What's eating my old lady pincushion?

Old Lady Pincushion (Mammillaria matudae) is a petite houseplant whose dense spines and wool provide shelter for mealybugs. Root mealybugs lurk in the potting mix. Spider mites appear in hot, dry conditions. Scale insects are an occasional visitor. Monthly inspections and isolation of new plants prevent most infestations from taking hold.

White waxy tufts visible in the woolly crown and between tubercles; weakened, discolored growth Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush; follow up with insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat every 7 days for a month

Tiny white specs on roots; unexplained wilting and stalled growth even with correct moisture levels Remove from pot, discard old soil, wash roots, dry and repot in fresh sterile mix; apply systemic drench if infestation is severe

Faint webbing and pale, dry-looking patches on the body surface, especially in low-humidity conditions Rinse plant gently, improve air circulation, spray with diluted neem oil or a dedicated miticide