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Moonstone · Pachyphytum oviferum

What are these white cottony spots on my Moonstone?

If you see small, white, fuzzy patches in the crevices of your Moonstone, you likely have mealybugs. These pests love to hide in tight spots and suck the sap from your plant. Check the base of the leaves and where they meet the stem first.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely in the crevices where leaves meet the stem.
  2. Use a magnifying glass to confirm if the white spots are moving.
  3. Check nearby plants to see if the pests have spread.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybug Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see white, cotton like masses or tiny crawling insects in the leaf axils. The plant may look stunted or lose its vigor.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in 70 percent isopropyl alcohol and dab it directly onto the pests to kill them. Repeat this every 5 to 7 days until you no longer see any signs of them.

  2. New Plant Introduction

    Possible

    How to tell: Pests appear shortly after bringing a new plant into your home. The infestation is usually localized to the new plant initially.

    What to do: Always quarantine new plants for 2 weeks before placing them near your other succulents. If you find pests, treat them immediately with alcohol and keep the plant isolated.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your moonstone

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 infestation covers the entire plant and the leaves are shriveling, it is a serious problem. A few spots can be managed easily if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with plenty of direct sun and good airflow. Regularly inspect your Moonstone during your watering routine to catch pests early.

Moonstone: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Will neem oil hurt my Moonstone?
Neem oil can sometimes damage the delicate, powdery coating on Moonstone leaves. It is safer to use the alcohol dabbing method.
Do I need to repot the plant?
Only if the infestation is severe or you suspect the pests are in the soil. Usually, treating the leaves is enough.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Moonstone

Back to the Moonstone 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.