Why Does My Aloe Vera Look Unhealthy?

Are there any small, pale yellow spots on leaves that expand and turn brown, orange spore masses may be present on the underside of a leaf?

Are there any small, round to oval, dark green water-soaked patches that later become circular spots with tan to light brown center?

Does the base of the plant turns reddish-brown to black and rotting?

Are there any watery, rotting leaves that are darker in color, young leaves are wilting and collapsing?

Are there any small insects at the bases of the leaves or in rolled ends of damaged leaves, leaves are covered with sticky substance?

Do the leaves have white, cottony clusters on them?

Are the leaves covered with small bumps?

Aloe rust is a fungal disease favored by cool temperatures and high humidity. Some leaves may drop from the plant. This disease is self-limiting and requires no treatment.

Anthracnose disease is a fungal disease favored by warm, wet weather, and spreads easily by water splash. Keep plants dry when watering to prevent spread. Spray plants with copper if you have had problems in the past. Apply copper fungicide early in the season.

Basal stem rot is a fatal disease for Aloe vera. It is promoted by cold, damp conditions. Pieces of the plant may be saved by taking cuttings above the rotted portion. You can use cuttings to propagate the new Aloe vera.

Bacterial soft rot is caused by a bacterium that survives in plant debris in the field. This disease is favored by hot, wet weather. Avoid overwatering the plants. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed.

Severe infestation of Aloe vera aphid leads to slow growth and stunting. They secrete honeydew which sometimes results in sooty mold development. Organically acceptable methods of control include the application of insecticidal soap and the preservation of natural enemies like ladybugs.

White, cottony clusters on leaves and stems are caused by mealybugs. These tiny insects are covered with a fluffy white coating. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used with severe infestations.

Leaves covered by small bumps are caused by scales. Scrape off minor infestations with your fingernail. Prune out badly infested growth, or use a soft brush and soapy water to gently scrub the scales off the stems. Control scales by spraying insecticidal oil during the growing season.

Aloe plants occasionally attract mites, particularly the aloe mite, an eriophyid mite. Identifying these bugs is very difficult until galls start forming on your plant. Galls are small, lumpy growths caused when the mite injects plant tissue with a chemical while feeding. Prune off and destroy the affected plant tissue to prevent spreading the mite to other aloe plants.