Kalanchoe Taranta White White Cottony Spots - Causes & Fixes

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

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Mealybugs

These small insects secrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance to protect themselves. They feed on the sap of the Kalanchoe, which can lead to leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Very Common

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How to confirm: Use a magnifying glass or toothpick to check for tiny moving insects hidden in the crevices of the leaves or stems.

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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 to eliminate the insects and their waxy coating.

Bonide Captain Jack's Neem Oil 32 oz

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3 Gently wipe away visible white cottony clusters using a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to kill the pests on contact.

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Powdery Mildew

This fungal disease manifests as white, flour-like patches on the surface of the foliage. It thrives in high humidity and poor air circulation around the Kalanchoe's succulent leaves.

Common

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How to confirm: Observe if the white spots appear more like a dusty coating that can be wiped off with your finger rather than distinct clusters.

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

Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$12

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2 Improve air circulation around the plant and reduce humidity by spacing it away from other plants and avoiding overhead watering.

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

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Cottony Blight (Sclerotinia)

In advanced stages of certain fungal infections, a white, mold-like growth may appear on the base or stems of the plant. This typically occurs when the substrate remains overly damp.

Common

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How to confirm: Inspect the base of the stem near the soil line for any signs of softening or dark, decaying tissue.

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shopping_cart Recommended Products

1 Immediately remove any heavily infected stems or plant material to prevent the fungus from spreading to healthy tissue.

2 Apply a fungicide to treat the remaining healthy parts of the plant and prevent further fungal development.

Bonide Captain Jack's Copper Fungicide 32 oz

0.9 L • 1 pcs • Organic

$12

In Stock

3 Reduce watering frequency and ensure the substrate is not overly damp; use a moisture meter to monitor soil levels and prevent future moisture buildup.