Pest identification
What's eating my aloe comosa?
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy deposits near leaf sheaths and base; leaves weaken, yellow, and may shrivel as sap is extracted
Control: Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray to whole plant; repeat weekly; isolate from other succulents
Scale insects
Signs: Flat or rounded hard shells on leaf surfaces; honeydew deposits attract sooty mould; plant loses vigour
Control: Remove physically with a soft brush or cloth; spray with horticultural oil; repeat every 10 days for a month
Spider mites
Signs: Pale speckling on leaf surfaces; webbing between leaves in very dry conditions; plant looks dull and unhealthy
Control: Increase humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering all surfaces; repeat weekly until resolved
Keep aloe comosa pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aloe Comosa pests — FAQ
What is eating my aloe comosa?
Aloe comosa is a tall, slender-leaved aloe from South Africa's Western Cape, cultivated as a houseplant in cooler climates. Mealybugs are the most common pest, hiding in the tight leaf sheaths. Scale can also appear. Its narrow upright leaves make inspection easier than in rosette-forming species.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aloe comosa?
White waxy deposits near leaf sheaths and base; leaves weaken, yellow, and may shrivel as sap is extracted Dab colonies with isopropyl alcohol; apply neem oil spray to whole plant; repeat weekly; isolate from other succulents
How do I get rid of scale insects on aloe comosa?
Flat or rounded hard shells on leaf surfaces; honeydew deposits attract sooty mould; plant loses vigour Remove physically with a soft brush or cloth; spray with horticultural oil; repeat every 10 days for a month
How do I get rid of spider mites on aloe comosa?
Pale speckling on leaf surfaces; webbing between leaves in very dry conditions; plant looks dull and unhealthy Increase humidity; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, covering all surfaces; repeat weekly until resolved