What's eating my euphorbia pulvinata?

Euphorbia pulvinata, a spiny cushion-forming succulent from South Africa grown as a houseplant, is mainly troubled indoors by mealybugs hiding among its dense spine clusters. Spider mites and root mealybugs also occur under stress. The spine armour and toxic latex give it natural protection from larger pests and animals.

White powdery or cottony tufts sheltered within spine clusters; honeydew and poor growth. Use fine tweezers and an alcohol-soaked swab to reach infested zones; apply neem oil drench; isolate and repeat weekly.

Faint stippling on the surface of tubercles; fine webbing in very dry conditions. Increase humidity around the plant, apply miticide or neem oil spray, and repeat treatment every 7–10 days.

Unexplained softening or shrivelling despite watering; waxy white fluff on root system at repotting. Remove from pot, wash roots, soak briefly in insecticidal soap solution, dry, and repot in fresh gritty compost.