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Aloe Vera · Aloe vera

What are these white spots on my Aloe vera?

If you see small white, cottony masses in the crevices of your leaves, you likely have mealybugs. These pests suck the sap and can weaken your plant quickly.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the base of the leaves where they meet the stem.
  2. Check the undersides of the leaves for white fuzz.
  3. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to see if the spots come off.

Likely causes

  1. Mealybug infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see white, fuzzy patches that look like tiny bits of cotton in the leaf joints.

    What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them. Repeat this every few days until they are gone.

  2. Poor air circulation

    Possible

    How to tell: The plant is crowded by other plants or kept in a stagnant corner.

    What to do: Move your Aloe to a spot with better airflow. This makes it harder for pests to settle in.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your aloe vera

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.

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When to worry

If the entire plant is covered in white fuzz, it is a major infestation. A few spots are easy to manage.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plant every time you water it. Keep it in a bright, sunny spot with good airflow.

Aloe Vera: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your aloe vera 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.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my Aloe?
They can if left untreated for a long time. They drain the plant of nutrients, so act fast.
Should I use pesticides?
Avoid harsh chemicals. Rubbing alcohol is very effective and much safer for your plant.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Aloe Vera

Back to the Aloe Vera guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.