What's eating my aloe 'delta lights'?

Aloe 'Delta Lights' is most commonly attacked by mealybugs and scale insects indoors. These sap-suckers hide in leaf axils and along stems, weakening the plant. Spider mites can also strike in hot, dry conditions. Inspect monthly and treat early — succulent tissue is resilient but repeated infestations cause permanent scarring.

White cottony fluff in leaf axils and along the stem base; sticky honeydew residue; leaves yellow and shrivel. Dab individual bugs with a cotton swab soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol; spray the whole plant with diluted neem oil every 7–10 days until clear.

Brown or tan waxy bumps fixed to leaves and stems; plant looks dull and stunted; honeydew may attract sooty mould. Scrape off scales with a soft toothbrush, then apply horticultural oil or neem spray; repeat after two weeks to catch crawlers.

Faint silvery stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing between leaves in severe cases; growth slows. Increase humidity around the plant, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil weekly for three weeks.