Brown Spots and Powder?

6 years ago

Hi All! Some interesting stuff happening with my succulents. I'd say the brown spots on the sedum happened two or three weeks ago and I just noticed the paleness in the middle yesterday. Definitely trying to learn all I can about these guys, but not a clue where to start with the brown spots. Is it a fungus? It's seemed to spread to the succulent right next to it (name escapes me, it is definitely stretched but its the sunniest place I can provide currently). Also, that one seems to be producing a powder? It's never had this before. Similarly, my burros tail is producing a powder in the last couple days (no brown spots), but an interesting find. Any clue as to what they mean and how can I save the sedum??

Thanks all. Stay safe.

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Good there is a drainage hole!

Succulent-based soil is often not as well draining as advertised. That is why many using it, amend it with, at least, sifted perlite or pumice. Adding other inorganic ingredients makes it even better draining. Not sand, it is usually too fine and clogs up drainage. Mix like that usually doesn't look that dark, since there are less organics in it. Those are that retain moisture, often for too long. Succulents should be watered when potting mix is almost completely dry, thoroughly. Easy way to check it is using wooden/bamboo skewer or chopstick.

Btw, burro's tail usually grows very fast, and could be better if re-potted into bigger pot. I find hanging pots more suitable, since plant grows long 'arms' and looks best if allow to hang. They could grow many feet long. It also looses leaves very easily, so re-potting is more difficult with bigger plants.

It isn't 'miniature' plant. In case you like it to stay small, you would have to constantly prune it.

ETA: should have listen to my own advice, lol. Started as small cuttings, now overgrowing 4"pots and probably all tangled up. I was giving them away last fall, but not enough takers:

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Comments (6)

Kara 9b SF Bay Area CA
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
The brown spots not sure what that is. It could be from humidity. I personally wouldn’t do anything about it, but I would try putting it in a drier environment. It could be fungus I’ve heard of people using neem oil for fungus. If you do use neem oil or some type of spray, keep out of direct sun because your plant can burn.

The white center is due to not getting as much light as it would like. You can slowly acclimate to stronger sun. I believe it’s some type of Sedum adolpii and they can take all day full on sun if acclimated.

The white powder is a normal thing on succulents. It’s wax coating called farina and rubs off really easily, so try not to touch.
Flynnfriend
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks very much! I appreciate it greatly. The coating gives it a nicer appearance, so I will definitely try to be careful. Thanks again :)
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Emily (5b)
6 years ago
The second succulent looks like Graptopetalum paraguayense, if you didn't know the name
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
BTW, if those containers do not have drainage holes, you could have potentially a problem, especially if your soil retains water (it looks like it does - but I am looking at the photo only_.

That could be the reason for dark spot on leaves. Not too good if it is spreading.

First thing to do if there is fungus may be potting plants in substrate suitable for succulents: well draining, containing little of organic ingredients. Next, pot with drainage hole. Those white containers are cute, but they need to drain. And good air circulation
Flynnfriend
Original Author
6 years ago
They're in succulent based soil with drainage holes! :) They were watered yesterday which may be why it looks a bit wetter. I wait for them to dry more so than with my houseplants.