What's eating my aloe linearifolia?

Aloe linearifolia is a slender, narrow-leaved South African aloe cultivated as a houseplant. Its thin upright leaves make inspections straightforward but also offer less shelter — mealybugs and scale are still the most realistic threats. Spider mites can appear in very dry indoor environments. Monthly checks keep problems manageable.

White fluffy deposits at leaf sheaths and along the stem base; leaves yellow and soften as sap is extracted Treat colonies with isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; apply neem oil spray to whole plant; repeat weekly; isolate from other plants

Small hard shells on narrow leaf surfaces; honeydew residue; leaves lose colour and vigour over time Physically remove with a soft brush; treat with horticultural oil or neem oil spray every 7–10 days

Pale silvery stippling on leaf surfaces; fine webbing visible with a hand lens; common in overheated dry rooms Raise humidity around the plant; spray insecticidal soap or neem oil solution; wipe leaves with a damp cloth; repeat weekly