What's eating my snowcap cactus?

Snowcap Cactus (Mammillaria geminispina) is a compact houseplant susceptible to mealybugs nestling between its dense tubercles and white spines. Root mealybugs are a hidden soil threat. Spider mites can attack in dry indoor air. The white coloration of both spines and mealybug fluff makes early detection challenging — inspect fortnightly.

White cottony fluff between tubercles (easily mistaken for the white spines); stunted growth and sticky deposits Dab with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a fine brush or swab; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

White powder on roots, soil surface specks; plant wilts or stalls despite regular watering Unpot, inspect and rinse roots, repot in fresh sterile cactus mix; drench with imidacloprid solution if needed

Fine webbing and dull, stippled skin surface; most common in heated, dry winter rooms Rinse plant, raise humidity slightly, apply neem oil or miticide spray; repeat every 5–7 days