What's eating my pleiospilos compactus?

Pleiospilos compactus (split rock) is rarely troubled indoors but can attract mealybugs hiding in the crevice between leaf pairs and spider mites in hot, dry conditions. Root mealybugs are the sneakiest threat. Overwatering invites fungus gnats. Keep soil lean and dry to deter most pests naturally.

White cottony fluff in the leaf-body crevice; distorted, shrivelled leaves Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol; treat persistent colonies with diluted neem oil, keeping it off the leaf bodies

Unexplained wilting and decline despite correct watering; white waxy deposits visible on roots when unpotted Unpot, rinse roots, soak in diluted systemic insecticide (imidacloprid solution) for 10 minutes, then repot in fresh gritty mix

Fine silvery stippling on leaf surfaces; faint webbing in dry indoor air Raise humidity briefly, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; improve air circulation

Larvae damage shallow roots in overly moist compost; adults are a nuisance around the plant Allow the substrate to dry completely between waterings; top-dress with coarse grit; use yellow sticky traps to monitor adults