What's eating my haworthia turgida?

Haworthia turgida is most often troubled by mealybugs hiding at the base of its plump, incurved leaves and by root mealybugs beneath the soil. Spider mites are a lesser but real risk in warm, dry rooms. Regular inspection of the soil line and beneath older leaves, combined with a well-draining mix to prevent stress, keeps this species healthy and pest-resistant.

Waxy white clusters at leaf bases and between tightly packed leaves; affected leaves turn soft and yellow Treat colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a swab; apply insecticidal soap spray to the whole plant; repeat weekly for a month

Plant looks stressed and fails to grow; white cottony wax found on roots and crown when lifted from the pot Unpot, wash roots free of all soil, soak briefly in dilute insecticidal soap, dry for 1–2 days, and repot in fresh succulent mix

Very fine webbing around the base of leaves and silvery discolouration on the leaf surface in dry, warm conditions Rinse the plant and spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, paying attention to leaf undersides; repeat every 5–7 days