What's eating my schwantesia pillansii?

Schwantesia pillansii, a compact South African mesemb with glaucous, keeled leaves, is most commonly attacked by mealybugs sheltering at its leaf bases and crown. Root mealybugs are a notable risk during the summer dry period. Spider mites can establish in dry heated rooms. Its slow-growing, jewel-like nature means any infestation should be addressed immediately.

Waxy white fluff at the base of keeled leaves or in the crown; feeding causes leaves to pale and shrivel Use a fine brush or swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to target colonies; follow with neem oil spray; repeat every 10 days

Plant stagnates or wilts despite correct dry watering regime; white powdery residue on roots when removed from pot Remove all soil, rinse roots thoroughly, treat with a systemic insecticide drench, repot in fresh dry gritty mix

Pale stippling on glaucous leaf surfaces; very fine webbing visible with a hand lens; worst in low-humidity heated rooms Spray with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap; wipe accessible leaf surfaces; boost ventilation around the plant