Yes, neem oil is effective, but be careful not to apply it in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Apply it in the evening instead.

Will these bugs kill my plant?

If left untreated, they will suck the sap and weaken the plant significantly. Early intervention usually saves the plant.

Climbing Aloe: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaf axils for white cottony fluff.
Check the undersides of the leaves for sticky residue.
Isolate the plant from your other houseplants immediately.

Likely causes

Mealybug infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see white, waxy, cottony masses tucked into the crevices of the plant. The leaves may also look sticky or start to yellow.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them on contact. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap every 7 days until they are gone.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant feels stagnant and the soil stays damp for too long, creating an environment pests love. You might notice the plant looks generally unhappy.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot with better airflow, like near a window that opens occasionally. Avoid crowding it with other plants to keep the air moving freely.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your climbing 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 infestation covers the entire stem and the plant is losing leaves, it is a serious situation. A few bugs are easy to manage if caught early.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth every month to remove dust and catch pests before they settle in.

Climbing Aloe: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your climbing 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

Can I use neem oil?: Yes, neem oil is effective, but be careful not to apply it in direct sunlight as it can burn the leaves. Apply it in the evening instead.
Will these bugs kill my plant?: If left untreated, they will suck the sap and weaken the plant significantly. Early intervention usually saves the plant.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

Why are there white fuzzy spots on my Climbing Aloe?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your climbing aloe?