What to Do When Aloe Vera Leaves Turn Brown or Red? This Method Will Solve It

The main problems most people have when growing potted aloe vera are overwatering or insufficient light. As long as you get these two things right, you can avoid most problems. Below I will mention some common problems with caring for potted aloe vera, and how to deal with them.

1. Aloe Vera Root Rot

If you find that the stem of your aloe vera has become mushy and feels soft to the touch, it means the aloe vera has been overwatered, or waterlogged soil has caused the roots to rot. If only the bottom of the root has rotted and most of the stem is still relatively healthy, then you can try to save the aloe vera.

You can dig it up, cut off the rotted part at the bottom of the main stem, wash it clean and soak it in carbendazim solution, then replant it in new soil and a new pot.

2. Aloe Vera Leaves Turning Brown

If you find that the leaves of your aloe vera have turned brown, first check its stem. If it is still relatively firm and healthy, and the leaves feel fairly hard to the touch, then it proves that it is not rot. This situation is generally caused by too much light. You can move the potted aloe vera to a spot with bright, indirect light for a period of time, and it will gradually recover.

If the leaves and stem feel soft to the touch and look mushy, then it proves that it has been overwatered and there are signs of rot. It could also be frost damage from temperatures that are too low. In this case, promptly cut off the diseased leaves, keep the wounds away from water, and move it to a warm, ventilated place to slowly recover.

3. Leaves at the Bottom of the Aloe Vera Turning Dry

If it is a newly transplanted potted aloe vera, then it may be consuming the bottom leaves to grow roots and sprout. In that case, just cut off the withered leaves.

If it is an aloe vera that has been grown for a relatively long time and the bottom leaves are drying up, then there may be a problem with the root system, soil compaction or insufficient supply. Repot it promptly and cut off the withered roots.

Aloe vera is a very popular indoor potted plant. It can be grown for decades without dying, and it is very easy to propagate. With proper care, aloe vera will continuously produce offsets, and its growth rate is relatively fast. Be sure to give it appropriate light so that it can grow better.

4. Benefits of Growing Aloe Vera

Aloe vera can treat minor burns and scalds. Just extract the gel from inside the leaves and apply it to the wound.

Another benefit of aloe vera is that it can purify the air at home. If there are excessive harmful toxins in the indoor air, brown spots will appear on the aloe vera leaves.

Caring for aloe vera does not require frequent attention. You can even often neglect it, and it will still maintain vigorous growth. Follow the points below, and your aloe vera will maintain a relatively fast growth rate.

5. Water Properly

When caring for potted aloe vera, the most critical thing is watering. The mistake beginners make most often is overwatering. If the soil dries out completely, it is not easy for the plant to die. Frequent watering is the number one killer of aloe vera.

In nature, aloe vera grows in deserts. Its leaves can store water and it can tolerate going without water for a very long time. If it is overwatered, it is very easy for root rot to occur, ultimately causing the plant to rot.

Before watering aloe vera each time, check whether the soil has completely dried out. You can even insert your finger 3-5 cm into the soil to make sure the soil is completely dry and avoid moist soil. Aloe vera goes dormant in winter, so do not water it when the temperature is relatively low.

6. Proper Light

The second key to caring for aloe vera is sunlight and temperature. If there is relatively sufficient light, aloe vera can grow better. If there is insufficient light, it is prone to leggy growth and the leaves will grow very weak. When growing it indoors, it is best to place it on a south-facing or east-facing windowsill, and you can supplement with grow lights as appropriate.

7. Choosing Potting Soil

For growing aloe vera, it is best to use sandy soil with particularly good drainage, so that the soil will not become waterlogged. For potted aloe vera, you can choose sandy soil. I like to mix perlite, sand and some potting soil, which ensures breathability and drainage and is beneficial for plant growth.

8. Pay Attention to Fertilizing

Aloe vera has a very low demand for fertilizer, but in spring and summer you can give it a dilute fertilizer 1-2 times a month. I recommend giving organic fertilizer rather than chemical fertilizer. A general-purpose organic liquid fertilizer is best for aloe vera.