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Cacti & Succulents

Powder Mildew ? cannot be cured ?

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

I have these white powdery on my INDOOR succulent. I searched online and I think it's white powdery mildew. Some website said that one can use fungicide, but it's going to cure the problem.....

Anyone here have similar experience ?

It looks like there is this thin layer of "white dust" on my succulent. Not any patches or dots yet. ***And I wipe them off with my finger.****

Also, there's some green on my soil, BUT I wait till my soil pretty dry (turn light brown color) to water again, then WHY the green still happen ?

(...sigh.........)

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

8 years ago

It would be good idea to repot into better potting mix - peat will either be too wet for succulents or dry out & turn into a hard clump that is very difficult to re-wet.
If you keep them indoors, they may not be getting enough light. If that's the case, plants start to etoliate (stretch for light) and become lighter in color.

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Comments (7)

Joe1980
8 years ago
Green on the soil indicates too much moisture, which is a combination of too much water, and soil that hold too much moisture. Powdery mildew is typically a problem with high humidity and lack of air flow.

Joe
Elizabeth C thanked Joe1980
a_shau
8 years ago
I haven't had powdery mildew in succulents before but ive had them on one of my salvia plants. I took it outside, sprayed a milk-water mixture on it and took off the leaves affected with the mildew and it worked.

Not sure if the same would apply to succulents, but you can google the milk mixture for the proportions. I think it may have been 1 part milk to 10 parts water or something like that. And yes, def try to take it outside if you have a spot outside, for it to get some more air circulation. Good luck!
Elizabeth C thanked a_shau
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rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
Elizabeth
Are you sure it is powdery mildew? There are succulents that naturally have whitish 'powder' on their leaves (referred to as 'farina') that is desirable.
I am not saying that's what it is. Just mentioning it. What succulents do you have? Do you have photo?

Green on the soil happens easily in very moist conditions, and often on surface of peat. Again, photo would help.
Elizabeth C thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Elizabeth C
Original Author
8 years ago

↑the white powder, normal ?
↑If you notice, at this visible surface, there are these green while the rest of them look dry. Very confusing: still too much moist?
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Yes, that 'powder' ( bloom; glaucescence, ) is normal & should not be rubbed off. In their natural habitat, plants have this powdery covering on the leaves as a UV protection. Don't spray with anything to get rid of it. If you don't like look of it buy plants that don't have it.

Green stuff is algae. Peaty soil holds water for a long time, and algae will grow on it. It is not harmful but unsightly.

Succulents will grow best in well draining soil (not peat)
Elizabeth C thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
Elizabeth C
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you, as long as the plants have no problems.

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