What's eating my haworthia lockwoodii?

Haworthia lockwoodii is a compact South African succulent that faces its biggest indoor threat from mealybugs nestling in its tightly clustered leaves. Scale insects and root mealybugs are secondary risks. Keeping the rosette dry and well-ventilated, and inspecting the base regularly, prevents most infestations before they take hold.

White cottony deposits wedged between leaves; sticky secretions; leaves yellow and eventually shrivel. Remove visible bugs with an alcohol-soaked swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly for three to four weeks.

White waxy colonies on the roots; plant wilts and loses colour despite correct watering. Unpot, rinse roots thoroughly, soak briefly in a neem oil solution, and repot in fresh gritty, well-draining mix.

Hard brownish bumps on leaves; honeydew drip; slow decline in vigour. Scrape off with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in alcohol; treat with horticultural oil spray; repeat after 14 days.