Quote Originally Posted by Man1fesT
Pretty sure this is 100% normal. From what I've seen after awhile the base of the stem hardens up and almost looks like it has a papery bark type coating. I'm guessing its just to protect from bugs and give some extra support as the buds up top get heavier, and its normal for lower and older leaves to get yellow and die as there is less light for them to consume and are not needed anymore.

I'm fairly amateur myself so until someone else more experienced gives you the green light you might not be out of the woods just yet, but I'm quite sure you and your lady are gonna be just fine.
He maybe new here but he has seen a few plants i would bet. Listen and relax. Your plants can sense when your tense. They don't like it. LOL
LOC NAR on probation Reviewed by LOC NAR on probation on . Slight plant problem...Any ideas what it might be or how to treat?? Ok....got some photos here and a couple of questions...First picture is of healthy upper main stem for comparing to photo 2 & 3....Unlike the bright green of the first picture, the lower portion of the stem seems to be flaking..almost like the stem is shedding, underneath these tan color peeling its still a pale green color, but the leaves attached to the the stem at these portions have turned yellow and died away (lost 2 sets of leaves,still have 9 sets that appear healthy). The plant is Rating: 5