What's eating my string of needles?

String of Needles (Ceropegia linearis) is a fine-stemmed trailing succulent. Mealybugs are the top threat, hiding along the wiry stems and at soil level. Spider mites cause stippling on the narrow leaves in dry air. Fungus gnats breed in soil kept too wet. Its thin stems make it important to catch infestations early before populations build.

White cottony clusters along wiry stems and at the soil surface near the crown; growth slows and stems may die back Dab with a 70% isopropyl alcohol swab; apply neem oil spray to all stems; repot if roots are also infested

Tiny pale spots on needle-like leaves; leaves may dry and drop; fine webbing visible in severe cases Increase humidity around the plant; wipe stems with a damp cloth; apply insecticidal soap every 5–7 days

Adult gnats around the pot; larvae damage fine roots in overly moist soil, causing wilting on an otherwise healthy-looking plant Allow the soil to dry well between waterings; use a well-draining succulent mix; apply yellow sticky traps