Pocket Botanist
Check these first
- Look closely in the leaf crevices for white cottony fluff.
- Check if the spots are mushy or dry.
- Ensure the plant has good airflow.
Likely causes
Mealybugs
Most likelyHow to tell: You see small, white, cottony clusters in the crevices where leaves meet the stem. The spots are actually the insects or the residue they leave behind.
What to do: Dab the spots with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill the insects. Repeat this once a week until you see no more signs of pests.
Fungal Infection
PossibleHow to tell: The spots are dark, sunken, or mushy and may spread if the plant stays wet. This often happens if water sits on the leaves for too long.
What to do: Remove the affected leaves to prevent the fungus from spreading. Improve air circulation around the plant and ensure you never leave water sitting in the center of the leaf rosette.
Find out what's wrong with your gasteria
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
Worry if the spots are spreading quickly or causing the leaves to collapse. Isolated, dry spots are often just minor physical damage from handling.
Stopping it coming back
Keep the leaves dry when watering and provide good ventilation. Inspect your plant regularly for pests so you can catch them early.
Gasteria: spots? Check yours with a photo
Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your gasteria 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.
Scan with your phone's camera to get the app
Or go to pocketbotanist.app/get on your phone
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Questions people ask
- Can I use neem oil for the spots?
- Neem oil can be used, but be careful as it can sometimes burn succulent leaves in bright light. Spot testing a small area first is a good idea.
- Are these spots contagious to other plants?
- If the spots are caused by mealybugs, they can easily spread to nearby plants. Isolate the affected Gasteria until you are sure the pests are gone.
Guides to these causes
More problems with Gasteria
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.