Will mealybugs kill my plant?

They can weaken the plant significantly if left untreated. Catching them early makes them very easy to manage.

Is powdery mildew harmful?

It can cause leaves to drop and weaken the plant over time. It is usually a sign that the plant needs more fresh air.

Kalanchoe: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaf axils for white cottony fluff.
Look for dusty white patches on the leaf surfaces.
Isolate the plant from other houseplants.

Likely causes

Mealybugs
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, white, fuzzy clusters on the stems or undersides of leaves.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the insects to kill them. Repeat this every few days until they are gone.
Powdery mildew
Possible
How to tell: A white, dusty fungal growth appears on the surface of the leaves.
What to do: Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid getting water on the leaves. You can wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to remove the fungus.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your kalanchoe

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.

When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire plant, it may be difficult to treat. Small spots are not normal, but they are easy to manage with quick action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a spot with good airflow and inspect it regularly when watering. Avoid overcrowding your plants.

Kalanchoe: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your kalanchoe 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will mealybugs kill my plant?: They can weaken the plant significantly if left untreated. Catching them early makes them very easy to manage.
Is powdery mildew harmful?: It can cause leaves to drop and weaken the plant over time. It is usually a sign that the plant needs more fresh air.

What are these white cottony spots on my Flaming Katy?

Check these first

Likely causes

Mealybugs

Powdery mildew

Find out what's wrong with your kalanchoe

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Kalanchoe: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Kalanchoe