Pest identification
What's eating my aloe microstigma?
Mealybugs
Signs: Cottony white deposits at leaf bases and axils; honeydew and weakened new growth.
Control: Remove with alcohol-soaked swabs; follow with weekly neem oil spray until no signs remain.
Spider mites
Signs: Tiny pale spots (stippling) on leaf faces; webbing across leaf tips in heavy infestations.
Control: Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, spray with insecticidal soap solution, and repeat every 5–7 days.
Fungus gnats
Signs: Adult gnats around soil; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and slow growth.
Control: Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench to kill larvae.
Keep aloe microstigma pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Aloe Microstigma pests — FAQ
What is eating my aloe microstigma?
Aloe microstigma grown as a houseplant is most commonly attacked by mealybugs hiding in its leaf axils and by spider mites in low-humidity environments. Scale can colonise the thick stems. Fungus gnats may appear if the growing medium stays too wet. Good air circulation and careful watering prevent most issues.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on aloe microstigma?
Cottony white deposits at leaf bases and axils; honeydew and weakened new growth. Remove with alcohol-soaked swabs; follow with weekly neem oil spray until no signs remain.
How do I get rid of spider mites on aloe microstigma?
Tiny pale spots (stippling) on leaf faces; webbing across leaf tips in heavy infestations. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth, spray with insecticidal soap solution, and repeat every 5–7 days.
How do I get rid of fungus gnats on aloe microstigma?
Adult gnats around soil; larvae chew fine roots causing wilting and slow growth. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings; apply BTi (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) drench to kill larvae.