Planta
Back to Pests, diseases and problems

Aloe Vera question: Note: I used filtered water (like all my other… | Pests, diseases and problems | Planta community

abi_interrupted

Aloe Vera question: Note: I used filtered water (like all my other plants), & these two are about 3/4’ away from an east facing window. My old(er) aloe is very pale & leggy (unlike this new deeper green one that was gifted to me). I don’t know what to do to avoid the same fate for my new aloe/how to liven up my old one. I’ve tried different lighting situations… & more sun always seems to have an adverse effect on the aloe. I’m trying stimulating wind (wiggling leaves, etc) to try to strengthen the leggy one, & I have just started to prune off old leaves. Any suggestions, tips, or tricks?

Attachment 1 of 1
6 likes 10 comments

10 comments

  1. LotsaPots

    How often are you watering? My aloe vera plant upped and died when I was gone for a couple weeks and my niece overwatered it. They don’t like watered very often.

    0 likes
    • abi_interrupted

      Very rarely; maybe once a month…? I follow the Planta schedule I have it on to make sure I don’t over water it (did that to a past aloe - RIP). I do tend to drench it when I water it. I did try using less water when I watered, but I did not notice any difference. — Also, I have a bunch of happy cacti & succulents, not sure why I am struggling with the aloe.

      0 likes
    • LotsaPots

      Very interesting. I’d love to learn what causes it and what the solution is.

      0 likes
    • Tigerlilly

      all plants are fine with a good french when they need to be watered. water until the water comes out of the drainage holes. less water will end up killing the plant. also always check your soil of any plant before watering. the Planta schedule isn’t always correct. I use a chopstick or skewer and stick it in the soil. for my aloe, when the stick is 100% clean (like a cake test), then I drench it. a lot of water when the plant is ready isn’t overwatering. for my aloe, despite being a succulent, it does NOT like a lot of direct sun. once I moved it out of a lot of direct sunlight, it started to thrive. I’ve also learned there are various kinds of aloe so these might just be two different kinds that are two different shades of green.

      1 like
    • Chrissy

      I have my aloe in full Georgia sun and it thrives. I had to baby step it to the sun but it’s loving it.

      2 likes
    • abi_interrupted

      Had not even thought of the fact that there are various types of aloe 😅 (ya think I would have, I have worked in a plant nursery & most every plant has different varieties)! & good to have confirmation on giving it a good drench. I’ve done that with all my plants. — also, in looking at it now, I think my wiggling of the leaves is helping, they are much more taut than the older leaves.

      0 likes
  2. Alyssa

    Hello there! First I would change the soil, judging from the picture it looks to be a bit too dense, aloe Vera’s have a very small root system and hate not having properly draining soil. Also, have they experienced any huge cold shifts? That can make the leaves yellowed more, and yes when you do water them don’t over drench it because again the soil will be too water logged without proper airflow. Just give it enough to wet the top part of the soil, for the large plant I would maybe do a cup or a cup and a half or so. Also, the large plant might be too small for the planter it is in, again their root system is very small, about four or five inches, and so they love to be root bound and be snug in a smaller planter. Hope that helps!

    0 likes
    • abi_interrupted

      I believe it is in succulent soil — might be hard to see in the pic, but it is very chunky soil. No cold shocks, & it has been this way for a while, just decided to ask to tap into community knowledge. I think you’re right about the pot size. Thank you! I will probably downsize it! However, I have to disagree on the watering… I do believe in a good bath for plants, as well as for the soil. Soil that dries out too long does not take water very well. 🌱✌🏻 Thanks!

      1 like
    • abi_interrupted

      Note: You are right in that watering method for frequently watered plants. Like my gardenia, she likes to have a little water often… vs a lot of water rarely. I live in an alpine desert & seem to have more of a knack for desert like plants (other than this problem child, lol). I am still getting used to the less water more frequently types…

      1 like
  3. nosugartonight

    Could it just be the variety of aloe having that growth pattern?

    1 like