Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 11/3/2009

Question
Hi,
My aloe has small brown spots on two of its outside leaves. I think it may have bugs (I saw a small bug the size of a fruit fly run up the side of the pot earlier today), and I'm wondering if there's a way to treat it?
Thanks!
Katherine

Answer
Katherine,

The brown spots on your aloe plant are most likely a sucking insect called scale that can be flicked off with a Q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol.  The other insects are fungus gnats and are there because that plant or another plant in the vicinity is being overwatered and the roots are rotting and the fungus gnats are feeding on the rotting roots like they go after overripe bababas on a kitchen counter. You need to dry out the said plant and keep it on the dry side for the next several weeks. You can water it once with rubbing alcohol and it will kill any fungus gnats in the soil that are feeeding on the roots. It will quickly dry out from that and then you should keep the plant dryer in the future. Water it less than you have and empty the drain tray so it is not sitting in a tray of water constanntly or you will end up with the same probleem again. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene