What's eating my rose pincushion cactus?

Rose Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria zeilmanniana) is grown indoors and outdoors as a flowering houseplant. Mealybugs are the leading pest, hiding in the wool and axils. Spider mites appear in hot, dry conditions. When summered outside, aphids may briefly colonize flower buds. Early treatment prevents permanent scarring to the attractive skin.

Cottony white deposits in the axils and around the base, distorted new growth Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab for spot treatment; neem oil spray for wider infestations; repeat every 7 days

Bronze or silver stippling on the body, fine webbing in dry, warm conditions Rinse with water, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; increase airflow and avoid parched conditions

Soft-bodied insects clustered around flower buds, sticky honeydew, distorted blooms Knock off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap spray; typically only an issue when plant is outdoors in summer