What's eating my schlumbergera 'white christmas'?

Schlumbergera 'White Christmas' is susceptible to mealybugs at stem segment joints and fungus gnats in its preferred moist mix. Spider mites attack in hot, dry indoor air — especially near heating vents. Scale occasionally appears. Bud drop is often abiotic (temperature or light shock) rather than pest-related, but mealybugs can cause similar symptoms.

White waxy fluff at segment joints and in the notches on leaf-like stems; buds may drop prematurely Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab at every joint; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil

Pale stippling on stem segments; fine webbing at tips; worst in warm, dry, heated indoor conditions Increase humidity, rinse plant under lukewarm shower, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; repeat weekly

Adult gnats around moist potting mix; larvae damage root tips, causing wilting and poor bud set Let mix dry slightly between waterings; apply yellow sticky traps; use Bti drench; avoid waterlogged compost