What's eating my huernia macrocarpa?

Huernia macrocarpa, like all stapeliads, is most threatened by mealybugs, which hide in stem crevices and drain sap. Spider mites can follow in warm, dry indoor conditions. Root mealybugs are an insidious secondary risk. Treat promptly with rubbing alcohol or neem oil, and quarantine any new succulent before placing it near your collection.

White cottony clusters in stem joints and crevices; sap loss causes soft, shriveled stems and stunted growth Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; for heavier infestations spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

Invisible above soil; plant wilts and declines despite correct watering — unpot to confirm white waxy clusters on roots Remove all soil, wash roots, let dry, repot in fresh gritty mix; drench with a diluted systemic insecticide (imidacloprid) if infestation is severe

Fine silky webbing on stems; surface stippling and bronzing, especially in hot, dry indoor conditions Rinse stems with tepid water to dislodge mites; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation and avoid letting the plant sit in very dry heat