What's eating my confused huernia?

Confused Huernia is a clustering stapeliad grown indoors, susceptible mainly to mealybugs lodging between its ribbed stems and root mealybugs below the soil surface. Spider mites occasionally appear in dry indoor air. Flies attracted to the flowers are beneficial pollinators. Avoid overwatering to reduce all pest risk.

Fluffy white waxy clusters nestled between stems and at the soil line; stems soften and fail to grow Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with diluted neem oil spray; repeat every 7–10 days

Unexplained stem deflation during growing season; white cottony threads visible on roots when plant is unpotted Remove plant from pot, wash all roots, apply systemic insecticide drench, allow to dry before repotting

Dull pale speckling across stem surfaces; fine webbing present in very warm, dry rooms Raise local humidity slightly, wipe stems, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until resolved