What's eating my argyroderma fissum?

Argyroderma fissum is a compact indoor mesemb whose main pest enemies are mealybugs in the central body cleft and root mealybugs below the soil line. Spider mites can establish in very warm, stagnant air. Regular inspection at waterings and a lean, fast-draining substrate are the cornerstone of keeping this plant clean.

White waxy fluff between the fleshy leaf bodies; slow decline and sticky leaf surfaces Remove with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the leaf base and soil surface; repeat in two weeks

Wilting or wrinkling unresponsive to watering; chalky deposits discovered on roots Lift the plant, wash roots, apply a systemic insecticide drench, and repot in sterile, very free-draining mix

Faint silvery stippling or dulling of the leaf surface in hot, dry indoor conditions Improve ventilation; wipe leaves carefully; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil spray and monitor closely