What's eating my aloe 'firebird'?

Aloe 'Firebird', a striking red-tinged hybrid aloe, is most threatened by mealybugs hiding in its tightly packed leaf rosette. Scale insects and spider mites are secondary concerns, particularly in warm, dry indoor conditions. Stress from drought or overwatering weakens the plant and makes infestations more likely.

White fluffy wax between leaves and on stem; honeydew; leaves yellow and soften Treat colonies with isopropyl alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray to whole plant; repeat weekly for 3–4 weeks

Hard raised bumps on stems and leaf undersides; stunted growth; sooty mold developing on honeydew Remove manually with a soft toothbrush; spray with horticultural oil twice, 2 weeks apart

Fine webbing and silvery stippling on leaf surfaces; plant loses its vibrant colouration Increase humidity; rinse foliage; apply miticide or neem oil every 5–7 days for 3 applications