Pest identification
What's eating my aloe krapohliana?
Mealybugs
Signs: Tiny white cottony clusters at the base of leaves and rosette core; rapid yellowing and decline in small plants
Control: Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a fine cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks; isolate immediately
Scale insects
Signs: Small hard bumps on leaves; sticky surface residue; slowed growth and yellowing
Control: Scrape off manually; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7–10 days until clear
Root mealybugs
Signs: Wilting and stunted growth despite dry soil; white powdery wax visible on roots during repotting
Control: Unpot plant; wash roots; soak briefly in neem solution; repot in fresh, gritty, dry mix; do not water for 1 week
Keep aloe krapohliana pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aloe Krapohliana pests — FAQ
What is eating my aloe krapohliana?
Aloe krapohliana is a small South African aloe from arid Namaqualand, grown as a collector's houseplant. Its compact size means mealybug infestations can be devastating if not caught early. Scale insects are a secondary concern. Being a dry-climate specialist, overwatering poses a greater routine risk than pests.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aloe krapohliana?
Tiny white cottony clusters at the base of leaves and rosette core; rapid yellowing and decline in small plants Remove with isopropyl alcohol on a fine cotton swab; spray with diluted neem oil weekly for 3–4 weeks; isolate immediately
How do I get rid of scale insects on aloe krapohliana?
Small hard bumps on leaves; sticky surface residue; slowed growth and yellowing Scrape off manually; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray every 7–10 days until clear
How do I get rid of root mealybugs on aloe krapohliana?
Wilting and stunted growth despite dry soil; white powdery wax visible on roots during repotting Unpot plant; wash roots; soak briefly in neem solution; repot in fresh, gritty, dry mix; do not water for 1 week