What's eating my peyote?

Lophophora williamsii is a slow-growing spineless button cactus extremely vulnerable to root mealybugs, which can devastate its small, fleshy taproot before damage is visible above ground. Mealybugs also shelter at the woolly areoles. Fungus gnats indicate overwatering. Because it grows so slowly, any pest damage is disproportionately serious — early detection is critical.

Plant shrivels or fails to plump after watering; white powdery insects found coating the taproot when unpotted Unpot immediately, remove all soil, rinse root, soak in neem solution, allow to fully dry before repotting in fresh mineral mix

White cottony fluff in the woolly areoles at the crown; slow or distorted new growth Use a fine brush with 70% isopropyl alcohol directly on each areole colony; avoid wetting the taproot

Adult flies around pot; larvae chew fine roots in wet soil, compounding stress on the slow-growing taproot Ensure very fast-draining mineral-rich mix; allow to dry completely between waterings; use yellow sticky traps and Bti drench