What's eating my pearl haworthia?

Haworthia margaritifera (Pearl Haworthia) can be attacked by mealybugs that nestle between its pearlescent white-tubercled leaves and at the stem base. Root mealybugs are an equal risk. Scale insects occasionally appear on the firm leaves. Its sturdy build means infestations are often subtle; check the underside of each leaf and the soil line at every watering.

White cottony wax blending in with the tubercles at leaf bases and in the rosette centre; leaves yellow and growth stalls Dab each colony with 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray with insecticidal soap; isolate the plant and repeat weekly for 3–4 treatments

Slow wilting and halt in growth despite normal care; white powdery residue visible on roots when unpotted Remove from pot, clean all roots, soak in dilute insecticidal soap, let dry, and repot in fresh gritty mix

Brown or tan flat oval bumps adhered to leaf surfaces; leaves become sticky with honeydew and may yellow around each scale Scrape off visible scales with a soft toothbrush or fingernail, then wipe with 70% isopropyl alcohol; follow with a neem oil spray