Aloe vera is an attractive & beneficial succulent plant to grow in your home. Here are 5 reasons why you may be having problems growing Aloe vera indoors.
Aloe vera not only looks good, but it’s a succulent plant with many beneficial properties. Why wouldn’t you want one in your home? Some people have a problem growing aloe vera indoors. I’m sharing 5 reasons you may be struggling with this plus what to do about it.
I could come up with 15 or 20 reasons but that might just confuse you. These 5 reasons, in my humble horticultural opinion, are the most common. Many times less is more, especially if you’re a beginning houseplant and/or succulent gardener.
Aloe vera is an attractive and easy-to-grow succulent that makes a great houseplant However, aloe vera plants can develop issues if not properly cared for In this article, I’ll discuss the 9 most common aloe vera plant problems and explain how to fix them.
Overwatering
Overwatering is the most common reason aloe vera plants fail to thrive Aloe vera stores water in its thick leaves and is adapted to dry conditions Too much moisture around the roots causes the leaves to turn brown or yellow, become soft and mushy, and eventually rot.
To prevent overwatering allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Only water when the pot feels light and the soil is dry at least 1-2 inches deep. Make sure the pot has drainage holes and don’t allow the plant to sit in water. During winter dormancy reduce watering frequency. Repot in fast-draining cactus mix if needed. Cut off any dead or rotten leaves.
Underwatering
While aloe vera is sensitive to overwatering, not enough water can also cause issues. Underwatering causes the leaves to become thin, wrinkled and curled inward. Prolonged underwatering leads to brown, shriveled leaf tips.
Water your aloe vera thoroughly until water runs from the drainage holes. Allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The leaves should appear full and firm when properly hydrated. Make sure the plant gets enough sunlight and increase water slightly in very hot or dry conditions.
Insufficient Light
Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect light indoors. Without enough sun exposure, the leaves become weak, thin and start to droop or bend over. The growth habit also becomes tall and leggy as the plant reaches for light.
Gradually move the aloe vera to a sunny south or west-facing window where it gets 4-6 hours of sun daily. Rotate the plant to prevent permanent leaning. Use sheer curtains to filter intense afternoon sun. Provide supplemental lighting in winter if needed.
Sunburn
While aloe vera needs ample sunlight, too much direct sun can cause sunburn. Leaves may turn reddish-brown or develop white, brown or orange patches when exposed to excessive light and heat.
Move your aloe vera out of direct sunlight or use sheer curtains to diffuse intense light during the hottest part of the day. Transition outdoor plants slowly to prevent sun damage. Mist leaves to provide additional relief. Damaged areas won’t recover but new growth will be healthy.
Incorrect Soil
Aloe vera prefers a loose, well-draining potting mix to prevent soggy soil. Dense, moisture-retentive potting soil often leads to rot and other overwatering issues.
Repot in a cactus potting soil blend or make your own mix with equal parts potting soil, perlite, and sand. Make sure the pot has drainage holes. Terracotta pots can also improve drainage. Don’t use soil with high peat content.
Pests
Common aloe vera pests include mealybugs, aphids and scale. These sap-sucking insects cause stippling, discoloration and leaf curling. Check leaf undersides for white cottony or brown hard-shelled bugs.
Remove pests by hand or use insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays. Apply rubbing alcohol directly to small infestations. Maintain good plant hygiene and isolate affected plants. Control ants which may spread pests.
Cold Damage
While aloe vera can tolerate dry air, it is damaged by temperatures below 40°F. Leaves turn brown or pale at the tips and margins when exposed to cold drafts or low temps.
Keep aloe vera above 50°F in winter and avoid drafty windows. Move outdoor container plants indoors before first frost. Allow houseplants to experience cooler temps in winter. Damaged tissue won’t recover but new growth will be unaffected.
Root Rot
Overwatering and soggy soil causes root rot in aloe vera. This fungal disease causes stunted growth, wilting, yellow leaves and potential plant death. Affected roots are brown or black and mushy.
Allow soil to dry between waterings and use well-draining soil mix. Discard diseased plants and sterilize pots with bleach solution before replanting. Improve drainage and water less in winter. Remove dead roots and repot to treat mild cases.
Improper Fertilizer
Aloe vera is adapted to low-nutrient soils and doesn’t need much fertilizer. Excess fertilizer can damage roots and leaves. Leaves may turn brown or white from fertilizer burn.
Use a cactus or succulent fertilizer at 1/4 strength a few times per year. Avoid high-nitrogen mixes. Rinse any spilled fertilizer from leaves. Repot in fresh soil annually to provide new nutrients. Let soil dry between fertilizing and watering.
By understanding the optimal care requirements for aloe vera, you can diagnose and correct any issues that may arise. With the right soil, sunlight, watering, and other care, your aloe vera will thrive indoors or outdoors for many years. Be sure to adapt your care routine based on the plant’s needs during each season.
Your Aloe Vera is getting too much water.
Aloe vera has fat, plump leaves that are full of gel. They store water as well as do the thick roots. These plants are subject to root rot, especially when growing indoors.
The leaves will turn brown and soft when watered too much. Put plainly, they mush out.
Water your Aloe vera when it’s about 3/4 of the way dry. That could be every 2 to 4 weeks in the summer, depending on the conditions it’s growing in along with pot size and what the soil mixture is.
These guides to Watering Indoor Plants and Watering Succulents will help you out.
Just know that in the winter months you’ll want to back off on the watering frequency because it’s the time for houseplants to rest.
Make sure the pot your Aloe vera is growing in has drain holes so the water can flow out. Another thing to be mindful of is that it doesn’t sit in a saucer full of water.
Your Aloe Vera is located in a hot window.
Even though most succulents like medium to high light when growing indoors, being up against hot glass will burn the leaves. Because of all the liquid in the leaves, they’re prone to sunburn.
If large brown patches are appearing on the leaves, or they’re turning orange/brown, it’s your Aloe vera getting too much sun.
Move your plant out of or away from the hot, sunny window. In a south or west exposure is fine, just not in the window.
FIX All Aloe PROBLEMS // Aloe Vera Plant Care// Aloe Vera Turning BROWN
FAQ
How do you treat a struggling aloe vera plant?
- Step 1: Check Your Container. …
- Step 2: New Potting Soil. …
- Step 3: Prune Roots Before Repotting. …
- Step 4: Prune The Top. …
- Step 5: Take & Plant Cuttings. …
- Step 6: Thoroughly Water. …
- Step 7: Provide Proper Lighting.
Why is my aloe plant turning brown and soft?
Poor Drainage – Lack of drainage is a prime cause of an aloe vera turning brown. Succulents need water but aloe vera are in a group of plants called xeroids.Feb 2, 2024
What does a diseased aloe plant look like?
Small, pale yellow spots on leaves which expand and turn brown; orange spore masses may be present on underside of leaf; leaves may drop from plant.
What does an aloe vera plant look like when it’s overwatered?
You’ll know your aloe plant is being overwatered when the leaves develop water-soaked spots that look soggy and soft. It’s almost as though the entire leaf becomes saturated with water and then turns to mush. You might be able to save your waterlogged aloe by digging it up and letting it dry out for a day or two.
How do you care for aloe vera?
Ideally, you need to place your aloe vera in a bright location with indirect sunlight. If you put it away from the light, the plant stretches its leaves searching for light. If you keep placing it away from sunlight for an extended period, it might lose most of its leaves.
Do aloe vera plants have problems?
This article is about aloe vera plant care problems that almost every gardener comes across when growing this beautiful house plant. When it comes to caring for aloe vera, just like many other garden plants, expect some challenges with common problems such as yellowing of leaves, wobbly aloe plants, aloe plants turning grey among others.
Is aloe vera a good houseplant?
One of the most common houseplants found in homes around the world, Aloe vera is a very versatile plant. With its forgiving nature to being neglected and to excessive coddling, Aloe vera is a tough plant. Although considered low-maintenance and a good plant for learning the art and science of growing plants, Aloe vera does have occasional issues.
Why is my aloe vera not growing?
Overwatering is more often the reason for problems with aloe vera due to their sensitivity to excess moisture. However it should be noted that aloe plants draw moisture from the soil to store in their leaves causing them to be thick and plump.
How to keep aloe vera plants healthy?
Solution – Whatever the case, you should cut brown tips from your Aloe plant with a disinfectant knife or pruning shear. It helps keep your Aloe Vera green and healthy. Naturally, the leaves of the Aloe Vera should move upwards away from the base of the plant. If you have flat leaves, it can be due to insufficient light.
What happens if you overwater aloe vera?
Overwatering can turn your aloe leaves from vibrant to squishy, droopy ones. As a type of succulent, aloe vera can uniquely store water in its leaves for an extended period. The plant releases this stored water when it needs hydration. Nonetheless, the leaves’ condition starts deteriorating if you give the plant excessive water.