Kalanchoe Passion Cleta White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

Jump to cause: Mealybugs Powdery Mildew Cottony Blight (Sclerotinia)

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Mealybugs

These small, soft-bodied insects secrete a white, waxy substance that looks like cotton to protect themselves. They congregate in the crevices of Kalanchoe leaves and flower buds, sucking the sap and weakening the plant.

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 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 or neem oil to kill the insects and remove the waxy coating.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

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3 Use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to manually remove visible white cottony clusters from leaf crevices and buds.

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Powdery Mildew

This fungal disease manifests as a white, flour-like coating on the surface of the leaves. It thrives in high humidity and poor air circulation, which are common issues for Kalanchoe kept indoors.

Common

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How to confirm: Check if the white spots appear more like a dusting on the leaf surface rather than distinct clumps or insects.

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1 Apply an organic fungicide to eliminate the existing fungal spores and prevent the spread of the mildew.

Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$12

In Stock

2 Improve air circulation around the plant and reduce humidity by avoiding overhead watering and ensuring the plant is not crowded.

3 Prune and discard any heavily infected leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy foliage.

Fiskars 5/8" Bypass Pruning Shears

Cutting Tools

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Cottony Blight (Sclerotinia)

While less common, certain fungal pathogens can cause white, mold-like growth around the base of stems or on decaying organic matter near the Kalanchoe.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the stem base for any signs of softening, browning, or a distinct mushroom-like smell.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Remove all infected plant tissue and decaying organic matter from the base of the stems to prevent the fungus from spreading.

2 Apply an organic fungicide to the affected areas to control the fungal pathogen.

Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$12

In Stock

3 Improve air circulation around the plant and ensure the soil surface is not staying excessively damp.