Save Your Aloe: 5 Reasons It's Dying & How To Fix It

Hey plant parents! Is your aloe vera looking a little sad? Don't worry, we've all been there. Aloe plants are generally pretty low-maintenance, but they can be sensitive to certain conditions. If you notice your aloe drooping, developing mushy leaves, or turning yellow or brown, it's a sign that something's not quite right. The good news is, with a few simple adjustments, you can often revive your struggling aloe and bring it back to its vibrant, healthy self. In this guide, we'll dive into the five most common reasons why your aloe might be dying and, more importantly, how to fix them. So, grab your gardening gloves, and let's get started!

1. Overwatering: The Silent Killer of Aloe

Overwatering is, hands down, the most frequent culprit behind a declining aloe vera. These succulents are native to arid environments, meaning they're adapted to survive on very little water. When we give them too much H2O, it can lead to a whole host of problems, primarily root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that thrives in soggy conditions. It attacks the roots, preventing them from absorbing nutrients and water, essentially suffocating your plant. Imagine trying to breathe underwater – that's what it feels like for your aloe's roots when they're constantly waterlogged.

So, how do you know if you're overwatering? The telltale signs include mushy, soft leaves that are often yellow or brown. The leaves might also appear translucent or water-soaked. If you gently tug on the plant, it might even feel loose in the pot, as the roots are no longer anchoring it firmly. Another way to check is to stick your finger about two inches into the soil. If it feels wet, it's too soon to water. Aloe vera plants prefer their soil to dry out completely between waterings. Think of it like this: they'd rather be a little thirsty than drowning!

How to Fix Overwatering:

• Let the soil dry out completely: Stop watering immediately and allow the soil to dry out thoroughly. This might take a week or even longer, depending on the humidity and temperature in your home.
• Repot if necessary: If the soil is severely waterlogged or you suspect root rot, it's best to repot your aloe. Gently remove the plant from its pot and inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white or tan, while rotten roots are mushy, black, or brown. Carefully trim away any affected roots with clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears. Replant your aloe in a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. This type of mix typically contains ingredients like perlite, sand, or gravel to improve drainage.
• Improve drainage: Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom to allow excess water to escape. You can also add a layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom of the pot to further enhance drainage.
• Water less frequently: Once your aloe has recovered, adjust your watering schedule. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch. During the dormant winter months, you can reduce watering even further.

2. Underwatering: The Other Extreme

While overwatering is the more common issue, underwatering can also cause your aloe to suffer. When an aloe plant doesn't receive enough water, it starts to dehydrate. It's like going without water on a hot day – you feel sluggish and weak, and the same goes for your aloe. The plant will start to draw moisture from its leaves, causing them to become thin, flat, and wrinkled. You might also notice the leaves turning brown or reddish, especially at the tips.

However, it's important to distinguish between underwatering and a naturally stressed aloe. Sometimes, aloe leaves will turn slightly reddish or purplish when exposed to direct sunlight or temperature fluctuations. This is a normal reaction and doesn't necessarily indicate a problem. But if the leaves are also thin and wrinkled, underwatering is likely the culprit.

How to Fix Underwatering:

• Water thoroughly: When you do water, make sure to saturate the soil completely. Water until excess water drains out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot. This ensures that the roots are getting the moisture they need.
• Adjust your watering schedule: Increase the frequency of watering, but be careful not to overdo it. Check the soil moisture regularly and water when the top inch or two feels dry. Remember, it's always better to err on the side of underwatering than overwatering.
• Consider the environment: Factors like temperature, humidity, and sunlight can affect how quickly your aloe dries out. If you live in a hot, dry climate, you might need to water more often than someone who lives in a cool, humid climate.

3. Insufficient Sunlight: Aloe Needs Its Sunshine

Aloe vera plants are sun-loving succulents. They thrive in bright, indirect sunlight. Think of their natural habitat – sunny, arid regions where they bask in the warmth. When an aloe doesn't get enough light, it can become weak and leggy, with pale, stretched-out leaves. The leaves might also start to droop or bend towards the light source. It's like a plant doing yoga to try and soak up those precious rays!

However, direct sunlight can be too intense for aloe vera, especially during the hottest part of the day. Prolonged exposure to harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing them to turn brown or red. The ideal spot for an aloe is a bright location with indirect sunlight, such as near an east- or west-facing window. If you're placing your aloe near a south-facing window, which receives the most sunlight, consider using a sheer curtain to filter the light.

How to Fix Insufficient Sunlight:

• Move your aloe to a brighter location: If your aloe is showing signs of insufficient light, gradually move it to a spot that receives more light. Avoid making sudden changes, as this can shock the plant. Start by moving it a little closer to a window or to a room with more natural light. Over a week or two, gradually adjust its position until it's in a suitable location.
• Supplement with artificial light: If you don't have enough natural light, you can supplement with artificial light. Grow lights are an excellent option, providing the full spectrum of light that plants need to thrive. You can also use fluorescent or LED lights. Position the light a few inches above the plant and keep it on for 12-16 hours per day.
• Rotate your plant: To ensure that all sides of the aloe receive adequate light, rotate the plant regularly, about once a week. This will prevent it from leaning towards the light source and promote even growth.

4. Poor Soil and Drainage: A Recipe for Disaster

As we touched on earlier, proper soil and drainage are crucial for aloe vera health. These plants need a well-draining potting mix that allows excess water to escape. Heavy, compacted soil can retain too much moisture, leading to root rot. It's like trying to grow a cactus in a swamp – it's just not going to work!

Ideal soil for aloe vera is a mix specifically formulated for succulents or cacti. These mixes typically contain ingredients like perlite, sand, or gravel, which improve drainage and aeration. You can also make your own potting mix by combining equal parts potting soil, perlite, and coarse sand. This will provide the drainage your aloe needs while still retaining enough moisture.

How to Fix Poor Soil and Drainage:

• Repot in well-draining soil: If your aloe is planted in heavy, compacted soil, it's essential to repot it in a well-draining mix. Gently remove the plant from its pot and shake off as much of the old soil as possible. Inspect the roots and trim away any that are rotten or damaged. Replant your aloe in a pot with drainage holes, using a succulent or cactus potting mix.
• Ensure proper drainage: Make sure your pot has drainage holes at the bottom. You can also add a layer of gravel or pebbles to the bottom of the pot to improve drainage. Avoid using saucers that collect water, as this can lead to overwatering.
• Avoid over-potting: Choose a pot that is only slightly larger than the root ball. Planting an aloe in a pot that is too large can lead to excess moisture retention, as the soil will take longer to dry out.

5. Pests and Diseases: Uninvited Guests

While aloe vera plants are generally resilient, they can sometimes be susceptible to pests and diseases. Common pests that can infest aloe vera include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. These tiny creatures suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to become yellow, brown, or distorted. They can also weaken the plant, making it more vulnerable to diseases.

Root rot, as we discussed earlier, is a common disease that affects aloe vera. Other fungal diseases, such as leaf spot, can also occur. These diseases are often caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or infected soil.

How to Fix Pests and Diseases:

• Inspect your plant regularly: The best way to prevent pests and diseases is to inspect your aloe regularly. Look for signs of infestation, such as sticky residue, cottony masses, or small insects on the leaves and stems. Also, check for signs of disease, such as spots, lesions, or discoloration.
• Isolate the infected plant: If you notice any pests or diseases, isolate the infected plant from your other plants to prevent the problem from spreading.
• Treat pests with insecticidal soap or neem oil: For minor infestations, you can often control pests by wiping the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For more severe infestations, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil, following the instructions on the label.
• Treat diseases with fungicide: If your aloe has a fungal disease, you may need to treat it with a fungicide. Choose a fungicide that is specifically labeled for use on succulents and follow the instructions carefully.
• Improve air circulation: Good air circulation can help prevent fungal diseases. Make sure your aloe has plenty of space around it and that the air is circulating freely.

So there you have it, plant lovers! By understanding these five common reasons why your aloe plant might be struggling and implementing the solutions we've discussed, you can bring your aloe back to its happy, healthy self. Remember, a little TLC goes a long way in the world of plant care. Happy gardening, and may your aloe vera thrive!