What's eating my edithcolea grandis?

Edithcolea grandis (Persian carpet flower) is a rare stapeliad succulent kept by collectors indoors. Like all stapeliads, mealybugs are the chief pest, hiding among its densely patterned stems. Spider mites can also attack in dry air. The plant is slow-growing and tolerates poorly, so early intervention at first sign is critical.

White cottony colonies tucked into stem crevices and tips; honeydew residue; slow, weakened growth on this already slow-growing species. Remove immediately with isopropyl alcohol swabs. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7 days for three to four treatments. Isolate from other plants promptly.

Pale dusty stippling across stem surfaces; webbing in sheltered crevices; worse in hot, low-humidity winter conditions. Wipe stems gently with a damp cloth. Spray with neem oil solution weekly for three weeks. Increase air circulation and avoid placing near radiators.

Stem tips begin to shrivel despite correct watering; white waxy residue visible on roots when plant is gently removed from its container. Bare-root carefully, rinse all medium from roots, and soak in a dilute neem or imidacloprid solution. Repot in sterile, very gritty cactus mix.