What's eating my ruschia lineolata?

Ruschia lineolata (a mat-forming South African mesemb) faces the usual indoor succulent threats: mealybugs are the primary pest, sheltering between its dense needle-like leaves. Spider mites appear in dry, warm conditions. Fungus gnats emerge if the gritty soil is kept too wet. Its dense growth habit makes early detection tricky.

White fluffy deposits at leaf axils or stem nodes; sticky honeydew and slow stunted growth Apply rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab to colonies; spray entire plant with neem oil solution; isolate from other succulents immediately

Pale, stippled foliage and fine webbing between tightly packed stems, especially in dry winter indoor air Increase ambient humidity slightly, spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

Larvae chew fine roots in damp soil; adults hover around soil surface but cause little direct damage Allow soil to dry completely between waterings; use yellow sticky traps for adults; apply BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) as a soil drench