What's eating my cheiridopsis pillansii?

Cheiridopsis pillansii is a clumping South African mesemb grown indoors. Mealybugs are its chief pest, hiding under dried leaf sheaths and at stem bases. Root mealybugs attack below the soil line. Spider mites emerge in hot, dry air. Removing spent dried leaves regularly eliminates key mealybug hiding places.

White cottony masses under dried leaf sheaths and around stem bases; sticky honeydew residue Peel away old dried leaves where bugs shelter; swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply diluted neem oil to stem bases and soil surface

Wilting and loss of vigour despite correct watering; white waxy deposits visible on roots when inspected Unpot the plant, treat roots with a systemic insecticide soak (imidacloprid), allow roots to dry, and repot in clean gritty compost

Fine pale stippling across leaf surfaces; thin webbing in very dry indoor conditions Raise humidity slightly, improve air flow, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; a quick rinse under lukewarm water helps dislodge mites