What's eating my gibbaeum velutinum?

Gibbaeum velutinum is a velvety-skinned South African mesemb cultivated indoors. The downy texture of its paired bodies can mask early mealybug infestations — inspect with a magnifier. Root mealybugs are a serious hidden risk. Spider mites and fungus gnats are secondary concerns, particularly in overwatered or poorly ventilated conditions.

White woolly specks that blend with the velvety surface; honeydew soiling; bodies shrivel or distort Use a magnifier to spot colonies; treat with alcohol swab and neem oil spray; repeat weekly for a month

Unexplained decline during the growing season; white powdery wax coating root system at repotting Bare-root the plant, wash roots, drench in systemic insecticide or neem solution, repot in fresh gritty mix

Pale stippling on the body surface difficult to see through pubescence; faint webbing near base Rinse plant carefully, apply dilute insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensure good air circulation