Pest identification
What's eating my torch aloe?
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluffy colonies at branch junctions and leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mould may follow.
Control: Treat with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray to all stems and repeat weekly for a month.
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy brown bumps on woody stems and leaf surfaces; saps plant energy over time.
Control: Scrape off manually then spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil on a 10-day cycle.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on new growth and flower stems in spring; distort blooms and leave sticky residue.
Control: Rinse off with water or apply insecticidal soap; a single treatment usually resolves a minor infestation.
Keep torch aloe pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Torch Aloe pests — FAQ
What is eating my torch aloe?
Torch Aloe (Aloe arborescens) is a vigorous, shrubby aloe that is tougher than most. Mealybugs are the main indoor pest, gathering at branching points and leaf bases. Scale insects also favour the woody stems. Aphids can attack flower stalks. Good airflow and avoiding overhead watering are the best preventive measures.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on torch aloe?
White fluffy colonies at branch junctions and leaf axils; honeydew and sooty mould may follow. Treat with alcohol swabs; apply neem oil spray to all stems and repeat weekly for a month.
How do I get rid of scale insects on torch aloe?
Waxy brown bumps on woody stems and leaf surfaces; saps plant energy over time. Scrape off manually then spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil on a 10-day cycle.
How do I get rid of aphids on torch aloe?
Clusters on new growth and flower stems in spring; distort blooms and leave sticky residue. Rinse off with water or apply insecticidal soap; a single treatment usually resolves a minor infestation.