Aloe vera leaves turn brown: what to do?

Aloe vera is valued for its healing properties and is popular as a houseplant. How annoying when the leaves suddenly turn brown. What are the causes? What can help?

care mistakes

Aloe vera is considered a very robust plant. The evergreen houseplant with thick fleshy leaves arranged in rosettes belongs to the succulent family . More than 250 different species are mainly found in the tropics and subtropics. Also known as desert lily or aloe vera, the popular plant is not hardy. This means that it can only be cultivated as a container plant or houseplant. Brown discoloration on the leaves of aloe vera can indicate care errors.

Too small pot

A flower pot that is too small can lead to brown discoloration of the leaves. You should repot the aloe vera every two to three years. It forms Kindel and quickly outgrows the edge of the pot. In the course of repotting, you can multiply the houseplant immediately.

Stress response after repotting

Repotting is a hassle for many plants. You need some time to get used to the new conditions. This stress can show up as brown leaves.
How to repot:

  • Take the aloe out of the old flowerpot for repotting
  • loosen roots
  • carefully loosen old soil from the roots
  • Remove dead leaves and plant parts
  • Fill the pot with drainage and special succulent soil
  • Put the plant as deep into the new pot as before
  • leave it alone for a few days
  • Cut surfaces can dry and heal
  • water after a week

In most cases, after moving to a new flowerpot, aloe will quickly recover.

waterlogging

Succulents like aloe vera can store moisture in their thick leaves and tolerate a lack of water well. In their tropical home, they are exposed to heat and drought for weeks. They are sensitive to excessive watering. If the aloe leaves become mushy and brown, it can be a sign of too much moisture.

  • Remove dead, rotten leaves with a clean, sharp knife
  • Take the plant out of the pot
  • control roots
  • remove rotting roots
  • Allow cut surfaces to dry thoroughly
  • plant again after five days
  • mix some sand into the ground
  • water sparingly after a week

With any luck, the plant will recover.

Note: Do not water the aloe until the soil is really dry. During the growing season, it requires only a moderate supply of moisture. During hibernation, it only needs to be protected from severe dehydration. Too much moisture or waterlogging must be avoided at all costs.

dryness

If your aloe leaves look green and healthy, but only the tips of the leaves are dry, it could be due to a lack of moisture. Pour a little more. The plant will recover quickly.

Too cold

The African plant with the decorative green rosettes prefers a warm location. It can also be moved outdoors as a container plant in summer. It does not tolerate low temperatures or even frost. The aloe reacts to this with brown discoloration of the leaves.

Place the desert lily in a sheltered, warmer spot.

Too dark

The aloe needs the sunlight. Even in winter, the evergreen plants need a light location. If it is too dark, the leaves will turn brown.

Too much sun

Not only too much or too little water, but also too much sun can damage the evergreen houseplant. Basically, aloe vera loves a bright, sunny location. It does not tolerate direct sunlight, which is intensified by the window pane. The leaf surfaces then turn reddish brown and the leaf tips dry up. If you notice the changes, place the plant in a bright or partially shaded spot, out of direct sunlight.

Note: Young aloe plants are more sensitive than old ones. They need to be gradually acclimated to a sunny location.

nutrient deficiency

Succulents like aloe vera are sensitive to a lack of nutrients. Brown spots on the leaf surfaces are typical signs of the deficiency. Even repotting every two to three years contributes to a good supply of nutrients. Doses of succulent fertilizer given exactly according to the package instructions support the development of the plant. If you notice brown spots, fertilize the plant.

Kira Bellingham

I'm a homes writer and editor with more than 20 years' experience in publishing. I have worked across many titles, including Ideal Home and, of course, Homes & Gardens. My day job is as Chief Group Sub Editor across the homes and interiors titles in the group. This has given me broad experience in interiors advice on just about every subject. I'm obsessed with interiors and delighted to be part of the Homes & Gardens team.

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