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String of Buttons · Crassula perforata

Why are there white fuzzy spots on my String of Buttons?

You are likely dealing with mealybugs, which love hiding in the tight spaces between your plant's stacked leaves. Check the crevices carefully to confirm their presence.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the leaf crevices with a flashlight.
  2. Touch the white spots to see if they feel like cotton.
  3. Check neighboring plants for signs of the same pests.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybug infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: Look for tiny white cottony masses tucked into the leaf joints. You might also see a sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Dab the bugs with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.

  2. New plant introduction

    Possible

    How to tell: Pests often appear shortly after bringing a new plant home. They may have been hiding in the soil or deep in the foliage.

    What to do: Always quarantine new plants for 14 days before placing them near your other succulents. Inspect them closely during this time.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your string of buttons

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

If the plant starts losing leaves or looks stunted, the infestation is severe. Act quickly before it spreads to your whole collection.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant clean and dust free, and inspect it every time you water. Good airflow helps prevent pests from settling in.

String of Buttons: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your string of buttons and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Can I just wash them off with water?
Water alone rarely removes all the bugs because they hide so deeply. Alcohol is much more effective at killing them on contact.
Will these bugs kill my plant?
They can weaken the plant significantly by sucking its sap. If left untreated for a long time, the plant will eventually decline and die.

Guides to these causes

More problems with String of Buttons

Back to the String of Buttons guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.