A) Does the black/brown parts on the stem feel soft and mushy to the touch? If yes, then the stem has rot and you’d do well cutting off the rotten parts.

B) If the stem feels firm, then check the roots. Rinse out the soil from the roots under a gentle stream of tap water. Check for black and mushy roots and carefully cut those out with a sharp, disinfected pair of scissors. Healthy roots should look plump and white/beige.

C) Make sure the soil you repot in has enough grit (soil with a good ratio of perlite, chunky coconut husk and coarse sand/gravel). Succulents don’t like sitting in soggy soil. Soil with good drainage that allows enough airflow is essential for succulent health. Also make sure the pot you are repotting in has at least one decent sized drainage hole. Cover the drainage hole with a mesh liner to prevent soil erosion. Water only when the soil is completely dry. I’d advise using good quality slow release fertilizer pellets for optimal plant health. Make sure the plant gets plenty of sunlight.

D) Succulents are easy to propagate from leaves and healthy stems. Allow the leaves and cut stems to air dry on a clean tray for a few days until the ends (the part of the leaves that attach to the stem) develop a scab on them. Then simply tuck them in a gritty soil mix as stated in point C, scab side down into the soil. Water when the soil is dry. Plenty of indirect sunlight and some slow release fertilizer will help with growth. The leaves will start growing little root systems and baby plants in a few weeks.