Hi, I recently purchased a succulent that I'd admired (4" mint green paddle-shaped leaves with maroonish margins) and asked a supplier to find for me. They said it is a Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora. It is fresh from a greenhouse, and has what I feel is a normal covering of a white powder, heavier near the stalk. Its an even covering that can be wiped off. I'm sure its not a pest like mealy bug. Can someone tell me what it is, and should I leave it alone? What happens to the plant if you were to "clean it up"? Thanks for any insight into this! - Diane
I would leave it alone. The whitish waxy coating which is found on some species of plants is there to help them retain water...
The plants that I rubbed the powder off the leaves, the leaves started looking sick and one started shriveling at the end and curling inward. I'd say leave it alone, haha.
It is quite normal for Kalanchoe thyrsiflora to have this farina on it. You can leave it alone. :) If it ever flowers for you, please post a pic! It has nice, lemon yellow blooms!
Thanks so much for your responses. I was pretty sure the powdery "blush" was just its modus operndi. I did wipe it off of a small 4" plant and I'll let you know what happens to that one. Its in a west window (with low E glass which seems to help) where a sanseveria flourished in the past. I love to experiment, then I learn. Thanks again, Diane
Here is a pic of my Kalanchoe luciae ssp luciae with its powdery substance on the inflorescence. I believe it protects the plant (from what? I don't know). I don't think wiping it off your plant will be harmful, especially if you have it in the house. On mine, which has white blooms, the powder was all over them too (pic of that as well)!
Thank you, Rosemarie for the reply and pictures . . . wow! What a beauty. I'd heard that many xeriscape plants are silvery in color for maybe sun protection, just don't remember now. Perhaps it reflects the sun back off the plant. thanks again, Diane
You're welcome and thank YOU! I believe it has something to do with keeping water off, but I could be completely off on that.
