Why Did My Succulent Turn White?

Oleh Cheryl Price June 05, 2023 Post a Comment

Succulents are a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardens, but they can be finicky plants. One common issue that many succulent owners encounter is a succulent turning white. This can be alarming if you're not familiar with the plant's behavior, but in most cases, it's not indicative of a serious problem.

In this blog post, we'll explore why your succulent may have turned white and what you can do to revive it. We'll also provide tips on how to prevent your succulents from turning white in the first place.

What Causes a Succulent to Turn White?

There are several reasons why a succulent may turn white, including:

Sunburn

One of the most common reasons for a succulent turning white is sunburn. Succulents need a lot of sunlight to thrive, but too much direct sunlight can damage their leaves and cause them to turn white. If your succulent is getting too much sun, you may notice that the leaves closest to the light source turn white first.

To prevent sunburn, make sure your succulent is placed in an area with bright, indirect light. If you must keep it in direct sunlight, gradually increase the amount of light it receives over a period of weeks to help it adjust.

Underwatering

Another reason why a succulent may turn white is underwatering. When a succulent doesn't receive enough water, its leaves may begin to shrivel and turn white. You may also notice that the soil around the base of the plant is dry.

To prevent this from happening, make sure you're watering your succulent enough. As a general rule, you should water your succulent when the soil is completely dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can also cause problems.

Overfertilization

Overfertilization is another common cause of succulent leaves turning white. If you're giving your succulent too much fertilizer, the excess salts can build up in the soil and damage the plant. In addition to turning white, the leaves may also become brittle or to curl.

To prevent overfertilization, make sure you're using a fertilizer that's specifically designed for succulents. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, and don't fertilize more often than recommended.

Pest Infestations

If your succulent is turning white and you've ruled out other causes, it's possible that it has a pest infestation. Mealybugs, spider mites, and other pests can damage succulent leaves and cause them to turn white.

To treat a pest infestation, use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to completely get rid of the pests.

How to Revive a Succulent That Has Turned White

If you've noticed that your succulent has turned white, there are a few things you can do to revive it:

Move it to a Shadier Spot

If your succulent has turned white due to sunburn, move it to a shadier spot. Make sure it's still getting enough light, but not so much that it's getting burned.

Water it More Often

If your succulent has turned white due to underwatering, water it more often. Be careful not to overwater, as this can also cause problems.

Repot it

If your succulent is turning white due to overfertilization or root rot, it may need to be repotted. Remove it from its current pot and gently shake off any excess soil. Check the roots for signs of rot, and trim away any damaged roots. Repot the succulent in fresh soil.

Treat It for Pests

If your succulent is turning white due to a pest infestation, treat it with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Repeat the treatment as needed until the pests are completely gone.

How to Prevent Your Succulent from Turning White

To prevent your succulent from turning white in the first place, here are a few tips:

Keep It in Bright, Indirect Light

Succulents need a lot of light to thrive, but too much direct sunlight can damage their leaves. Keep your succulent in an area with bright, indirect light.

Water It Carefully

Water your succulent when the soil is completely dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can also cause problems.

Use the Right Fertilizer

Use a fertilizer that's specifically designed for succulents, and follow the instructions on the package carefully.

Check for Pests Regularly

Check your succulent regularly for signs of pests. If you notice any, treat them right away with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray.

Succulents are beautiful and low-maintenance plants, but they can be finicky at times. If you've noticed that your succulent has turned white, don't panic. In most cases, it's not indicative of a serious problem, and there are things you can do to revive it.

Remember to keep your succulent in bright, indirect light, water it carefully, use the right fertilizer, and check for pests regularly. With a little bit of care, your succulent will thrive and bring beauty to your home or garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What does it mean when a succulent turns white?

When a succulent turns white, it usually indicates that it's getting too much direct sunlight, or it's not receiving enough water.

Q2: Can a succulent recover from being sunburned?

Yes, a succulent can recover from being sunburned. To help it recover, move it to a shadier spot and make sure it's still getting enough light.

Q3: How often should I water my succulent?

As a general rule, you should water your succulent when the soil is completely dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause problems.

Q4: Can overfertilization cause a succulent to turn white?

Yes, overfertilization can cause a succulent to turn white. The excess salts in the soil can damage the plant.

Q5: What kind of fertilizer should I use for my succulent?

Use a fertilizer that's specifically designed for succulents. Follow the instructions on the package carefully, and don't fertilize more often than recommended.

Q6: Can pests cause a succulent to turn white?

Yes, pests such as mealybugs and spider mites can damage succulent leaves and cause them to turn white.

Q7: How do I treat a pest infestation on my succulent?

Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to treat a pest infestation on your succulent. Repeat the treatment as needed until the pests are gone.

Q8: How do I know if my succulent has root rot?

If your succulent has root rot, you may notice that the leaves are turning yellow or brown and falling off. You may also notice a foul smell coming from the soil.

Q9: Can repotting a succulent help if it has turned white?

Yes, repotting a succulent can help if it has turned white due to overfertilization or root rot. Remove it from its current pot, trim away any damaged roots, and repot it in fresh soil.

Q10: How can I prevent my succulent from turning white?

To prevent your succulent from turning white, keep it in bright, indirect light, water it carefully, use the right fertilizer, and check for pests regularly.