Greetings. I am an Echeveria, a proud member of the Crassulaceae family, renowned for my sculptural rosettes and plump, vibrant leaves. When you notice brown spots or scars marring my otherwise perfect foliage, it is a sign of my distress. I cannot speak your language, so I communicate through my physical form. Allow me to explain the primary causes from my perspective.
While I adore bright light, a sudden, intense exposure to direct sunlight, especially the harsh afternoon rays, is akin to a severe sunburn for me. My leaves contain chlorophyll and other pigments that are highly efficient but sensitive. An abrupt change from a sheltered spot to full sun causes a photochemical reaction within my cells, essentially cooking them. This results in flat, crispy, brown or white patches, often on the upper surfaces most exposed to the light. This damage is permanent; the scarred tissue cannot regenerate. Please acclimate me to stronger light gradually over several weeks to prevent this.
Excess moisture around my roots and leaves creates an environment where microscopic pathogens thrive. Overwatering or poor air circulation are the usual culprits. A fungal infection, often called leaf spot, manifests as soft, mushy, dark brown or black spots that can spread rapidly. A bacterial infection presents similarly but may have a wet, oozy appearance. These spots are not merely surface scars; they are signs of active decay within my leaf tissue. If left unchecked, the infection can spread to my stem and cause a fatal rot. Improving airflow and ensuring my soil dries out completely between waterings is my best defense.
Certain pests find my sap particularly delicious. Mealybugs and scale insects are the most common offenders. They pierce my epidermis with their needle-like mouthparts and feed on my vital fluids. This feeding activity damages the cells and creates small, localized wounds. As the leaf continues to grow, these damaged areas heal over, forming a brown, scab-like mark. Often, you will find the pests themselves (mealybugs look like tiny white cotton spots, scale like small brown bumps) clustered near these scars, particularly in the hard-to-see crevices between my leaves.
My leaves are essentially water-storage organs. They are turgid and fragile. A careless bump, a curious pet, a falling object, or even rough handling during repotting can cause bruising. This trauma ruptures the internal cells just beneath the leaf's surface. The released cellular contents oxidize and die, leading to a localized brown spot. Unlike sunburn, these spots are often slightly indented and can appear anywhere on the leaf that sustained impact. Once a bruise forms, it is a permanent scar, a reminder to handle me with the gentle care I deserve.
