What's eating my rhipsalis 'cashero'?

Rhipsalis cassutha is a forest cactus that is largely trouble-free but can attract mealybugs and scale insects on its thin pendant stems. Spider mites occasionally appear in dry indoor air. Because the drooping stems are hard to inspect, check the base and inner growth monthly and treat early before populations spread.

White waxy patches at stem joints and growing tips; affected segments shrivel or turn yellow Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab to each colony; follow with a dilute neem oil spray over all stems

Hard brown bumps along stems; heavy infestations cause segments to yellow and drop Dislodge with a soft brush or cloth dampened with alcohol, then apply horticultural oil

Pale, dull stem colour; fine webbing at growing tips in very dry conditions Increase humidity and mist lightly; spray with insecticidal soap, covering all stem surfaces