What's eating my mexican snowball?

Mexican Snowball Echeveria is most troubled by mealybugs nestled in its tight, pearlescent rosette. Its powdery coating (farina) can be ruined by pest sprays, so apply alcohol carefully with a swab rather than broad misting. Root mealybugs are a hidden threat. Outdoors, slugs occasionally damage outer leaves, and vine weevil grubs attack roots.

White powdery clusters in rosette center that mimic the plant's own farina; distorted new growth; slow decline Target precisely with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab to preserve the farina; check roots for root mealybugs

Unexplained wilting and yellowing; white waxy coating on roots discovered at repotting Remove all old soil; rinse roots; soak briefly in neem oil solution; repot in sterile, fast-draining cactus mix

Irregular rasping damage on outer leaves with slime trails; most common on outdoor or patio plants Remove by hand at night; apply copper tape around pots; use wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets