What's eating my somali desert rose?

Somali Desert Rose (Adenium somalense) is a slender-stemmed Adenium species sharing the genus's core vulnerability to mealybugs, spider mites, and scale. Its smaller caudex and finer stems make it slightly easier to inspect thoroughly. Mealybugs hiding in stem crevices are the most persistent threat; catch them early with regular checks.

White powdery clusters at stem nodes and in caudex crevices; honeydew drips, sooty mold develops, and growth stalls. Dab with isopropyl alcohol; spray entire plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 10 days until clean. Check root zone for soil mealybugs.

Stippled, pale leaves with fine webbing underneath; leaf drop in heavy outbreaks, especially in warm indoor growing conditions. Raise humidity around the plant; spray with neem oil or miticide every 7 days for 3 weeks. Avoid dusty, dry conditions.

Small fixed bumps on stems drain plant sap; leaves yellow slowly and plant growth weakens over the season. Remove manually with a soft toothbrush; treat with horticultural oil to suffocate crawlers, repeating every 2 weeks.