What Are White Spots On Succulents?

Part of succulent care is watching out for signs of distress such as white spots on succulents. Generally, white spots are not deadly to your succulents. However, succulents can be delicate and prevention will always keep your plants out of danger. Knowing what white spots on succulents are and understanding better how to avoid these will surely save your plants.

There might be several reasons and causes for white spots of succulents. It is often a result of high humidity or infestations. You may still take good care of your plant by getting to know what are white spots on succulents and familiarizing yourself with different remedies that you may do.

Why Are There White Spots On Succulent Leaves?

The white spots on your succulents might be caused by different factors. Among the most common factors for having white spots on succulents are powdery mildew, bacteria, insects/ pests, fungus, natural aging, salt damage, mineral deposits, and natural farina.

• Powdery mildew is a result of high humidity and poor air circulation. It is a type of white fungus that will grow along the plant’s leaves, flowers, stems, buds, or even roots.
• Another thing that causes white spots on succulents is bacteria. When succulents look like it was sprinkled with salt, it is most likely that a bacteria is living on them. You may notice this white build-up on the roots of your succulents.
• Insects/ pests such as mealybugs, aphids, and whiteflies produced white spots on succulents. When you notice some alarming damage on the leaves or flowers of your succulents, mostly like pests are feeding on your succulents. Take note also that some pests secrete honeydew and cause white spots on succulents.
• Other fungi like gray mold, leaf rot, and blights, often appear like white cottony or fuzzy texture on your succulents. These fungi typically appear during the rainy season or when the humidity levels are high.
• Natural aging may also cause white spots on succulents as their leaves fade, white spotting usually appears.
• Some succulents produce natural farina, a white substance found on the leaves to protect them against harsh sunlight, infestations, or lack of water.
• Lastly, salt damage causes white spots on succulents due to excessive watering or over-feeding. Excessive salt in the soil causes white buildup on leaf margins or tips.

Read more: What Are Black Spots On Succulent Leaves?

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How To Prevent White Spots On Succulents?

There are a variety of preventive measures that you can do to avoid white spots on succulents. First, provide your succulent with bright sunlight. Giving your plant at least four to six hours of natural sunlight per day is crucial. Next is to ensure proper watering. Watering around every one to two weeks might already be enough for your succulents. Too much or less watering can surely damage your plant. Maintaining well-draining soil will also prevent white spots on succulents. Lastly, proper pruning of any dead or dying leaves, branches, and flowers will surely avoid the spread of any damage to your succulent. Pruning also promotes the growth of healthier leaves. 

Summary

It is not surprising that succulent care still needs some attention. But with proper care and minimal supervision, your succulents will thrive and reach their maximum growth. Every succulent owner must get familiarized with white spots on succulents. Remember the different preventive care mentioned in this article and do not neglect or panic if you ever saw any white spots on your lovely plants.