What's eating my ebracteola montis-moltkei?

Ebracteola montis-moltkei, a rare cliff-dwelling South African mesemb, shares the common indoor succulent pest profile. Mealybugs are its most likely threat, hiding between tightly pressed leaves. Root mealybugs can colonise its dry gritty root zone undetected. Spider mites emerge in stale, heated air. Monthly inspection under magnification is advisable given its rarity.

White cottony deposits between leaf pairs or at stem bases; sap feeding weakens the plant and stunts new growth Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine swab to each colony; treat with neem oil spray weekly until no signs remain

Slow, unexplained decline; leaves look deflated despite careful watering; white wax coating roots when inspected Bare-root the plant, wash away all soil, treat roots with systemic imidacloprid, dry fully, repot in sterile gritty mix

Minute pale spots and faint webbing on tightly packed leaves; colonies build quickly in warm, dry indoor conditions Mist cautiously; spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good airflow around the pot