What's eating my curio ficoides?

Curio ficoides (blue chalk sticks) is a South African succulent that is relatively pest-resistant but most commonly attacked by mealybugs in its leaf axils and stem joints. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry indoor conditions. Overwatering creates the stress that makes either pest far more likely to take hold.

White cotton-like clusters in leaf axils and at stem bases; sticky honeydew leads to sooty mould and weakened growth. Dab each mealybug with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; repeat every 5 days for three cycles. Isolate the plant and check the roots for root mealybugs.

Fine webbing and a dusty, stippled look on the waxy blue foliage — most likely during hot, dry spells indoors. Increase ambient humidity slightly; spray all surfaces (including stem undersides) with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 3–4 days until resolved.

Waxy white colonies on roots and at the soil line; plant wilts or stalls despite correct watering, as roots lose function. Unpot, shake off all soil, inspect roots visually, rinse with dilute isopropyl alcohol solution, allow to dry, then repot in fresh gritty succulent mix.