What's eating my aloinopsis rosulata?

Aloinopsis rosulata is a tough little mesemb but shares the same indoor pest risks as its relatives: mealybugs (including the root-feeding form) are the primary threat, with spider mites and fungus gnats as secondary concerns when watering discipline slips or air is too dry. Lean, fast-draining soil and good airflow prevent most problems.

White waxy fluff on stems or leaf joints; root mealybugs leave white wax on roots and pot walls, causing unexplained wilting despite correct watering. Treat aerial bugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab. Unpot to inspect roots; wash off any root mealybugs, allow to dry, and repot into fresh compost. Systemic drench if infestation is heavy.

Fine silky webbing and silvery stippling on leaves, especially during dry winter heating season indoors. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap solution, ensuring full coverage including leaf undersides and crevices. Repeat every 5–7 days for three applications.

Small black flies hovering around the pot; larvae chew fine feeder roots in damp compost, leading to poor growth. Let soil dry completely between waterings and top-dress with coarse grit. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor adults; apply Bti (e.g., Gnatrol) for larval control.