Will neem oil hurt my Aloe?

Neem oil can be used, but it may cause leaf burn if the plant is in direct sun. Apply it in the evening and keep the plant in indirect light for a day.

Do I need to throw the plant away?

Usually no. Mealybugs are persistent but can be removed with regular cleaning and alcohol treatments.

Aloe vera: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the leaf joints where the leaves meet the stem.
Check the undersides of the leaves for small white cottony patches.
Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to see if the white spots come off.

Likely causes

Mealybug Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You see white, cottony masses tucked into the leaf joints or along the edges of the leaves.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and touch it directly to the bugs to kill them on contact. Repeat this every few days until you no longer see any pests.
New Plant Introduction
Possible
How to tell: Pests appear shortly after bringing a new plant into your home.
What to do: Always quarantine new plants for two weeks before placing them near your other succulents. If you find bugs, treat the plant with insecticidal soap.

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.

When to worry

A few bugs are easy to manage, but if the entire plant is covered in white fuzz, it is a serious infestation that requires consistent treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with plenty of direct sunlight and avoid overwatering, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests.

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.

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

Questions people ask

Will neem oil hurt my Aloe?: Neem oil can be used, but it may cause leaf burn if the plant is in direct sun. Apply it in the evening and keep the plant in indirect light for a day.
Do I need to throw the plant away?: Usually no. Mealybugs are persistent but can be removed with regular cleaning and alcohol treatments.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

What are these white fuzzy spots on my Aloe vera?