Aloe vera is celebrated for its easy care and versatile uses, from soothing skin to enhancing home decor.
Many believe it’s a low-maintenance plant, but even hardy aloes can suffer if not properly cared for.
So, let’s discover these ten common pitfalls that could be causing your aloe vera plant to wither, and learn how to keep it thriving with simple adjustments.
#1. Overwatering
When you water your aloe too often, the soil doesn’t get a chance to dry out. This can lead to root rot, which is basically a death sentence for your plant.
You might notice the leaves turning a pale color or even splitting because they’re so full of water.
In the spring and summer, aim to water your aloe every two to three weeks.
In the winter, you can almost forget about it – water it maybe once a month. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to underwater than overwater.
#2. Poor Drainage
When the soil doesn’t drain well, it becomes a soggy mess, and the roots can start to rot. So, make sure your pot has drainage holes.
#3. Insufficient Light
If your aloe isn’t getting enough light, it will start to stretch out, looking for more sun. This is called etiolation, and it makes the plant look leggy and weak.
You might notice the leaves becoming pale and droopy, which is a clear sign that your plant is unhappy.
#4. Improper Soil
Aloe vera is a succulent, which means it loves well-draining soil.
The ideal soil mix for aloe vera is one part potting soil to one part coarse sand or perlite. This combo ensures that water drains quickly, preventing root rot.
In addition, you can incorporate perlite or coarse sand into your soil to mix creates little pockets of air.
#5. Temperature Extremes
If you expose them to temperature extremes, they can get seriously stressed out. Too cold, and they might get frostbite. Too hot, and they can get sunburned.
Ideally, you want to keep them in a range between 55°F and 80°F. Anything outside of that, and you’re asking for trouble.
#6. Neglecting Fertilization
Aloe vera plants aren’t heavy feeders, but they do appreciate a good meal every now and then.
A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength is usually perfect.
I usually do this once a month during the growing season, which is spring and summer.
#7. Pests and Diseases
Aphids love to suck the sap out of your plants, causing the leaves to curl and collapse. They usually hang out on the new, tender growth.
If you spot them, you can use insecticidal soap or even a homemade solution of dish soap and water.
Next, mealybugs and scale insects hide on the underside of leaves and suck out the plant’s juices.
You’ll often see a sticky residue called honeydew, which is a dead giveaway. To get rid of them, you can use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab and dab it directly on the bugs.
Now, let’s not forget about fungal diseases. Aloe vera plants can sometimes get fungal infections, especially if they’re overwatered.
You’ll notice black or brown spots on the leaves. The best way to prevent this is to make sure your plant has good air circulation and isn’t sitting in water.
#8. Incorrect Pot Size
When you repot, aim for a pot that’s just a bit larger than the current one – about 5-10% bigger should do the trick.
Terracotta pots are a great choice because they allow the soil to breathe, helping to prevent overwatering. Plus, they look pretty cool.
#9. Failure to Repot
If you ignore repotting, your plant might end up feeling cramped and starved for nutrients.
Overcrowding is a big red flag. When the roots start peeking out of the drainage holes, it’s a clear sign that your Aloe needs more space.
Aloe Vera doesn’t need frequent repotting, but every 2-3 years is ideal.
Spring is the best time for this task, as the plant is naturally gearing up for a growth spurt. When you do repot, be gentle with the roots.
#10. Ignoring Signs of Stress
One of the first things you’ll notice is droopy leaves. This can be a cry for help due to overwatering, underwatering, or even poor light conditions.
Think of it as your plant’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right here!”
Another sign is leathery, tough leaves. This usually means your plant is thirsty.
