What's eating my cheiridopsis candidissima?

Cheiridopsis candidissima (lobster claw plant) is a dwarf South African mesemb grown indoors. Mealybugs are the most likely pest — both stem and root forms — followed by fungus gnats when compost stays wet. Spider mites can appear in very dry air. Extremely lean, dry conditions keep most pest pressure at bay.

White cottony masses at leaf bases or on stems; root form detected only when unpotting — white waxy residue on roots, with unexplained wilting above ground. Swab stem mealybugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol. For root mealybugs, unpot, rinse off all soil, let roots dry 1–2 days, then repot into fresh gritty compost. Apply systemic insecticide granules if needed.

Small black flies around the pot; larvae chew fine roots in wet soil, causing poor growth or sudden wilting. Allow compost to dry completely between waterings. Top-dress with coarse perlite or grit. Apply Bti (Gnatrol or similar) as a soil drench to kill larvae.

Fine webbing and pale stippling on leaf surfaces in low-humidity, heated rooms. Spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap, covering all surfaces. Repeat every 5–7 days for three rounds. Improve air circulation to discourage mites.