What's eating my pleiospilos simulans?

Pleiospilos simulans, the mimicry plant, faces the same indoor pest pressures as other mesembs: mealybugs tucked in the body crevice are the biggest threat, with root mealybugs a close second. Spider mites appear in very dry air. Strict dry-down periods between waterings keep most problems away.

White waxy tufts lodged in the groove between leaf bodies; sticky honeydew and eventual leaf shrivelling Remove with an alcohol-dipped cotton swab; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap around (not on) the leaf bodies for follow-up

Slow decline, soft or wrinkled bodies despite adequate water; white powdery deposits on roots Unpot and inspect roots; treat with a systemic drench (imidacloprid) or soak in diluted rubbing alcohol solution before repotting in sterile gritty mix

Dull, finely pitted leaf surfaces; very fine webbing under hot, dry conditions Improve air movement; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; a single rinse with lukewarm water also knocks back populations