthora fungi cause yellow or dull-green coloration, stunted growth, dull brown or black water-soaked roots and root lesions. Plants with colletotrichum stem rot collapse and die; a white fungal growth forms on the lower stems. Rhizoctonia stem rot causes stunted growth, wilting and plant death.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• Rot infections in sedum are controlled by removing and destroying diseased plants and plant matter. Cultural practices such as watering and fertilizing plants to maintain vigor, spacing plants so that they receive adequate air circulation, providing ample soil drainage, and sanitizing pruning or other equipment after use will help prevent infections from spreading. Fungicides can also help prevent and control infections.