some of that is where the leaves got burned by the cfl , and then grew bigger and it fucked them up. Some is from the deficiencies when it was in the cup and then growing bigger in the pot. The new leaves on top look good and healthy. ANd some whiteness is from the water , I have hard water here. if I have to I'll buy water but until then I'll use the free water. Some guys at the hydro store sell reverse osmosis ph'd water for 49 cent a gallon that would be my first stop.