Aloe Vera Plant Problems

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

So I've had this aloe plant (or what I think is an aloe plant) for a while now. It's had some pretty rough times. My cat has tried eating it (cause of the dead pieces and browning), then it began wrinkling and creasing, and now it's leaves are greening up - yet drooping. I repotted it about a month ago, putting rocks in the bottom of the pot for drainage and then using regular soil. It has gotten greener since repotting and the creases are gone, but now I'm lost as to why it's drooping.

Here is a picture of the plant the day it was repotted (one month ago):

Today, one month after repotting:

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

8 years ago

Can't suggest what may be wrong without photo; but can tell you that drainage is not created by rocks in the bottom - container needs drainage holes. Not sure what you mean by 'regular soil' - is it from garden? or bought in a bag?

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Comments (6)

Deidra Thames
Original Author
8 years ago
I don't know why the photo didn't upload the first time but I just added it. The soil bought in a bag.
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Crenda 10A SW FL
8 years ago
Your plant is probably an Aloe ciliaris, one of the climbing Aloes.

It will clump and climb if given the chance. Here's the same plant a 4-5 years later.

I don't see the problem that you are seeing. Your plant looks pretty good to me (except for the kitty bites, of course).

As for potting - Bagged soil, like MiracleGro, retains a lot of water/moisture. I would recommend that you pull your Aloe out of the pot - get all the soil from the roots - and mix is with at least 50% perlite or pumice. The mix will be chunkier, like this -

You need a potting mix that drains well. And you must have a hole in the bottom of the pot for drainage. Succulents do not like to sit in water. Adding rocks to the bottom of the pot does nothing to help with drainage, so please don't try that.

Let the plant dry out between waterings. It will do better if kept dry than it would if too wet. You can check it with a wood skewer, or even a pencil, pushed down into the pot.

Since you cross posted to Alabama, I assume that's where you are. Will you take it outside for the summer? You need to wean your plant into outdoor light. Aloes like full sun, but if you plunk it into the sun it will burn -- just like me!

;-)
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
Deidra

Crenda gave you excellent advice and it applies to other succulents. I see one in glass jar, and what looks like water-retaining soil. That plant may not last too long unless you repot it into same mix suggested and into container with drainage holes. Rocks on the bottom don't help regardless what is posted on all kinds of "how to..." sites, sorry to say. Water still collect in between them and gets reabsorbed back by water retaining soil, keeping roots too wet. That is how most succulents perish. I am really repeating what Crenda already mentioned, but it is important if you want to grow healthy plants.
Crenda 10A SW FL
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
What does that snotty remark mean? Do you want help or not? Rina noticed another plant that will likely need help in the future and you are ticked off that she mentioned it? SMH

EDIT -

Wise choice to delete your comment, Deidra. We are all here to help so there is no reason to take umbrage at the advice.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
8 years ago
...not sure I understand what you mean @Deidra Thames