Aloe issues

[Lauren]

I have a georgous Aloe that I have had for several years. Every year I split it up and it continues to overflow my pot with babies. However, lately I have noticed small black "bumps" forming on the plant. They almost look like "pimples" on the plant. I can take a picture but I do not know how to post pics in the forum. It also seems to be giving off a strange sap. I know aloe has their own juice, but this is sticky stuff that seems to form on the outside of the leaves. Any ideas?

[joclyn]

please post a pic. it'll be easier to identify what the problem is. kind of sounds like a bug - maybe scale, although, i don't know if aloe are susceptible to that one.

you can upload the pic from your camera onto your computer and then upload it to the gallery here or you can upload it to a hosting site (i use photobucket.com) and then post a link to the pic in your post.

[PlantSwap]

Click the Photo Gallery link at the top of the page and then click the Upload link when you are viewing the gallery to post a picture. If your pic is too large, you can try resizing the image

[Lauren]

Hi everyone,

I was finally able to take time and take a pic of my Aloe with its pimple-like dark spots. I uploaded 2 pics in my photo gallery. Please help !

[zuzu's petals]

Lauren, have you tried to pick one of those spots off of your Aloe's leaf?

One of the few insects that will infest Aloe is scale
and to my weak old eyes, it looks like that may be what is happening to your plant.

If that is the case, the dark spot could be gently scratched away -
carefully, so as not to damage the leaf -
then swipe the area with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol,
making sure the alcohol contacts the scale insects,
as they may remain behind on the leaf even after you scrape away their protective "shell".

This is the same way I treat my orchids if the dreaded scale-bugs appear.

There may be chemical treatments for scale on Aloe . . . but when possible,
I prefer to avoid toxic chemicals.

[joclyn]

yes, that looks like scale.

treat as zuzu suggested. i also hit them with the rubbing alcohol soaked qtip before scraping too. then gently nudge the shell covering off and then treat again with the soaked qtip.

i'd also do a good check of your other plants - especially those that are in close proximity to the aloe. they can all be treated in the same manner.

[Lauren]

Thanx guys, that sounds easy enough. I couldnt figure out where they were coming from. My other plants are fine, just the Aloe appears to be affected. Thanx for the help !