My first starter epi. Is this rot? Virus?

My little starter unknown epi has something going on at the base, and I'm afraid its not good. I'm a newbie with epis. The stem was firm when I got it (2 months ago) and now it feels much less firm, and with less substance. I had to cut off the top one inch, as it was bending over. Just yesterday, I noticed this discoloration at the base. I'm in S. Calif. Its in a west window, gets an hour or so of afternoon sun a day (dappled) and is misted daily, is in a half and half peat and perlite mixture in a 4" pot. I only water it when the soil is almost completely dry. Only about once every 2 weeks. Its very dry here--humidity is only about 20% on average. I want to save it if possible! Thanks in advance.
Randi

Hi Seaecho, I'm also a new epi lover and I'm not sure but I know that the dirt medium needs to have really good drainage and you mention a peat and perlite mixture, that sounds to me like it may be getting to soggy and could have rotted the roots. If that is the case, you can restart your cutting by removing all the bad parts and letting it dry for a few days and then plant it in a sandy loamy cactus mixture and just water when it is dry. I'm sure you will get more info from the experts as like I said I am new at this too. Good Luck
Grace

Acts238 is right on target. You do have rot started which is very common with new epi starts. As Acts said, cut this leaf off above the rot and let dry for a week, then replant. I agree that peat is risky. I use a mixture of wood chips, perlite, and purchased top soil. Sometimes I will also add small gravel or aquarium rock.
When you repot your cutting, don't water it for the first week. Then water sparingly. bob

Seaecho, If you give me your address in my D-mail I will send you some information I recieved from one of the epi growers I bought from. There is alot of good info. in it.
Grace

Thank you so much, guys. I will go ahead and follow your advice. I was afraid of this. Acts, I'm sending you my email addy. Thank you!