What's eating my moonstones?

Moonstones have a delicate powdery farina that pests can disrupt simply by contact. Mealybugs are the primary indoor pest, lodging at leaf axils and roots. Scale insects occasionally attach to stems. Handle leaves minimally — the coating is irreplaceable — and inspect the base regularly since early infestations hide easily against the pale leaves.

Cottony white tufts at leaf axils or stem base; farina may be disturbed, leaving permanent fingerprint-like marks. Use a fine cotton swab with 70% isopropyl alcohol, applying very carefully to avoid wiping farina off surrounding leaves. Repeat weekly.

Firm brownish discs clinging to stems; yellow or sunken patches on leaves above feeding sites. Carefully scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush; follow with an alcohol wipe. Avoid excess moisture that weakens the plant.

Plant fails to plump after watering; white wax residue on roots and pot walls when inspected. Unpot and soak roots in a dilute systemic insecticide or neem solution; repot in sterile fast-draining mix.