What's eating my fenestraria aurantiaca?

Fenestraria aurantiaca shares the same pest profile as its close relative rhopalophylla. Mealybugs are the chief threat, tucking into the clustered leaf bases. Root mealybugs silently destroy roots. Fungus gnats breed in damp compost. Overwatering remains a far more common killer than any pest, so cultural hygiene is the primary defence.

Cottony white deposits between leaf columns at soil level; leaves soften or collapse unexpectedly Spot-treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol; for persistent or root-level infestation, drench with dilute neem or systemic imidacloprid

Leaves fail to rehydrate after watering; white waxy powder coats roots when plant is unpotted Remove plant, inspect and wash roots, dip in insecticide solution, repot in sterilised grit-heavy compost

Larval root-grazing weakens plants kept in peat-rich or perpetually damp soil Use a fast-draining mineral mix; enforce drying cycles; apply Bti drench if adults are visible