What's eating my split rock?

Split Rock is most vulnerable to mealybugs hiding in its central fissure and root mealybugs in the soil. Scale insects and spider mites occasionally attack. Overwatering is the main cultural mistake that opens the door to pests — keep the medium bone-dry in summer dormancy and inspect the cleft at every watering.

White cottony fluff lodged deep in the central fissure or at the base; leaves may pucker or yellow. Dab with a fine-tipped cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Repeat weekly for 4–6 weeks. Remove from other succulents immediately.

Stunted growth and shriveling despite correct watering; white waxy deposits visible when plant is unpotted. Unpot, shake off all soil, soak roots in a dilute neem or insecticidal soap solution, repot in fresh dry grit mix.

Fine stippling and a dull surface; faint webbing in dry indoor conditions, especially winter central heating. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth; apply neem oil or a miticide spray. Raise humidity slightly and remove from hot radiator windowsills.