Argyroderma delaetii White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Mealybugs Sclerotinia (White Mold) Powdery Mildew

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Mealybugs

Small, white, waxy insects that cling to the crevices of the succulent's body and feeding on plant juices. They produce a cottony mass of wax to protect themselves from predators and desiccation.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Use a toothpick to gently probe the white spots; if they move or are part of a clustered structure, it is likely mealybug infestation.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the mealybugs from spreading to other succulents in your collection.

2 Carefully remove visible white cottony masses using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to kill the insects on contact.

3 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the plant's crevices to eliminate any remaining pests and larvae.

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Sclerotinia (White Mold)

A fungal pathogen that thrives in high humidity and can cause white, fuzzy mycelium to appear on the surface of the plant or soil. In Lithops/Argyroderma, this often follows periods of excessive moisture.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the white spots are accompanied by softening or mushy tissue in the succulent's body.

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1 Immediately remove any heavily infected plant tissue and clear away any moldy organic matter from the soil surface to prevent further fungal spread.

2 Apply a fungicide to the affected area and ensure the plant is in a low-humidity environment with excellent airflow to stop mycelium growth.

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3 Repot the plant in a highly well-draining, gritty substrate to prevent the excessive moisture that fuels Sclerotinia, using components like perlite or clay pebbles.

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Powdery Mildew

A fungal disease that manifests as a white, flour-like coating on the surface of the plant. While more common in leafy plants, high humidity around the Lithops can trigger spore germination.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the white substance can be wiped off easily with a damp cloth without leaving visible lesions underneath.

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1 Apply an organic fungicide to the affected areas to eliminate the fungal spores and prevent further spread.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Improve air circulation around the plant and reduce humidity levels to create an environment less conducive to mildew growth.

3 Ensure the plant is in a well-draining substrate with added perlite to prevent moisture retention around the plant body.