--- title: "I was gifted this trio several weeks ago. When I got it it was super…" description: "I was gifted this trio several weeks ago. When I got it it was super dry. I’ve never watered it. But the jade plant is looking textured/leathery. May it be…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w/9gR4JMK56UpADgChPoo0VV" community: "The Cactus & Succulent Circle" author: "Sarah" published: "2025-05-22T19:21:57.654367Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/N2p4HsV8h6jcDTJQmpYI1u4wxODVPQ42NujLw6NVSh8/GTMBYPGjQMiffwdCOpqTog.webp?size=large" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [The Cactus \& Succulent Circle](https://getplanta.com/community/vOLjreBcQ-OpqrHIhVSc4w.md) # I was gifted this trio several weeks ago. When I got it it was super… _Posted by Sarah on 2025-05-22_ I was gifted this trio several weeks ago. When I got it it was super dry. I’ve never watered it. But the jade plant is looking textured/leathery. May it be underwatered? I am new to succulents. Also, should these be divided into 3 plants for better health? Lastly, does this look like mealy bugs (white spot, second pic)? ![Attachment 1 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/N2p4HsV8h6jcDTJQmpYI1u4wxODVPQ42NujLw6NVSh8/GTMBYPGjQMiffwdCOpqTog.webp?size=large) ![Attachment 2 of 2](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/N2p4HsV8h6jcDTJQmpYI1u4wxODVPQ42NujLw6NVSh8/FwLO6aGiR0u8uY88TRur6A.webp?size=large) ## 10 comments ### Phil commented on 2025-05-22 Looks like a mealy. With succulents, if the leaves feel bendable and rubbery, it needs water. Probably would separate at some point because some slightly different needs in that planter. #### Sarah replied on 2025-05-22 I have a neem oil premixed spray for house plants. Should I spray the whole plant or just where the bug is? I will try to get them potted separately soon. #### jonadin replied on 2025-05-22 Agree with Phil! I would separate by type since they look cramped anyway. I always water my Jade after the leaves give way between my fingers (bend gently so you don’t break off leaves though). The wrinkling looks like under watering to me but if the leaves are bendable that’s the best test. (Possible the soil isn’t retaining water well so it can’t get water, in which case you can bottom water until you repot.) And could be mealybug webbing? I might see some off to the right on the pot in the second photo as well? #### Sarah replied on 2025-05-22 There’s those white granules in the top of the soil like is seen in a lot of nursery soil. So I \*think\* the stuff to the right is the granules as it more like a rock than fuzzy. #### Phil replied on 2025-05-22 I quit using neem oil on my succulents. I damaged a few favorites with it. They were not damaged from the light hitting the neem oil. They were kept in a darker room during treatment. I do the alcohol and swab thing, and then do several treatments with insecticidal soap every 5 days or so. ### LM commented on 2025-05-22 Yes that’s mealy bugs, spray and wipe off check regularly and remove treat as needed. Definitely water! #### Sarah replied on 2025-05-22 There’s also white granules in the soil that’s pretty common to nursery soil. As soon as I sprayed the bug it fell off…. ### Sarah commented on 2025-05-22 Well I just took it all out of the pot and looks like maybe it is just the white foam like granules from the soil and not bugs?? It’s definitely super dry though! Getting pots for each today and repotting. ![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/N2p4HsV8h6jcDTJQmpYI1u4wxODVPQ42NujLw6NVSh8/-swf3TJuTa2OWuJz6hycpQ.webp?size=large) ### Sarah commented on 2025-05-22 Okay, so if the root ball is only about 1-1.5 inches and the smallest size terra cotta pot available is 4” what do I do? This seems too big. Can I just fill the pot about halfway with soil so as to prevent root rot/overwatering from too much soil? ### KJM commented on 2025-05-23 They do look crowded but I don't think they absolutely need to be separated. They're all succulents they would do fine together but you can separate them too. And yes, I would give it a good watering those soft pliable leaves would indicate it is using its reserves. Is the white spot soft? If you only see one spot I would try and get it out of there with a little toothpick or something and then treat the entire pot with something for mealy bug. (All seasons oil, Captain Jack's or whatever you have) --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_