What's eating my elephant bush?

Elephant Bush (Portulacaria afra) is a tough succulent but mealybugs are its most persistent pest, hiding at stem nodes. Spider mites can attack in low-humidity interiors. Scale insects occasionally colonise woody stems. Its thick leaves and semi-arid origins mean overwatering and root rot are far more common problems than pest damage.

Fluffy white wax at stem joints and undersides of small round leaves; leaves may drop and stems yellow Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with neem oil solution; remove severely infested stems; treat weekly for a month

Tiny speckling and dusty look on leaves; fine webbing between stems; most common when indoor humidity is very low Wipe stems and leaves with a damp cloth; spray with insecticidal soap; keep away from radiators and dry heat sources

Brown oval bumps fixed to woody stems; honeydew drips on leaves and shelf below; slow decline if untreated Scrape off manually with a toothbrush; apply neem oil or a systemic houseplant insecticide to the stem