What's eating my turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele?

Turbinicarpus pseudomacrochele, a miniature Mexican cactus, faces its greatest indoor threat from root mealybugs lurking unseen beneath the soil. Spider mites and scale insects are additional concerns in warm, dry rooms. Good drainage, minimal watering, and annual root checks are the core defence strategy.

Poor growth, limp or discoloured body; white cottony residue found on roots Unpot, remove all old soil, rinse and treat roots with systemic insecticide; repot dry

Tiny specks and fine webbing across the cactus surface, especially in low-humidity conditions Isolate the plant; swab body with alcohol; apply miticide or dilute neem spray

Hard or waxy brown bumps on ribs; sticky honeydew attracting mould Scrape off with a toothpick or stiff brush; wipe with alcohol-soaked cotton; repeat monthly