What's eating my pleiospilos bolusii?

Pleiospilos bolusii (split rock) is a hyper-succulent mesemb that is vulnerable to mealybugs and root mealybugs above all else. Spider mites can occur in excessively dry indoor air. Fungus gnats exploit any overwatering. Correct watering cadence — mimicking its South African dry season — prevents most problems.

White waxy material at the base of the leaves or around the fissure; sticky residue; leaves shrivel or fail to plump up after watering Apply isopropyl alcohol with a fine brush or swab; spray neem oil carefully over the plant body; repeat weekly

Plant fails to firm up after watering; white powder visible on roots when unpotted; roots may be partially destroyed Unpot and inspect; rinse roots; soak briefly in diluted neem or systemic insecticide solution; repot in dry, gritty compost

Fine grey stippling on the leaf surfaces; slightly dull, rough texture; very fine webbing in severe cases Improve air circulation; wipe surface gently with a barely damp cloth; treat with diluted insecticidal soap spray

Adult gnats hovering around the pot; larvae in wet compost feeding on roots; plant sits loose in the pot as roots are damaged Allow compost to dry completely between waterings; top-dress with coarse grit; use yellow sticky traps; apply Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) drench