Haworthia retusa riyuetan White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Mealybugs Cottony Scale Sclerotinia (White Mold)

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Mealybugs

These small, soft-bodied insects secrete a white, waxy substance that looks like cotton to protect themselves. They feed on the sap of the Haworthia retusa, often congregating in the crevices between leaves or near the base.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Use a magnifying glass to check if the white spots move or are attached to small, insect-like bodies in leaf junctions.

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

2 Carefully remove visible mealybugs using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol, making sure to clean the crevices between leaves.

3 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the entire plant to eliminate any remaining insects and larvae.

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Cottony Scale

A type of scale insect that produces a fluffy, white coating over its body. While similar to mealybugs, they are more stationary and can cause the succulent leaves to become stunted or discolored.

Common

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How to confirm: Gently scrape a spot with a fingernail; if it reveals a hard shell underneath, it is likely scale rather than mealybugs.

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1 Isolate the plant immediately to prevent the spread of scale to other succulents and use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to manually remove the white cottony spots.

2 Apply an organic insecticide spray to the plant to eliminate any remaining insects and prevent further infestation.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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3 Monitor the soil moisture levels closely to ensure the plant is not being overwatered, as excess moisture can encourage pest development.

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Sclerotinia (White Mold)

Fungal pathogens can manifest as white, fuzzy mycelium on the surface of the plant, especially if the Haworthia has been kept in high humidity or overly damp substrate.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the white patches are accompanied by soft, rotting tissue or a foul smell from the base of the plant.

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1 Remove any heavily infected plant tissue and increase airflow around the Haworthia to reduce humidity.

2 Apply an organic fungicide to control the spread of the white mold.