What's eating my lobivia famatimensis?

Lobivia famatimensis (now Echinopsis famatimensis) is primarily threatened indoors by mealybugs and root mealybugs. Kept outdoors in summer, spider mites and aphids may also visit the flower buds. This small Andean cactus is generally robust if given good drainage and airflow, but mealybugs exploit its compact clustering.

White cottony masses at the junctions between offsets and at areoles; weakened, slow-growing clumps Separate the clump to inspect all crevices; treat with isopropyl alcohol swabs, then neem oil spray; repeat weekly

Wilting or complete growth arrest despite appropriate watering; white flocculence on roots when checked Bare-root the plant, wash, soak in systemic insecticide drench, dry for several days, repot in fresh gritty compost

Faint webbing and a rough, dry, russetted appearance on the cactus body, especially in hot dry summers outdoors Rinse plant with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; increase air circulation; avoid placing in dead-still hot corners