What's eating my dinteranthus pole-evansii?

Dinteranthus pole-evansii is an ultra-rare mesemb grown almost exclusively as a collector's houseplant. Like all Dinteranthus, mealybugs are the primary pest risk, sheltering in the body cleft. Root mealybugs are a silent danger. Keeping the plant in a very free-draining mix and avoiding excess water prevents fungus gnat larvae.

White waxy secretions in the crevice between paired leaf bodies; weakened, sunken appearance Remove manually with alcohol-dipped swabs; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to affected areas, keeping foliar wetness minimal

Plant fails to recover after dry spells; chalky white colonies visible on roots at repotting Drench soil with diluted imidacloprid solution or unpot and treat roots directly before repotting in sterile mineral mix

Fine discolouration and stippling on the leaf bodies in hot, dry indoor conditions Improve air circulation; apply insecticidal soap spray; avoid placing the plant near heating vents