What is going on with the spotting on this part? It almos...
6” pot with drainage
Last watered 6 days ago
6
Echeveria gibbiflora is showing some signs of distress on its lower leaves. The large, localized grayish-white and damaged patches on that prominent front leaf point to a couple of likely culprits:
1. Overwatering or Edema (Most Likely)
The soil in the pot appears quite dark and dense, which can retain moisture for too long. When a succulent absorbs more water than its cells can hold, the cells can burst, leading to a condition called edema.
The Danger: These ruptured areas easily turn into soft, mushy spots or invite fungal rot, which matches the appearance of the collapsing tissue on that lower leaf.
2. Sunburn
If the plant was recently moved into a spot with intense, direct sunlight without a gradual acclimation period, the leaves can literally bleach and burn.
How to tell: Sunburn spots are usually dry, papery, and tan or white. If the spot is soft, squishy, or damp, it is a moisture/rot issue rather than sunburn.
Recommended Next Steps
Check the Leaf Texture: Gently feel the damaged leaf. If it is mushy or translucent, pluck it off immediately to prevent any potential rot from spreading up the stem.
Assess the Soil: Succulents thrive in gritty, fast-draining soil. If the current mix is regular potting soil, consider mixing in a heavy amount of perlite or pumice to help it dry out faster. Only water when the soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot.
Inspect the Stem: Ensure the main stem near the base of the plant is firm and green/purple, not black or squishy.
If the rest of the plant is firm and the new growth in the center looks healthy, it should bounce back just fine once its watering schedule or soil is adjusted!
1. Overwatering or Edema (Most Likely)
The soil in the pot appears quite dark and dense, which can retain moisture for too long. When a succulent absorbs more water than its cells can hold, the cells can burst, leading to a condition called edema.
The Danger: These ruptured areas easily turn into soft, mushy spots or invite fungal rot, which matches the appearance of the collapsing tissue on that lower leaf.
2. Sunburn
If the plant was recently moved into a spot with intense, direct sunlight without a gradual acclimation period, the leaves can literally bleach and burn.
How to tell: Sunburn spots are usually dry, papery, and tan or white. If the spot is soft, squishy, or damp, it is a moisture/rot issue rather than sunburn.
Recommended Next Steps
Check the Leaf Texture: Gently feel the damaged leaf. If it is mushy or translucent, pluck it off immediately to prevent any potential rot from spreading up the stem.
Assess the Soil: Succulents thrive in gritty, fast-draining soil. If the current mix is regular potting soil, consider mixing in a heavy amount of perlite or pumice to help it dry out faster. Only water when the soil is completely dry all the way to the bottom of the pot.
Inspect the Stem: Ensure the main stem near the base of the plant is firm and green/purple, not black or squishy.
If the rest of the plant is firm and the new growth in the center looks healthy, it should bounce back just fine once its watering schedule or soil is adjusted!
@cassandreen this is powdery mildew (the circular white fuzzy patches) 🫤 It's very common on indoor Echeverias, and it will spread to the rest of the plant as well as any other nearby plants and eventually kill them if not treated. First thing to do is isolate it away from other plants and remove that heavily damaged leaf. If any other leaves have these spots, remove them too. You have a few treatment options, but the most widely used is copper fungicide spray. I've also had great results using sulphur powder and potassium bicarbonate.
The best way to prevent this from happening in the future is to increase airflow around your plants. A few strategically placed stroller fans will help a lot. Powdery mildew wiped out almost all my echeveria a few years ago. It was so bad I eventually moved most of my succulents outside, although it depends on the climate where you live. Do you have any other succulents nearby?
The best way to prevent this from happening in the future is to increase airflow around your plants. A few strategically placed stroller fans will help a lot. Powdery mildew wiped out almost all my echeveria a few years ago. It was so bad I eventually moved most of my succulents outside, although it depends on the climate where you live. Do you have any other succulents nearby?
I also agree with @Shellyjam56 that the soil looks far too dense. And glazed clay pots are notorious for keeping soil damp too long. Terracotta pots are best for succulents because they're porous, which helps the soil dry out faster. For the soil, mix cactus/succulent soil and perlite (equal amounts of each). Also try to avoid getting the leaves wet or allowing the lowest leaves to sit directly on top of the soil.
@Shellyjam56 wow.. i’m new in the app but, i really appreciate all your advices. I saw you in almost every lot of comments giving your best advice.. Thank you so much.