What's eating my conophytum obcordellum?

Conophytum obcordellum, a dwarf South African mesemb, is vulnerable to mealybugs — including the root-feeding form — which can go undetected beneath the papery old leaf sheaths. Fungus gnats flourish if the mix is kept too wet outside the active growing window. Inspect carefully at each annual repotting cycle.

Cottony deposits hidden beneath old papery sheaths or at the body fissure; bodies shrivel; honeydew attracts mould. Carefully peel away old sheaths; apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush; treat monthly during the growing season.

White waxy coating on roots; plants fail to plump up when watering resumes in autumn; gradual collapse. Unpot fully during dormancy check; wash roots; soak briefly in diluted systemic insecticide solution; repot in fresh mineral compost.

Adult gnats hovering at soil surface; larvae damage the fine roots, leaving conophytums vulnerable to rot. Maintain strict dry summer dormancy; use a pure mineral compost mix; apply Bti drench when plants are in active growth.