Hi everyone,

About 2 months ago, I (a beginner to the world of plants) noticed an insane amount of white fuzzies on my guy.


I was told I had a really bad mealybug infestation, so I tried to clean them all off with rubbing alcohol over the course of a few weeks. I thought I had succeeded, but I just now noticed that some of my guy's leaves have started looking yellow and soggy. The leaves that had the mealy bugs looked dry and shriveled, not soggy like this.



I just moved from California to Connecticut. I keep it in a window facing north-east-ish (my only window) that has filtered light. Is it possible that the change in humidity or light is messing it up? I've had this plant about 5 months, and haven't changed its watering schedule at all. I'd appreciate any help!! Thank you!

Hi stairbender, and a big to NGA. So glad you found your way here.

Your first photo shows a relatively healthy sempervivum, with an infestation of mealybug. Semps rarely have problems with pests unless they are stressed. If you are keeping it indoors that would be very stressful to a semp. They do not do well indoors.
Notice the difference in coloring between your first photo and the next two photos. The plant has become very pale/anemic looking. It also looks like it has the beginnings of rot.
I also notice that your potting mix looks to be mainly forest/peat product. This also does not make for a happy semp. You can start with a small bag of Potting Mix (there are several good brands out there), add coarse sand (about 40 to 50%) and some pumice or chicken grit. After planting add a nice layer of chicken grit (Cherry Stone #2 is a nice size).
Before planting remove any rotting tissue and lay on a clean paper towel to dry/callus over for a day before replanting.
Water thoroughly and place outside in bright light, not direct sun.

Hope this was helpful?

Hi Stairbender Sad Lynn said, these plants don't make good houseplants sadly
A couple succulent plants that do well for me, under several different conditions, including low light, are Haworthia (many different types, and I can have a plant struggling with mealy bugs right next to my Haworthias and they don't get them)
Sedevaria, graptosedum
There are several different types out there, when they grow under low light like what you're describing, they get elongated and weaker stems but stay pretty healthy. I've seen them at local big box stores, can't remember their name, I think one is called 'Fred Ives' and it has some golden tones you it.
Good luck

Thank you both for your advice!

I'd kept it outside when I was living in California, but I've been afraid of leaving it out in the cold here in CT, since it gets pretty cold pretty quick in the Fall here. Anyways, I'll remove the rot, change up the potting soil, and do my best to move it to a more hospitable location.

Thank you again!!!

stairbender said:Thank you both for your advice!
but I've been afraid of leaving it out in the cold here in CT, since it gets pretty cold pretty quick in the Fall here.

It's sempervivum, will pass freezing temps overwinter if there is not too much water all the time at the roots.

It really will do much better if you leave it outside all year. They can take the cold and snow just fine if they don't stay too damp. A position under the eaves of the house is a good place to try.

PaleoTemp said:
It's sempervivum, will pass freezing temps overwinter if there is not too much water all the time at the roots.

plantmanager said:It really will do much better if you leave it outside all year. They can take the cold and snow just fine if they don't stay too damp. A position under the eaves of the house is a good place to try.

Wow, I had no idea. Alright folks, outside he goes!

Thank you all!

Stairbender - yes these plants are from the alpine (above tree line) mountain areas in Europe and Western Asia - they love the cold (but...- you know there's always a but!) They can't take the freeze thaw weather which is so common now a days - so keeping it out of the rain or melting ice/snow is a good idea
I'm curious to see how your plant bounces back!