What's eating my tiger aloe?

Tiger Aloe (Gonialoe variegata) is a compact, slow-growing aloe rarely plagued by pests, but mealybugs are the most common issue — they cluster in its tight leaf axils. Scale and spider mites can appear in poor conditions. Overwatering is more likely to kill it than any bug, but always inspect the rosette base during repotting.

White cottony tufts wedged between the triangularly arranged leaves and at stem junctions. Treat with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs; apply neem oil spray to the whole plant every 7 days for 3 weeks; isolate the plant from others.

Brown or tan crusty bumps on leaves and stems; surrounding tissue may yellow or dry out. Scrape off scales and clean the area with isopropyl alcohol; follow up with horticultural oil every 2 weeks.

Faint stippling and silvery discoloration on leaf faces; fine webbing at the rosette center in severe cases. Wipe leaves with a damp cloth and spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil; increase airflow around the plant.