What's eating my coral aloe?

Coral Aloe (Aloe striata) is often grown outdoors in mild climates and attracts different threats than indoor succulents. Aphids target its bright orange flower spikes in spring. Mealybugs cluster in the leaf rosette. Snails and slugs can damage the soft leaf margins of young plants. Birds and bees visit flowers but cause no damage.

Clusters of small soft-bodied insects on flower stems and buds; curling flower stalks and sticky honeydew. Blast off with a firm water spray; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to stems and buds; introduce ladybugs as natural predators in the garden.

White waxy fluff between leaves at the rosette base; stunted new growth; sticky residue. Remove by hand with an alcohol swab; spray with neem oil solution every 7–10 days; improve airflow and avoid overwatering.

Irregular chewed holes or scalloped edges on soft outer leaves, especially on young plants or after rain. Apply iron phosphate slug pellets (pet-safe) around the base; use copper tape on containers; hand-pick at night.