What's eating my string of pearls?

String of pearls is most commonly damaged by mealybugs hiding in the bead chains and between trailing stems. Overwatering also invites fungus gnats. Spider mites can attack in dry indoor air. The succulent beads make root rot from pests secondary to correct watering, but mealybugs are the clear pest priority.

White fluff nestled between pearls and at stem joints; beads shrivel and stems weaken; honeydew attracts mould Remove by dabbing with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray entire plant with diluted neem oil; repeat weekly for a month; isolate from other succulents

Larvae eat fine roots in moist soil; adult gnats are a nuisance; plant looks wilted despite adequate moisture Let soil dry completely between waterings — this is the most effective control; use yellow sticky traps for adults; top-dress with grit or sand; drench with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti)

Tiny pale stippling on bead surfaces; very fine webbing; beads look dull and may drop Increase humidity around the plant; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, reaching between all strands; repeat every 5–7 days