What's eating my sulcorebutia steinbachii?

Sulcorebutia steinbachii, a small clustering cactus, is most threatened by root mealybugs feeding on its shallow roots and by red spider mites in hot, dry indoor conditions. Scale insects and fungus gnats can also appear. The main defense is well-draining soil, careful watering, and regular root inspection.

Stunted growth, yellowing, white waxy deposits visible when plant is unpotted Unpot, wash roots, drench with imidacloprid solution or neem drench; repot in fresh dry mix

Fine webbing and tiny bronze stippling on the body surface, especially in dry heat Wipe body with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply miticide spray; increase humidity slightly

Brown or white lumps stuck to ribs and spines; sticky honeydew residue Remove manually with a stiff brush dipped in rubbing alcohol; treat with systemic neem oil