What's eating my pearl plant?

Pearl Plant (Haworthiopsis fasciata) is rarely troubled by pests, but mealybugs are the most common threat, hiding in the tight leaf rosette. Spider mites can appear in hot, dry conditions. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. Inspect the leaf axils regularly and isolate new plants for two weeks before placing near others.

White cottony clusters in leaf axils and along the base; sticky honeydew residue on leaves. Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days for 3 weeks.

Fine stippling or silvery streaks on leaf surfaces; tiny webs between leaves in heavy infestations. Raise humidity slightly, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and apply diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly until clear.

Larvae feed on fine roots in waterlogged soil; adults are a nuisance flying around the pot. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings; apply a layer of horticultural grit on the soil surface; use yellow sticky traps to catch adults.