Succulent Plant Site | Succulent Plant Diseases | Aloe Cancer

Aloe Cancer Treatment

Common Name:	Aloe cancer, Witche's broom, Galls
Latin Name:	-
Size:	-
Colour:	-
Transfer:	Mites

 

Aloe Cancer Description:

Aloe cancer is a viral infection that is spread via mites. Aloe cancer can be characterized by abnormal and unsightly growths on the leavesand the drown of an aloe. I have seen this infection on the inflorescences of a few aloes as well.

The aloes of Southern Africa Book states that Aloe cancer or galls is created from a severe infestation of mites that cause abnormal cellular growth in the effected parts of the Aloe.

Damage Done by Aloe Cancer:

Aloe cancer causes unsightly growths on the leaves and crowns of Aloes if left unchecked it will eventually kill the plant and infect any (most probably all) of it's neighbours.

Treatment of Aloe Cancer:

The besttreatment for this disease is the destruction of the plant, it is a highly infectious disease and it is difficult to get under control.

In case you have rare Aloes you can cut away the infected areas and treat the open wounds with a wettable powder insecticide. All equipement and pots that have been used with plant infected by Aloe cancer need to be thoroughly sterilised.

Picture: Aloe cancer on the inflorescence of Aloe arborescence.