What's eating my green-flowered pitaya?

Green-flowered Pitaya (Echinocereus chloranthus) is a small cylindrical cactus grown indoors, most prone to mealybugs concealed in its dense spine clusters and between ribs. Scale insects are a secondary concern. Spider mites may appear if the plant is kept too warm and dry. Examine under good light at the base and spine clusters regularly.

Cottony white deposits at areoles and the base of the stem; prolonged attack weakens and discolors the cactus. Swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a neem oil spray covering all surfaces. Repeat every 7–10 days for a month.

Hard flat bumps on rib surfaces causing localized yellowing; honeydew may lead to fungal growth. Scrape off manually and wipe with alcohol. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray and re-check after 2 weeks.

Pale stippling and dusty texture on the green stem; fine webbing at the apex in very dry heated air. Raise humidity around the plant, wipe clean, and apply neem oil or miticide spray every 5–7 days for three cycles.