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Posted 1M ago by @14echo

What went wrong?

#Echeveria posh is a member of the Spice Girls and also a succulent. She started out so good and got really big and green and then got this white powder that I tried to wipe off with a towel and distilled water, but it’s kind of shriveled up what went wrong? Is there anything I can do to save it?
0ft to light, direct
3” pot with drainage
Last watered 5 days ago
Best Answer
A white powder on an Echeveria is most likely called "farina," which is a natural, waxy coating produced by the plant to protect itself from the sun and excessive water; it's considered a normal feature of many succulent varieties like Echeveria and is often referred to as "epicuticular wax.".
Key points about farina:
Function: Acts as a protective layer, similar to sunscreen, helping the plant resist sunburn and water damage.
Appearance: White, powdery coating on the leaves and stems.
Distinguishing from pests: Unlike pest infestations, farina is evenly distributed and easily wipes off without leaving sticky residue.
Try spot wiping with some rubbing alcohol.
I'd avoid rubbing alcohol as it can burn plants very badly, I've had really good results with diluted apple cider vinegar sprayed liberally. I'll try to find the post with an excellent recipe for preventative measures and treatment for fungus, which it sounds like your gal may have picked up. Also recommend isolating her until whatever it is goes away, lest it spread to the others. And the last thing, if it IS a fungus, it will have infected the soil as well and need a repot after disinfecting. Off to look for that post bbs!
Courtesy of @TheOddAsity!
I second @Catplantaddict .
The removed farina in all probability won't grow back. Be careful with harsh direct sunlight, because your echeveria has lost the protective "suntan" (that farina).
Sounds like it might have been powdery mildew. That makes the leaves shrivel up fall off.