What's eating my lithops bromfieldii?

Lithops bromfieldii (living stones) has very few pest enemies, but mealybugs and root mealybugs are the ones to watch — they exploit overwatered soil. Fungus gnats may appear if the gritty mix stays damp. Outdoors in summer, thrips occasionally probe the soft fissure. The real threat is usually cultural (rot from overwatering), not pests.

White fluff at the fissure between the two leaves or at the soil line; plant body appears sunken or discoloured. Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush or dropper; keep the plant dry post-treatment; a systemic imidacloprid granule in the compost is an option for persistent cases.

Waxy white powder on roots seen at repotting; unexplained wilting; body deflates despite correct watering timing. Unpot, remove all old compost, soak roots briefly in diluted insecticidal soap, dry completely, repot in fresh gritty mix.

Flies around the soil surface; larvae sever tiny roots, making lithops vulnerable to rot. Use a pure mineral top dressing (coarse sand or fine grit); apply Bti drench; drastically reduce watering frequency.