What's eating my variegated carrion flower?

Variegated Carrion Flower is a stapeliad succulent most commonly attacked by mealybugs hiding between its fleshy stems and by root mealybugs below the soil. Flies are drawn to the carrion-scented flowers but do not damage the plant. Spider mites appear occasionally in hot, dry indoor environments.

White waxy clusters at stem joints and between the angular stem ribs; affected stems shrivel or yellow Apply 70% isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to colonies; treat with neem oil spray; isolate plant

Unexplained wilting and collapse of stems; white cottony material found on roots when plant is removed from pot Unpot, remove all growing medium, drench roots with systemic insecticide or neem, repot in fresh dry mineral mix

Pale stippling along stem surfaces; fine webbing in hot, very dry room conditions Increase air circulation, wipe stems with damp cloth, spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap solution weekly