I have an aloe vera plant which looks as if coarse salt had been generously sprinkled on it and to the touch it feels like glue. Help, what is this? Is my plant healthy?
The salt like spots could be mealybugs. They are a type of pest. They look like tiny pieces of cotton, and would make the plant leaves a little sticky.
I agree with caxie that this is sometype of bug and not the good kind. Separate it from the rest of your plants and spary with a watered down clorox. if that does not work then throw it out.
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I think it is definitely sick. How much are you watering the plant? I water mine about once a month to six weeks. Are you putting it in direct sun all day? Mine only gets morning sun and not too much of that, but it does get light all day. Mine is very healthy and does not grow little ones. If it is not getting enough water it will turn a darker green which is not good. If it is bugs of some sort spray it with a mild solution of water and clorox and wait to see if that helps.
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I agree it is either mealybugs, aphids, or some other bug. I suggest you remove the plant from it's pot. Rinse all the soil from the roots and rinse the leaves until you see no more white specks. Repot the plant in a cacti specific soil, wash the pot with soapy water, and repot. Water this plant sparingly. Remember this is a cactus. Make sure it gets plenty of light but not direct hot sun. Keep it away from other plants and check your other plants for white spots or "cotton". Good luck.
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I agree with Jade!
Your aloe vera might be affected with mealybugs, aphids, or other pests. Additional information for your benefits, is to replace your soil mixture and transfer your plants to a new pots. Remove plants that are affected, burn them or throw away in the garbage.
Don't over water your newly planted aloe vera plant, just enough to moisten the soil.
Happy gardening!
Cris
www.crisramasasa.com
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