What Is The White Powder On Succulent?

The white powder on the surface of succulents may be good for plants, or it may be bad for plants. It may be epidermal wax that is beneficial to plants, or it may be powdery mildew that is harmful to succulents. You can learn more about what type of white matter on your succulents belongs to in this article. So, what is the white powder on succulents?

White powder on succulent plants---Skin wax

Epidermal wax is a protective layer that is generally produced on the leaves of succulents. The main function is to protect plants from harmful sunburns, insects, etc. It can protect the moisture of succulents and can also provide moisture to the leaves in an emergency.
 
Epidermal wax is mainly a coating of tiny crystals on the leaves of succulents. Also called "farina". Usually, we do not recommend that you wipe off this coating, because it has a certain protective effect on succulents.
 

Succulent has white powder on leaves---powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is a fungus that spreads throughout the plant and is most common on the leaves and stems of succulents. In addition, common vegetables and fruits can also be infected with this fungus. Most of them are caused by the environment being too humid, and it is harmful to the healthy growth of plants.

 

How to distinguish them?

The best way to distinguish between the two is to observe the succulents. Powdery mildew is contagious. Once it grows, the entire succulent plant will have the same symptoms. It can also damage the growth of succulents and cause their appearance to be deformed. The epidermal wax will only be evenly distributed on the plant and will not deform the plant.

Assuming that your succulents are not afraid of powdery mildew, you can use milk, baking soda, soapy water, neem oil, and water to wipe the succulents. After a period of wiping, it can restore its previous health.