As a succulent enthusiast, there's nothing more disheartening than noticing your beloved plant turning brown at the base. This common issue can be a sign of various problems, and if left untreated, it can lead to the demise of your succulent. In this article, we'll delve into the causes, prevention, and treatment of succulent turning brown at the base, providing you with the knowledge to nurse your plant back to health.
Table of Contents
- Why is My Succulent Turning Brown at the Base?
- How to Prevent Succulent Turning Brown at the Base
- How to Treat a Succulent Turning Brown at the Base
- Common Succulent Varieties Prone to Turning Brown at the Base
- When to Prune a Succulent Turning Brown at the Base
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Frequently Asked Questions
Why is My Succulent Turning Brown at the Base?
Before we dive into the solutions, it's essential to understand the reasons behind this issue. There are several factors that can contribute to a succulent turning brown at the base, including:
Overwatering: Succulents are adapted to store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, but when they're waterlogged, the roots can rot, causing the base of the plant to turn brown.
Root bound: When a succulent outgrows its container and needs to be repotted, the roots can become constricted, leading to brown discoloration at the base.
Underwatering: On the other hand, if a succulent is not receiving enough water, the base of the plant can turn brown as a sign of stress.
Fungal infections: Fungi can infect the roots and stems of succulents, causing brown lesions to form at the base of the plant.
Pests: Infestations by pests like mealybugs, spider mites, or scale can cause brown discoloration at the base of the succulent.
Nutrient deficiency: Lack of essential nutrients like nitrogen, iron, or magnesium can cause the base of the succulent to turn brown.
How to Prevent Succulent Turning Brown at the Base
Prevention is always better than treatment, and by following these simple tips, you can minimize the risk of your succulent turning brown at the base:
Water correctly: Water your succulent when the soil is dry to the touch, and avoid getting water on the leaves to prevent rot.
Repot regularly: Transplant your succulent into a larger pot when it becomes root-bound, using a well-draining potting mix.
Provide good air circulation: Ensure your succulent has enough space around it for air to circulate, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
Monitor for pests: Regularly inspect your succulent for signs of pests and treat promptly if you notice any.
Fertilize wisely: Feed your succulent with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season, avoiding over-fertilization.
How to Treat a Succulent Turning Brown at the Base
If you've noticed your succulent turning brown at the base, don't panic! With prompt treatment, you can save your plant. Here's what to do:
Remove affected tissue: Carefully cut away any brown or rotten tissue using sterile scissors or pruning shears, making sure to disinfect your tools between cuts.
Repot in fresh soil: Transplant your succulent into a new pot with fresh, well-draining soil, and avoid overwatering.
Improve air circulation: Move your succulent to a spot with better air circulation to prevent fungal infections.
Treat for pests: If you suspect pests, treat your succulent with insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions.
Adjust watering: Review your watering schedule and adjust it according to the season, ensuring you're not over- or underwatering your succulent.
Common Succulent Varieties Prone to Turning Brown at the Base
Some succulent varieties are more susceptible to turning brown at the base due to their growth habits or environmental requirements. These include:
Aloe vera: Known for their thick, fleshy leaves, aloe vera can be prone to root rot if overwatered.
Echeveria: These succulents have delicate leaves and stems, making them more vulnerable to fungal infections and pests.
Crassula: With their dense, compact growth, crassula succulents can be prone to root bound and fungal infections.
Kalanchoe: These succulents have thin, delicate stems and can be susceptible to overwatering and root rot.
When to Prune a Succulent Turning Brown at the Base
Pruning is an essential part of succulent care, and when done correctly, it can help prevent the spread of disease and encourage healthy growth. Here's when to prune a succulent turning brown at the base:
Remove dead or damaged tissue: Prune away any dead, damaged, or diseased tissue to prevent the spread of infection.
Encourage new growth: Prune your succulent to encourage new growth and promote a bushy, compact shape.
Shape the plant: Prune your succulent to maintain its desired shape and size, removing any leggy or overgrown stems.
Conclusion
A succulent turning brown at the base can be a stressful experience, but with the right knowledge and prompt treatment, you can save your plant. By understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment of this issue, you'll be better equipped to care for your succulent and prevent future problems. Remember to monitor your succulent's health, adjust your care routine accordingly, and don't hesitate to prune or repot as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is my succulent turning brown at the base suddenly?
A: Sudden browning at the base can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwatering, underwatering, root bound, or fungal infections. Inspect your succulent carefully and adjust your care routine accordingly.
Q: Can I propagate a succulent with a brown base?
A: Yes, you can propagate a succulent with a brown base, but make sure to remove any affected tissue and treat the cutting with a fungicide to prevent the spread of infection.
Q: How long does it take for a succulent to recover from a brown base?
A: The recovery time depends on the severity of the issue and the promptness of treatment. With proper care, a succulent can recover from a brown base within a few weeks to a few months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean when my succulent is turning brown at the base?
This is usually a sign that your succulent is experiencing some kind of stress or disease. It can be caused by overwatering, underwatering, root rot, or even pests. Don't worry, it's not necessarily a death sentence for your plant! With the right care and attention, you can help your succulent recover.
Is it normal for succulents to turn brown as they age?
Yes, it's completely normal for succulents to develop some brown or yellowing leaves as they age. This is a natural part of their life cycle. However, if the browning is confined to the base of the plant and is accompanied by other signs of distress, such as soft or mushy leaves, it's likely a sign of a problem that needs to be addressed.
How do I know if my succulent is overwatered or underwatered?
Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. If it's already moist, wait a few more days before watering again. Also, inspect the leaves for signs of overwatering, such as softness, swelling, or discoloration. Underwatered succulents will typically have wrinkled or shriveled leaves.
What's the best way to water my succulent?
Water your succulent sparingly, making sure the soil is dry to the touch between waterings. Water thoroughly, but make sure not to get water on the leaves to prevent rot. It's also a good idea to water in the morning, so the plant has the entire day to dry out.
Can I save my succulent if it's already turning brown at the base?
Yes, you can still save your succulent! Stop watering immediately and inspect the roots for any signs of rot. Trim away any affected roots and repot the succulent in fresh, well-draining soil. Reduce watering and provide good air circulation to help the plant recover.
Why is my succulent turning brown at the base after repotting?
Repotting can be stressful for succulents, and it's not uncommon for them to experience some shock or adjustment period. Make sure the new soil is well-draining and not too dense, as this can cause water to collect around the roots and lead to rot. Also, reduce watering for a few weeks to give the plant time to adjust.
How do I prevent root rot in my succulent?
Prevent root rot by using a well-draining potting mix, avoiding overwatering, and ensuring good air circulation around the plant. You can also add a small amount of perlite or sand to the soil to improve drainage.
What's the best potting mix for succulents?
A good potting mix for succulents should be well-draining, with a mix of ingredients like perlite, vermiculite, and sand. Avoid using regular potting soil, as it can retain too much water and cause root rot.
Can I use tap water to water my succulent?
It's generally recommended to use filtered or distilled water for your succulent, as tap water can contain high levels of minerals like fluoride and chlorine that can be toxic to plants. If you do use tap water, make sure to let it sit for 24 hours to allow the chemicals to evaporate.
How often should I fertilize my succulent?
Fertilize your succulent sparingly, as they don't require a lot of nutrients. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied during the growing season (spring and summer) is sufficient. Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).
What's the best way to propagate a succulent?
Propagate your succulent by removing the offsets or leaves and allowing them to dry for a few days to form a callus. Then, plant them in well-draining soil and water sparingly until roots develop.
Why is my succulent turning brown at the base after propagation?
Propagation can be stressful for succulents, and it's not uncommon for them to experience some shock or adjustment period. Make sure the soil is well-draining and not too dense, and reduce watering for a few weeks to give the plant time to adjust.
Can I prune my succulent to remove the brown parts?
Yes, you can prune your succulent to remove any dead or damaged tissue. Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to remove the affected areas, and make sure to disinfect your tools between cuts to prevent the spread of disease.
How do I know if my succulent has pests?
Inspect your succulent regularly for signs of pests, such as tiny moving dots, white powdery residue, or actual insects. Check the undersides of leaves and the soil for any signs of infestation.
What's the best way to treat pests on my succulent?
Treat pests on your succulent by isolating the plant, pruning affected areas, and applying insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product's instructions. Repeat the treatment as necessary until the pests are gone.
Can I use neem oil to prevent pests on my succulent?
Yes, neem oil can be used as a preventative measure to deter pests from infesting your succulent. Mix the neem oil with water according to the product's instructions and spray it on the plant every few weeks.
Why is my succulent turning brown at the base during the winter?
Succulents typically enter a dormant period during the winter months, and it's not uncommon for them to drop some leaves or appear more brown or yellow. Reduce watering and fertilization during this time, and provide good air circulation to help the plant conserve energy.
How do I know if my succulent is dying?
If your succulent is dying, it will typically exhibit signs such as soft, mushy leaves, a soft or rotten stem, or a complete loss of color. If you notice any of these signs, it's likely too late to save the plant.
Can I revive a dying succulent?
Unfortunately, if your succulent is truly dying, it's unlikely you can revive it. However, if you catch the problem early, you may be able to save the plant by addressing the underlying issue, such as overwatering or pests.
Why do succulents turn brown at the base more often than other plants?
Succulents are more prone to turning brown at the base due to their unique anatomy. They store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, making them more susceptible to overwatering and root rot.
Can I prevent my succulent from turning brown at the base?
Yes, you can prevent your succulent from turning brown at the base by providing good care, including proper watering, fertilization, and pruning. Also, ensure good air circulation and inspect your plant regularly for signs of pests or disease.
What's the most common mistake people make when caring for succulents?
Overwatering is the most common mistake people make when caring for succulents. Succulents are adapted to dry conditions and can't tolerate excess moisture, which can lead to root rot and other problems.
How do I know if I'm overwatering my succulent?
Check for signs of overwatering, such as soft, mushy leaves, yellowing or dropping leaves, or a soft or rotten stem. If you notice any of these signs, stop watering immediately and inspect the roots for any signs of rot.
What's the best way to monitor the health of my succulent?
Regularly inspect your succulent for signs of stress, disease, or pests. Check the leaves, stems, and roots for any unusual changes, and adjust your care routine accordingly.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
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Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
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Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
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Gardenia Jasminoides
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Goldfish Plant
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Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
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Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
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Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
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Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
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Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
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Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
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Lake Ball
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Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
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Love Plant
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Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
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Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
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Mexican Breadfruit
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Miltonia Orchid
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Missionary Plant
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Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
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Monstera Deliciosa
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Moss Ball
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Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
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Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
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Portulaca Umbraticolata
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Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
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Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
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Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.