What's eating my orchid cactus?

Orchid cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum) is most troubled by mealybugs, which hide in stem joints and drain sap. Spider mites and scale insects also attack, especially in warm, dry indoor conditions. Slugs can damage plants moved outdoors in summer. Inspect stem crevices regularly and treat early with rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.

White cottony clusters at stem joints and leaf axils; sticky honeydew and sooty mold follow Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; follow with neem oil spray; repeat weekly for a month

Brown or tan raised bumps on stems; yellowing and stunted growth as sap is drained Scrape off with a soft toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil

Fine webbing on stems and leaf pads; stippled, dull, or bronze-toned tissue in dry conditions Increase humidity, mist stems, and rinse under the shower; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly

Irregular holes or scalloped edges on flat stem segments, especially on plants summered outdoors Remove by hand at night; apply iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; bring pots in before autumn