Help! Browning aloe vera! (pics included)
Hello all!
I'm newish to the forum and usually spend most of my time in the tomato section, but I need help with my aloe plant.
I did some reading up on it already, but wanted to get some expert opinion and advice by showing pics which will better illustrate my concerns about my plant.
Long story short. Indoor aloe plant brought outside to get some sun/warmth. Placed in direct sunlight for a day or two, plant started browning over these days.
In addition to direct sun, I have been generously watering the plant (because I didn't want it to dry out too much and thought it was thirsty).
So, now I don't know if I have a sunburnt plant or it has root rot (maybe both?)
IDK, but wanted to share some pics and get some advice.
I repotted the plant last night and checked the soil, it is somewhat moist but not soggy, it is also in a clay pot.
Thanks for any advice or insight!!
Comments (9)
Garden Lover
8 years agoRelated Discussions
Why does my Aloe Vera turn Brown?
Comments (1)When you move any plantt from inside to outside, you need to gradually introduce it to full sun or they can sunburn. I don't see anything wrong with your Aloe. It should not be bright green living outside unless it is in full shade. Aloes change color in response to light levels, water availability, heat, etc. It is a stress response, but does not mean the plant is sick. I actually like the grey/brown color more than the bright green it turns inside. I've got one outside that looks very similar to yours outside. Your conditions inside are abnormal. A bright green plant is not the way it should look. Brad...See Moreneed help to identify this Aloe plant; Aloe Vera???
Comments (14)Certainly not here to dispute the name of the Lowes plant. I bought a couple of the same plants, chuckling to myself that ALL of the aloes were labeled Aloe vera. Mine are PIG, growing well and curiously have lost their spots. You can see some of the spots remain on the bottom, oldest leaves. So I'm pondering the label again. Of course it hasn't flowered yet (about 3 years old), which will add to the info. I guess I wonder if Aloe vera pups start with spots. I have no pups to compare. My plant does not look like the OP's first plants. This post was edited by Crenda on Thu, Aug 7, 14 at 10:23...See MoreNeed help figuring out what's wrong with my Aloe Vera
Comments (16)I see in the last picture link that bag of cactus soil. Did you amend this soil when you potted your Aloes? It doesn't look like you added much perlite or gravel to the mix, but maybe you did. This soil can compact and dry out. Once it is dry, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get it hydrated again. Water will run around the hard dry soil, but not through it. So then your plant is not getting the water you are giving it. I have had plants appear to have nice moist soil, but the soil around the roots was compacted and dry - meaning my plant was very thirsty. The leaves on your aloes look thin, making me think your plant is not getting the water. The recent rain may have soaked through any dried soil. Let's hope so! The color doesn't concern me as much as the thin leaves. These 2 plants had pretty much the same growing conditions. The one on the right did receive more of the evening sun. That one stayed brownish, but both had the plump leaves one expects to see....See MoreNewbie trying to save an aloe vera--please help!
Comments (11)Well, I was going to tell you that you did fine and the plant looks pretty good. The lowest leaves will always be recycled into new growth as the plant ages, particularly so in times of drought and stress. The root system looks good, not too small at all. Rather typical in fact. However, you made a significant mistake: "I then watered it thoroughly, as the bagged mix was bone-dry." Oops! Never ever do that with any succulent. When you repot, there are very small mechanical injuries made to the roots. This leaves the external surface of the leaves open to fungal infection. So generally it is best to wait a few days after repotting before providing any water, giving time for the small nicks and cuts to callous over. This will significantly reduce the risk of fungal meltdown after repotting. Additionaly, that Black Gold succulent mix is far too water retentive. It should be further amended with pumice/lava rock and/or perlite or turface. Stones on top are just fine. I do that all the time to make plant more attractive, and to counter-balance heavy plants, What to do now that I have told you about watering and repotting? Do Nothing yet. Watch the plant carefully. Research gritty mixes. Don't water again soon. If you are not certain it's time to water again, Don't! These plants can go weeks, even months with the water they have already stored. Brad...See More
Crenda 10A SW FL
8 years agoYour Aloe will be much happier if you mix 50% Perlite in with 50% soil. It will drain better, not retain as much water and won't compact around the roots. Also, it is better for the plant to be dry rather than wet. When in doubt, don't water. ; )
Maybe it's my eyes, but I don't see anything wrong with your plant. You have probably realized that you should ease your plant into the sun so it doesn't burn. It's kind of like your first time getting a tan in the spring. All at once and you will burn. (well, maybe that is just me! LOL)
The plant can change color in the sun. Some show quite red, other brownish. Here is an example of 2 Aloe vera plants, one getting much more sun. Both are healthy.
And these Aloe juvenna really looked dry and crispy, but they weren't. It was just the hot and dry autumn weather.
I think your plant will be fine. Change the soil and look at the roots at that time. Then ease it into the sun. Everyone will be happy!
Garden Lover thanked Crenda 10A SW FLGarden Lover
8 years agoCrenda 10A SW FL
8 years agoI do not water for several days after a repot. I know that I have broken or torn some of the roots in the process. By not watering, I let those roots heal over without possibly causing rot. Some people leave the plant out of the dirt so the roots can callous over. In fact, I have an Aloe on my counter that hasn't been planted for over a month. That's not what I recommend, but it can be done.
BTW - I have found that my Aloe vera plants will turn a little brown after a repot. It resolves itself eventually. I guess it is the stress of a repot, just like the stress of the sun or meager water during the dry times.
This little pup has turned brown after a repot.
Garden Lover thanked Crenda 10A SW FLGarden Lover
8 years agoGarden Lover
7 years agoGarden Lover
7 years ago
Nicholas C.