Are aloe mites contagious?

Yes, they can spread to other aloe plants nearby. Isolate any infested plant immediately.

Will the leaves grow back normally?

The damaged tissue will not heal, but new growth should be healthy once the mites are gone.

Mountain Aloe: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the leaves closely for any unusual bumps or swellings.
Scrape at any suspicious spots to see if they are insects or part of the plant.
Check neighboring plants for similar signs of infestation.

Likely causes

Aloe Mite Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see woody, cauliflower like growths on the leaves or stems. The plant looks deformed in specific areas.
What to do: Use a sterile knife to cut off the affected parts, making sure to cut well into healthy tissue. Disinfect your blade with rubbing alcohol between every single cut to avoid spreading the mites.
Scale Insects
Possible
How to tell: Small, brown, shell like bumps appear on the leaves that can be scraped off with a fingernail. The leaves may look yellow or sickly around the bumps.
What to do: Dab the scale insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this weekly until you no longer see any pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mountain aloe

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

If the growths cover the main stem or the center of the plant, it is very difficult to treat. Small, isolated growths are manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with plenty of direct sun and avoid overwatering. Inspect new plants carefully before bringing them near your aloe.

Mountain Aloe: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mountain aloe and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are aloe mites contagious?: Yes, they can spread to other aloe plants nearby. Isolate any infested plant immediately.
Will the leaves grow back normally?: The damaged tissue will not heal, but new growth should be healthy once the mites are gone.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

What are these strange growths on my Mountain Aloe?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your mountain aloe?