What's eating my conophytum minutum?

Conophytum minutum is a dwarf mesemb that attracts mealybugs and, occasionally, fungus gnats or spider mites in hot dry indoor conditions. Mealybugs are by far the biggest pest threat, sheltering inside the paired-leaf sheath. Good airflow, mineral compost, and seasonal dry rest deter most attackers effectively.

White waxy wool tucked inside the papery sheath or at the base; bodies fail to plump correctly Remove old sheaths carefully to expose bugs; dab with isopropyl alcohol; drench with dilute neem if root mealybugs are suspected

Fine stippling on the leaf surface and faint webbing in very hot, dry, stagnant conditions Raise humidity slightly; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat every 5–7 days for three cycles

Root damage from larvae when compost is kept too moist or peat-heavy Replace peat mix with >75% perlite/grit; water far less frequently; apply Bti drench if adults persist