What's eating my bell cotyledon?

Bell Cotyledon is a South African succulent grown as a houseplant for its pendant tubular flowers. Mealybugs and spider mites are the most likely indoor pests. The tubular flowers and fleshy stems create sheltered spots where mealybugs hide. As with all Cotyledon species, the plant contains cotyledontoxin — wear gloves during pest treatment and keep it away from pets.

White waxy masses in leaf folds, stem joints, and inside flower bracts; sustained feeding weakens stems and distorts buds Remove with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap for larger infestations; check flower bracts carefully and repeat weekly

Fine stippling and webbing on leaves; damage worsens dramatically in hot, dry indoor air Increase humidity around the plant; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 5–7 days for three to four treatments

Small hard bumps on stems; honeydew excretion can encourage sooty mould on lower leaves Scrape off with a soft brush; treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow up with neem oil spray to deter re-infestation