What's eating my crassula alstonii?

Crassula alstonii is a rare, dwarf Cape succulent that attracts mealybugs in its tightly stacked leaf columns. Root mealybugs are a significant hidden risk. Spider mites may appear in very dry heated indoor air. Its small size means even a modest infestation can be fatal, so early detection during watering checks is critical.

Cottony wax tucked between stacked leaf pairs; plant growth stalls and leaves lose their plump form Spot-treat carefully between leaves using a fine brush or cotton bud with 70% isopropyl alcohol; systemic neem drench if root zone is involved

Sudden unexplained wilting; white powdery colonies on roots visible only when unpotted Unpot, inspect and clean roots, treat with dilute systemic insecticide soak, repot in sterile mineral compost; withhold water briefly to allow wounds to callous

Dull silvery surface to the small leaves; barely visible stippling in dry heated rooms Improve ventilation; apply dilute neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; repeat after one week