They respond to regular feeding. At Lotusland we fertilize them with a liquid organic fertilizer mixed with compost tea. Aloes certainly do not need as much soil organic material as do plants from a forest system, but do better when a modest amount is used in preparing the soil.

Aloes have relatively few pest problems; however, they are subject to infestations of aphids and scale. Ants protect and farm populations of aphids and scale insects, even often defending them against beneficial species that could control them. In order to take advantage of existing biological control, the ants much first be eliminated.

Some species of aloe are susceptible to aloe mite. The infestations are localized and can usually be pruned out, placed in a plastic bag and disposed of in the trash.

Snails can disfigure some aloes such as Aloe speciosa. "Sluggo", an organic molluscicide made from iron phosphate is very effective. However, once the snails establish residence in the aloe head, they remain there and may have to be removed by hand.

The mass of dead as well as living aloe roots may impede drainage after time and necessitate a complete soil renovation. Most aloes respond readily to such treatment and will soon regain their former health and vigor.