What's eating my banded haworthia?

Haworthia limifolia, known for its distinctive transverse ridges, is most susceptible to mealybugs sheltering in the ridged leaf texture and at the plant base. Spider mites and root mealybugs also occur. The rough leaf surface makes mealybugs harder to spot; run a cotton swab along the ridges and base of each leaf when inspecting, as early as possible.

White cottony wax lodged in the ridges of leaves and clustered at the base of the rosette; leaves turn pale yellow and may wilt Work 70% isopropyl alcohol into the ridges with a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap and repeat weekly for at least a month

Unexplained slow decline and root damage visible when unpotted; white fluff on roots and lower crown Lift the plant, rinse all roots, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, dry, and repot in fresh well-draining succulent compost

Fine webbing and silvery stippling on the ridged leaf surfaces; in severe cases leaves shrivel at the tips Spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days; ensure the plant is not in excessively hot, dry conditions