What's eating my stapelia variegata?

Orbea variegata (formerly Stapelia variegata) is one of the easiest stapeliads to grow indoors but still falls prey to mealybugs — both stem and root types — as its primary pest. Aphids cluster around its distinctive mottled flowers. Excellent drainage and good light keep pest pressure low.

White cottony fluff on stems or at the base; root mealybugs leave white wax on pot interior and roots, causing wilting unrelated to watering. Swab visible mealybugs with 70% isopropyl alcohol. For root mealybugs, unpot, wash and dry roots, then repot into fresh gritty compost. Systemic imidacloprid drench for stubborn cases.

Soft-bodied insects on new growth and around the unusual star-patterned flowers, leaving sticky honeydew deposits. Rinse off with water or wipe by hand, then spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil. Repeat as needed.

Hard waxy brown bumps on stems; weakens the plant over time and can cause yellowing or dieback of individual stems. Scrape off with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol. Apply neem oil spray to catch crawlers. Repeat until clear.