Pest identification
What's eating my aloe aculeata?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white residue tucked into the armoured leaf base; may go unnoticed until population is large.
Control: Use a long cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to reach deep into the rosette; follow up with neem oil spray.
Scale insects
Signs: Hard brownish bumps on stems and leaf undersides; leaves may yellow or wilt in severe cases.
Control: Scrape off carefully with a soft brush (wear gloves); treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 10 days.
Keep aloe aculeata pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aloe Aculeata pests — FAQ
What is eating my aloe aculeata?
Aloe aculeata (Prickly Aloe) is a heavily-spined species that is naturally resistant to many pests. Mealybugs and scale insects are the main indoor concerns, especially in the dense leaf bases. The formidable spines make close inspection and treatment awkward — use a long cotton swab and wear gloves when treating leaf axils.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aloe aculeata?
Cottony white residue tucked into the armoured leaf base; may go unnoticed until population is large. Use a long cotton swab dipped in 70% isopropyl alcohol to reach deep into the rosette; follow up with neem oil spray.
How do I get rid of scale insects on aloe aculeata?
Hard brownish bumps on stems and leaf undersides; leaves may yellow or wilt in severe cases. Scrape off carefully with a soft brush (wear gloves); treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil every 10 days.