What's eating my truncate haworthia?

Haworthia truncata, with its flat truncated leaf windows, is most threatened by root mealybugs that attack the underground stem and roots. Above-ground mealybugs and spider mites are secondary risks. Because H. truncata grows slowly and partly below soil, infestations can progress unnoticed; unpot annually to inspect roots and catch problems early.

Plant stops growing, leaves look dull or slightly deflated; white waxy fluff visible on roots and lower stem when unpotted Remove plant, wash all roots free of soil, soak in dilute neem or insecticidal soap solution, allow to dry, and repot in clean gritty mix

Cottony white deposits tucked between the paired leaf ranks at the base; distorted new growth emerging from the centre Treat with 70% isopropyl alcohol applied with a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until no signs persist

Tiny webbing across the flat leaf surface; the translucent windows lose their glassy look and become dull or silvery-stippled Rinse with water and apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 5–7 days; improve air circulation around the plant