What's eating my euphorbia persistentifolia?

Euphorbia persistentifolia, a spiny shrubby South African Euphorbia grown as a houseplant, is most affected indoors by mealybugs congregating around stem joints and persistent leaf bases. Spider mites can appear when the air is very dry. Its toxic latex and spiny habit repel most other pests and browsing animals.

White cottony masses at stem nodes and persistent leaf scars; weakened new growth and sticky honeydew. Treat with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab at each infestation site; apply neem oil spray; repeat weekly until gone.

Fine pale stippling along stems; barely visible webbing under hot, dry indoor heating conditions. Rinse stems under running water if possible, apply miticide or neem oil, and increase ambient humidity slightly.

Flat or domed waxy bumps along woody stems; gradual yellowing where feeding is concentrated. Manually remove with a damp cloth or soft brush; apply horticultural oil spray; check and retreat every two weeks.