What's eating my lithops hookeri?

Lithops Hookeri is most vulnerable to root mealybugs, which colonise its fleshy taproot in the dry mineral compost this species requires. Surface mealybugs at the fissure and fungus gnats from any excess organic matter are secondary threats. Annual bare-root inspection is the best preventive practice for all Lithops.

Waxy white residue on taproot and soil particles; plant shrivels and does not rehydrate when watered correctly Unpot, remove all soil, soak taproot in diluted insecticidal soap for 10 minutes, air-dry several days, repot in fresh mineral grit

Cottony deposits visible in the central fissure or at soil level; potential rot where wax traps humidity Use a fine artist's brush dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; do not apply water; keep plant dry during treatment

Adult flies around the pot signal soil too wet or too organic; larvae can damage surface roots of stressed plants Switch to a near-inert mineral mix (>70% perlite or grit); reduce watering frequency; Bti if larvae present