What's eating my conophytum wettsteinii?

Conophytum wettsteinii is a miniature South African mesemb cultivated indoors. Mealybugs are the dominant pest threat, concealing themselves in the crevices between the paired fleshy bodies. Root mealybugs cause hidden root loss. These tiny plants are especially vulnerable during their active growing season in autumn and winter.

White fluff visible in the fissure between plant lobes; sticky honeydew; bodies shrivel or distort Use a fine-tipped alcohol swab to target colonies; follow with a neem oil spray; repeat weekly until clear

Plant fails to plump up during the active season; white powdery wax coating roots when unpotted Bare-root, wash off old compost, soak in dilute systemic insecticide, repot in fresh mineral mix

Tiny pale spots on plant body surface; fine webbing in very dry, warm indoor conditions Wipe plant body gently with damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap spray; increase local humidity slightly