Crassula perforata variegata White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Mealybugs Cottony Scale Botrytis (Gray Mold)

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Mealybugs

These small insects secrete a waxy, white substance to protect themselves, which appears as cottony tufts in the crevices of the 'buttons'. They suck sap from the plant, causing leaves to yellow or drop.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to dab the white spots; if they dissolve and turn brown, it is likely mealybugs.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the mealybugs from spreading to your other houseplants.

2 Treat the infestation by spraying the plant with an organic insecticide/miticide to kill the insects and their waxy coating.

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3 Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to manually remove visible white cottony clusters from the crevices of the plant.

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Cottony Scale

Similar to mealybugs, scale insects can produce a white, fuzzy coating on the stems of Crassula. They attach themselves to the plant tissue and feed on the sap, often leaving behind sticky honeydew.

Common

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How to confirm: Look for small, hard bumps under the white fuzz that do not move when prodded.

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide spray to eliminate the scale insects and their fuzzy coating.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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2 Manually remove visible white cottony clusters using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to prevent further sap feeding.

3 Monitor soil moisture levels closely, as overwatering can increase susceptibility to pests in succulents.

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Botrytis (Gray Mold)

If the 'cottony' appearance is actually a fuzzy mold on decaying leaf tissue, it is likely Botrytis. This fungus thrives in high humidity and poor air circulation around the dense foliage of this succulent.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the white spots are accompanied by soft, mushy, or rapidly browning leaf segments.

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1 Prune and remove all affected leaves and decaying plant tissue immediately to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.

2 Apply an organic fungicide spray to the plant to control the spread of the mold and protect healthy foliage.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

3 Improve air circulation around the dense foliage and reduce humidity by ensuring the plant is not overwatered and is placed in a well-ventilated area.