How To Save An Aloe Plant

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How To Save An Aloe Plant

When working out how to save an aloe plant, the most important thing is to diagnose the problem. With Aloe Vera plants there tends to be two main issues that harm the plant and can cause it to die. The most common problem with Aloe Vera plants is them being overwatered. The second most common problem is the plant being sunburned, or being given too little water and drying out. Let’s take a look at both of these in turn.

How To Save An Aloe Plant That’s Been Overwatered

Overwatering an Aloe Vera plant is one of the most common problem that plant lovers face. Aloe Vera plants a re succulents which means they store a lot of their water in their leaves and don’t need to be watered all that often. It’s important that you allow an Aloe Vera plant to dry out between waterings and it’s incredibly important that your pot has drainage holes so that your Aloe plant is never sitting in excess water.

So how do you know if your plant has been overwatered? An overwatered Aloe plant will have squishy leaves, they may droop and they may even turn black. If the leaves are turning black then you have a real problem on your hands. You can also tell if your plant is being overwatered by checking the soil, if it’s constantly moist and doesn’t dry then your potting mix could be too heavy, you might not have drainage holes, your plant isn’t getting enough light or you’re watering it too often.

If your plant gets into an overwatered state then it might still be possible to save it depending on how bad the damage is.

1. First of all, take your plant out of it’s pot, it the soil is soaking wet then try to break it up a bit and leave your plant to dry out.
2. Once your plant has dried out inspect the roots and leaves. If any have turned black or smell bad then its time to cut them off. That way the plant can concentrate on promoting new growth rather than trying to save old leaves.
3. Next it’s time to repot your plant, use a cactus & succulent appropriate potting mix and add perlite to help aerate the soil. Do not use regular potting mix with this plant as it can be too heavy and retain too much moisture.
4. Make sure the pot you’re using has drainage holes so that excess water can leave.
5. Use a moisture probe to measure the water. When the probe reads 1/2 it’s time to water your plant.

How To Save An Aloe Plant That’s Been Sun Damaged

Another problem you might face is underwatered or even a sun damaged aloe plant. If the leaves are shriveling up, turning crispy and curling in on themselves then this could be a sign that you’ve taken ‘don’t overwater your plant’ too seriously and it’s in fact dehydrated. If this is the case then start checking your soil more regularly. We say allow the soil to dry out but once it has dried out it’s time to water your plant again, don’t just leave it sitting without water for days or weeks.

Another possible cause is that it is sunburned. Is your plant in a spot that receives direct sunlight all day long? Do you live in a sunny location where your plant will experience little cloud coverage? Is you plant curling in on itself? Turning a reddy brown colour? Is the soil bone dry? If you’re answering yes to most of these questions then it’s very possible that your Aloe Vera plant is experiencing sun damage.

So now you’re asking how to save an Aloe Plant with sun damage? The answer is very easy. You need to move your plant. Aloe Vera plants like bright light, they often like direct sunlight but if it’s burning them it’s time to reduce the light. Still try to keep them in a bright spot, but maybe move them back from the window so the light they’re receiving isn’t direct. You could also try placing them behind a sheer curtain.

Once you’ve moved your plant you need to check for dehydration. Intense sunlight can cause your plant to use up more water. So check the soil, is it bone dry? If so the you might need to increase how frequently you water your plant. Use your fingers or a moisture probe to check the soil. As soon as it dries out then it’s time for a drink.

Now you’ve learned the causes of aloe plant problems and how to save an aloe plant, you should be good to go. Many plants are resilient and you can do a lot of damage to them before they die and you’ve lost them forever. However, it’s very important to diagnose and get on top of the problem as soon as possible for the best chances of saving your plant.