Help my poor Aloe!!

6 years ago

I got this plant from a friend a few months ago in hopes to revive it. It used to be placed in a kitchen with poor light, as you see it’s started to stretch.

It’s now placed by a south facing window and receives much more light for the first part of the day. You’ll notice some leaves are slightly brown and all of them are very thin and some slightly curved. I started watering more frequently (still only when soil is dry) thinking it was dehydrated but that hasn’t changed the leaves at all. I’m also thinking maybe it’s getting a little too much sun now?
This has been an ongoing issue and I’m not sure what to do! I know there’s nothing to fix the stretching but just wondering how I can help this plant. FYI I use a cactus/succulent potting mix. ) please help!

Featured Answer

rina_Ontario,Canada 5a

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Curling leaves could be also from thirst, but I do not think that is your problem.

I do not feed my succulents (if, maybe 1-2x/year).

Using sand is not recommended, unless it is quite grainy/larger particles. Most often, ppl use very fine sand and it will clog up drainage. If it comes thru sieve, it is too fine. It is much better to use sifted perlite or pumice (and some grit if available) to improve drainage.

Most succulents will color-up in lots of sun - that is often desirable; but will burn if put into sunny spot suddenly. I do not see burn yet, so if there is some darkening, it will probably correct itself. Usually, it is best to move plants every 2-3 days or so into more and more sun to avoid burn.

Try checking soil with a bamboo/wooden skewer or chopsticks or thin dowel, or even pencil. They are much thinner than a finger, and can be inserted deep into soil.

Btw, most succulents will be just fine with very infrequent watering. Here is aloe cutting, that is sitting in jar opening for a very long time. It hasn't been watered at all since I cut it sometimes in 2017, not even misted. I am leaving it as an experiment (I am not suggesting you should do the same! :); and a proof that they will survive...

Top photo is Feb. 2017, 2 next photos are just taken: besides a dried up leaf, plant is k. Leaves are also curling and are darker color - that is because plant has been without water all that time. IIRC, this is 3rd dry leaf (but could be 4th). I usually cut them off as they totally dry up.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (8)

callirhoe123
6 years ago
https://www.almanac.com/plant/aloe-vera some good care tips.
rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
6 years ago
Aloe should do well in good sun; problem may be that you put it into lot of sun suddenly. It is best to acclimatize succulents to increased light.

Mix in your photo doesn't look fast draining to me - but I a looking at the photo only. If my plant, I would at least add lots of sifted perlite.

I also wonder if that pot has drainage hole...and how do you know potting mix is dry enough to water again? It may be good to raise plant - JMO, but it is too deep inside the pot.
Related Professionals
Tampa Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Owensboro Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Peoria Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Merced Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Utica Landscape Contractors · Milwaukee Landscape Contractors · San Francisco Landscape Contractors · Fort Collins Landscape Contractors · Billings Landscape Contractors · Anchorage Landscape Contractors · Lake Charles General Contractors · Lafayette General Contractors · Bangor General Contractors · Colorado Springs General Contractors · Honolulu General Contractors
Kelly Br
Original Author
6 years ago
Thanks for the replies! That would make sense that I’ve introduced too much sun too quickly, I imagine you’re right!
The pot does have a drainage hole and mix is a cactus mix with even more sand added (the picture was taken after recently watering it) I could try perlite though! I use my finger to test the dryness of the soil and feel all the way to the bottom of the pot (it’s barely a few inches deep) And if it was dry, I’d wait a day or two then water. Now typically don’t wait the extra day or two.
PRO
beesneeds
6 years ago
Thin curling leaves often mean not being watered enough, or watered evenly enough. The yellowing tone of the top leaves is also an indicator of incorrect watering.

What did you use for potting soil, an have you been feeding it?
Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
6 years ago
I say give the plant some time. Don't expect it to look good overnight. Sounds like your on the right track.
Stush2049 Pitts. PA, zone 6
6 years ago
Simple fact is; Succulents can't take up water with out roots. So to water a succulent with out roots is asking for trouble. Good example Rina.
Kelly Br
Original Author
6 years ago
Wow thanks everyone! The colored leaves got a bit more red just in a matter of two days - I’m not sure if that’s from sun burn or root rot but regardless I’ve moved it away from the window a bit and will gradually bring it closer. I’m also planning to cut watering wayyy back and repot with a mix with perlite! Hope that’ll do the trick, Thanks again!