What's eating my pelargonium carnosum?

Pelargonium carnosum is a fleshy-stemmed succulent houseplant from southern Africa. Indoors the primary threat is mealybugs tucking into stem crevices and root mealybugs in the compost. Spider mites can appear in very dry rooms. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. Its succulent nature means pest damage can escalate quickly if missed.

White waxy clusters at leaf bases and in stem joints; leaves become sticky and growth is stunted in severe cases. Treat individual colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton bud. Spray with insecticidal soap every 7–10 days until no further signs appear.

Powdery white insects on roots around the fleshy stem base; plant wilts or fails to grow despite regular watering. Unpot, remove old compost, inspect and clean roots, and repot in fresh sterile, gritty compost. A soil drench of insecticidal soap can help.

Fine pale stippling on leaves and fleshy stems, with possible webbing in severe cases; damage worsens in dry, heated indoor environments. Increase ambient humidity nearby; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray weekly for three to four weeks.