What's eating my peperomia columella?

Peperomia columella is a succulent-like species with tightly stacked, windowed leaves. Its main pest risks are mealybugs lodging between the stacked leaves and root mealybugs in the compost — harder to detect than usual. Overwatering is a bigger threat than pests; keep compost fast-draining to avoid fungus gnats too.

Waxy white deposits wedged between stacked leaves or at the base; leaf drop and stunted growth Dislodge with a fine brush and isopropyl alcohol; remove from pot and inspect roots for root mealybugs; treat soil with dilute imidacloprid or neem drench if found

White powdery coating on roots visible on unpotting; plant wilts and loses vigour without obvious above-ground pests Unpot, remove all compost, wash roots, allow to dry, then repot into fresh free-draining mix; treat with systemic insecticide if severe

Larvae attack the fine roots in overly moist succulent compost Use a cactus/succulent mix to ensure fast drainage; water only when compost is fully dry; deploy sticky traps and Bti drench