What's eating my noble carrion flower?

Noble Carrion Flower is a large-stemmed stapeliad most at risk from mealybugs sheltering in stem crevices and from root mealybugs in the growing medium. Its carrion-scented flowers attract blow flies for pollination — this is normal and not pest damage. Overwatered plants are significantly more vulnerable to all pests.

White cottony deposits at the base of stem ribs and in stem joints; stems lose firmness and color Swab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; follow with a neem oil drench to the stem base; repeat every 10 days

Stems deflate despite correct dry watering regime; white powder or threads coat roots at unpotting Full unpot, root clean, systemic insecticide drench (imidacloprid), dry thoroughly before repotting in gritty compost

Faint pale speckling on outer stem surfaces; very fine webbing in warm, low-humidity indoor spots Improve ventilation, apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem spray to all stem surfaces, repeat weekly for a month