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House plant leaf #924749

Asked February 18, 2026, 1:34 PM EST

Hi, I have several of these plants in for the winter and noticed white stuff on the top of the leaves. This is not on the bottom of the leaves. I have not noticed this in previous years and wondered what it is and how to remedy. I’m not even sure what these plants are and have had them since April 2019. Thanks…

Scott County Minnesota

Expert Response

Your plant looks like a Kalanchoe and they have Mealy bugs. This looks to be a large infestation so you may have difficulty treating them. 

It is not an uncommon problem with houseplants that go outside in the summer.

You can prune out the areas that are browning and drying. Wash off the rest of the leaves with soapy water. The Mealy bugs may be living in the soil, so I would also take them out of their pots, Wash the roots and replant them in new clean potting soil in sterile containers. 

You can also use an insecticidal soap. It may take several treatments. 

Discard the pruned leaves and soil immediately. 

https://yardandgarden.extension.iastate.edu/faq/how-do-i-care-kalanchoe

https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/mealybugs-2/

Deb Reierson Replied February 18, 2026, 3:18 PM EST

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