What's eating my arabian desert rose?

Arabian Desert Rose (Adenium arabicum) is threatened most by mealybugs, which exploit the plant's crevice-rich caudex, and by spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Scale insects and aphids also occur. Overwatering-induced root rot is the other major killer — mealybugs attacking roots make this worse. Neem oil and good drainage are essential.

White cottony wax in branch crevices, on the caudex, and at root level; plant yellows and wilts; root mealybugs weaken the plant and invite rot. Wipe visible mealybugs with isopropyl alcohol; drench soil with diluted neem oil or imidacloprid to tackle root infestations. Repeat every 2 weeks.

Tiny pale dots and fine webbing on leaves; foliage yellows and drops; worst in hot, arid growing conditions the plant prefers. Rinse leaves thoroughly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days. Misting foliage in very hot weather lowers mite pressure.

Waxy brown or white shield-like bumps on stems and the caudex; slow drain on plant vigour over time. Scrape off with a soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray to kill crawlers. Repeat fortnightly through the growing season.