What's eating my stapelia leendertziae?

Stapelia leendertziae (black bell stapelia) is an indoor succulent vulnerable mainly to mealybugs — stem and root forms — which are the dominant pest across all stapeliads. Aphids can appear on flowers and new growth. Keeping compost very dry and providing excellent airflow prevents most infestations from taking hold.

White fluffy deposits at stem joints or on roots — root form causes otherwise inexplicable wilting and white powder residue on pot interior. Dab stem colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol. Unpot and rinse roots if root mealybugs are present; air-dry and repot into fresh sterile compost. Apply imidacloprid systemic drench for heavy infestation.

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on new growth and near flower buds, producing sticky honeydew. Remove manually or rinse off, then treat with diluted insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. Repeat every 5–7 days until clear.

Fine webbing and pale stippling on stems in low-humidity conditions, especially in centrally heated winter rooms. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap solution covering all surfaces. Isolate the plant. Repeat every 5–7 days for three rounds.