White Powder on Burro's Tail: Natural Glaucous Bloom, Not Disease

Uniform White Film on Sedum morganianum

A hanging burro's tail has a consistent, thin, wipe-off white powder over the entire plant—not spotty like powdery mildew. The owner wonders if it's natural or a problem.

It's "Glaucous" Bloom—A Healthy Trait

Greg confirms this is normal. Many succulents and cacti produce a glaucous (waxy) coating that acts as a natural sunscreen and reduces water loss. It's especially common on plants with few spines. No treatment needed; it's a sign of a healthy, well-adapted plant.

Reference

For more detail, see the Wikipedia entry on Glaucous.