What's eating my piaranthus geminatus?

Piaranthus geminatus is a small South African carrion-flower succulent typically grown indoors. Mealybugs are its principal pest, hiding in stem ridges and at soil level. Root mealybugs can silently destroy the root system, while spider mites appear in hot, dry conditions. Keep the plant in well-ventilated, bright indoor spots.

White cottony wax in stem grooves and at the crown; honeydew deposits; stems shrivel prematurely Remove colonies with an alcohol swab; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap solution; repeat weekly

Unexplained wilting and weak growth; white powdery coating on roots at repotting time Bare-root, discard old soil, dip roots in insecticide solution, allow to dry, repot in fresh gritty compost

Pale stippling across stem surface; very fine webbing in hot dry conditions Rinse stems, apply neem oil or miticide spray, improve air circulation and slightly raise humidity