Growing aloe can be a very rewarding experience. Not only is it a beautiful and low-maintenance houseplant, but it has many practical uses as well. The gel inside its leaves can be applied to the skin to heal burns and wounds. However, when aloe suddenly turns yellow and fails to thrive, it can be quite troubling. While there are many possible causes for this, it’s important to determine the cause and address it quickly to ensure that your aloe plant can continue to thrive. To prevent this, it’s important to provide your aloe with proper care and the right amount of light, water, and nutrients. Here’s what to do if you have an aloe turning yellow.
Why your aloe is turning yellow
Aloe can be made to turn yellow or brown for a number of reasons, and all of them are fixable. These range from improper watering to shock from being moved or transplanted. It’s important for you to properly diagnose the cause and address it as soon as you can!
Too much water
Having too much water can cause aloe plants to turn yellow. This is because the plant is unable to process the excess water, which causes an imbalance in the plant’s nutrients. It may also cause root rot. To prevent the aloe from turning yellow, it is important to water it regularly, but not in excess, and to ensure that it is receiving enough light and air circulation. Additionally, it is a good idea to allow the soil to become slightly dry between watering sessions.
The fix: If your Aloe has been overwatered, the best way to fix it is to stop watering it and allow it to dry out. Move the Aloe to a pot with well-draining soil and ensure that the soil drains properly. Make sure the pot has a drainage hole at the bottom. If the overwatered Aloe has root rot, you may need to repot the Aloe in fresh potting soil and cut away any rotten roots. Allow the Aloe to completely dry out before watering it again. When watering, only water the soil and avoid getting the leaves wet. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, as Aloe plants are prone to root rot if overwatered.
Too little water
Aloe turns yellow during dry conditions due to a lack of water. Aloe plants are succulents, which means they store water to use during dry periods. Yellowing is a sign that the plant is lacking water and should be watered to prevent further dehydration. The yellowing of aloe leaves is a natural response to drought conditions and can be reversed by providing the plant with sufficient water.
The fix: If an aloe plant hasn’t been watered enough, the best way to fix it is to provide it with water as soon as possible. Aloe plants thrive on regular watering, so providing the plant with enough water should be the first step. When watering an aloe plant, it’s important to make sure the soil is completely saturated. Allow the soil to drain and avoid overwatering. It’s also important to avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause damage to the plant’s roots. Once the aloe plant has been watered, it’s important to monitor the soil’s moisture level to ensure the plant is getting the right amount of water. If the soil is too dry, repeat the watering process. Regularly checking the soil will help ensure that the aloe plant never goes too long without water.
Cold exposure
Aloe turning yellow due to cold exposure is a common occurrence for aloe plants grown in temperate climates. To prevent aloe from turning yellow due to cold exposure, it is important to make sure that the aloe is kept in an area that is neither too hot nor too cold, and to make sure it is exposed to cold temperatures only for short periods of time.
The fix: If an aloe plant is turning yellow due to cold exposure, there are a few steps that can be taken to help it recover. First, the plant should be moved to a warmer area with indirect sunlight. Next, the soil should be checked to make sure it is well-draining, and if it isn’t, the plant should be moved to a pot with better drainage. Finally, the plant should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. If the yellowing persists, the plant should be evaluated for disease or pests, as these can also lead to yellowing. With a few simple steps, an aloe plant that is turning yellow due to cold exposure can be saved.
Shock
Aloe turning yellow due to shock from moving or transplanting is a common occurrence. The stress from changes in environment or climate can cause aloe to lose some of its color. The yellowing of the leaves indicates that the plant is struggling to adjust to the new conditions. If the yellowing persists for more than a week, additional steps may need to be taken to ensure the health of the aloe. This may include adjusting its light, water, and soil conditions to help it re-acclimate. With the right care and maintenance, the aloe should eventually return to its original green hue. Just give your aloe a little time to adjust.