Crassula pubescens subsp. radicans White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Mealybugs Cottony Cushion Scale Powdery Mildew

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Mealybugs

This is the most common cause of white, cottony masses on succulent species like Crassula. These insects hide in the crevices between stem nodes and secrete a waxy, white substance to protect themselves from predators and dehydration.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the undersides of leaves and the junctions where stems meet the main plant for tiny, moving white insects.

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

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

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3 Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to manually remove visible white cottony masses from the stem nodes.

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Cottony Cushion Scale

Similar to mealybugs, these scale insects produce a white, felt-like covering. They attach themselves to the stems of the Necklace Jade and suck sap, which can lead to yellowing of the trailing vines.

Common

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

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1 Treat the plant with an organic insecticide/miticide spray to eliminate the scale insects and their white protective coverings.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$10

In Stock

2 Manually remove visible scale insects and cottony clusters using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to prevent further sap loss.

3 Isolate the Necklace Jade from other houseplants to prevent the spread of the scale infestation to healthy plants.

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Powdery Mildew

While less common in succulents due to their low moisture leaf content, high humidity can trigger fungal growth. This presents as a more diffuse, dusty white coating on the surface of the leaves rather than concentrated clumps.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the white spots can be easily wiped off with a damp cloth and if they appear more like dust than cotton clumps.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Apply an organic fungicide to eliminate the powdery mildew spores and prevent further spread across the foliage.

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 fungal growth.

3 Prune away any heavily infected leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy parts of the Necklace Jade.