What's eating my haworthia pygmaea?

Haworthia pygmaea is a miniature succulent especially vulnerable to root mealybugs given its small root system and slow growth rate — damage accumulates before symptoms show. Above-ground mealybugs and spider mites also occur. Because the plant is tiny, even a moderate infestation can be fatal; inspect at every watering and treat at the very first sign of wax or webbing.

Sudden or slow decline, shrivelled leaves despite correct soil moisture; white powdery wax coating roots when plant is lifted Unpot, rinse roots thoroughly, soak in dilute insecticidal soap for 5 minutes, dry, and repot in completely fresh gritty succulent mix

Tiny cottony deposits at the base of the miniature rosette and between leaves; stunted or distorted new growth Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol carefully with a fine-tipped swab; follow with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly — vigilance is critical on a plant this small

Hair-fine webbing between the leaves and dusty silvery speckling on the leaf surface; in small plants damage escalates quickly Rinse gently under tepid water and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days until resolved