Aloe plants are popular houseplants, appreciated for their striking appearance and ease of care. While some aloe varieties naturally have textured leaves, bumps can also signal an underlying issue. Understanding the nature of these bumps is essential for maintaining a healthy plant.
Understanding Bumps on Aloe Plants
When observing bumps on an aloe plant, consider their appearance and context. Determine if the bumps are a natural part of the plant’s established texture or a new development. Note whether they feel soft or hard, and if they show any discoloration, such as brown, red, or yellow tones. Also, determine if the bumps are isolated to a small area or widespread across multiple leaves. These observations provide valuable clues about their origin.
Aloe Varieties with Natural Bumps
Some Aloe species naturally exhibit textured leaves or distinct bumps as part of their healthy growth. For instance, Aloe aristata, the Lace Aloe, features small, white, firm tubercles evenly spaced along its leaves. These bumps are a normal and healthy characteristic, contributing to the plant’s unique, often spiky appearance.
Aloe humilis, the Spider Aloe, displays prominent bumps or teeth-like structures along its leaf margins and sometimes on the leaf surface. Similarly, Aloe juvenna, the Tiger Tooth Aloe, has naturally textured leaf surfaces with small, raised protrusions. These natural textures are consistent across the plant and indicate a thriving specimen.
Problematic Bumps: Causes and Symptoms
Bumps that appear suddenly or are accompanied by other symptoms can indicate a problem with the aloe plant’s health.
Pests
Scale insects are a common pest, manifesting as small, hard, brown or white bumps adhering to the leaves. They are often found along veins or on the undersides of leaves and can sometimes be scraped off, leaving a sticky residue. Mealybugs, another common pest, appear as fuzzy white masses resembling soft, cottony bumps, often congregating in leaf axils or on the undersides of leaves.
Edema
Edema is a physiological disorder resulting from inconsistent watering. The plant takes in more water than it can transpire, causing cells to burst. This leads to corky, raised, brown or reddish bumps, typically on the underside of the leaves. These bumps are a form of scar tissue and are not usually soft or squishy.
Fungal or Bacterial Infections
Certain fungal or bacterial infections can cause raised spots or lesions on aloe leaves. These spots might be discolored, appearing yellow, brown, or black, and may sometimes have a sunken center or a distinct halo around the affected area.
Treatment and Prevention for Unwanted Bumps
Addressing problematic bumps depends on their underlying cause.
Pest Treatment
For pest infestations like scale or mealybugs, manual removal is the first step. Use a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to gently wipe away pests. Follow with applications of insecticidal soap or neem oil, ensuring thorough coverage of all affected areas, especially the undersides of leaves. Repeat every 7-10 days until pests are gone.
Edema Management
Managing edema involves adjusting watering practices. Water the aloe plant thoroughly until water drains from the bottom of the pot, then allow the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes and that the plant is not sitting in standing water, as consistent moisture leads to cellular disruption.
Fungal or Bacterial Spot Treatment
If fungal or bacterial spots are present, promptly remove any severely affected leaves using clean, sharp shears to prevent further spread. Improve air circulation around the plant by ensuring adequate spacing from other plants. While severe infections might benefit from a targeted fungicide, promoting good air flow and proper watering often helps the plant recover naturally. Consistent care, including providing ample bright, indirect light and using a well-draining succulent potting mix, helps bolster the plant’s natural defenses against future issues.