Question
My aloe plant is in a morning sun window and gets watered probably once a week. It has sticky crystals on all the leaves, the stuff even falls onto the floor and makes it sticky. What is it? and how can I get rid of it and prevent it?
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Jen,

The sticky stuff is called "honeydew." It is produced by both mealybugs and scale insects. Aloes are often infested by either of these plant pests.

Mealybugs look like tiny bits of white cotton and appear in the crevices where the individual leaves attach to the main stem.

Scale insects look like slightly raised, dark bumps at various locations on leaves. You can scrape them off with your fingernail.

Both are treated in the same manner. Mix 8 parts water with 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. Put it in a spray bottle and spray the entire plant until all leaf and stem surfaces are dripping wet. Thoroughness of coverage is the key here. I suggest that you repeat the treatment again in a week.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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