What's eating my stapelia hirsuta?

Stapelia hirsuta (hairy toad plant) has densely hairy stems that can actually harbour mealybugs more easily, making them the primary indoor pest to watch. Root mealybugs are equally common in this genus. Aphids and scale are secondary concerns. Routine inspection is harder due to the dense hair — check with a magnifying glass.

White cottony masses concealed among the hairy stem surface or at the base; root form causes weak, stunted growth and white waxy deposits visible when unpotting. Use a 70% isopropyl alcohol spray or swab, pushing past the hairs to reach colonies. For root mealybugs, unpot, clean and dry roots, repot in fresh gritty compost. Apply systemic insecticide drench if needed.

Small soft-bodied insects on stem tips and flower buds; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on stems are secondary signs. Wipe off or rinse colonies, then apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Repeat weekly until clear.

Hard brown bumps on stems, potentially mistaken for natural nodules on hairy stems — check for yellowing growth or sticky residue. Scrape off with a toothbrush dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Follow with a neem oil spray to catch juvenile crawlers.