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Drooping Aloe Leaves

6 years ago

I have had this aloe plant for a few months now- and it’s been growing amazingly. It‘s over twice the size it was to begin with but not all of the leaves are standing straight. I don’t water it until it’s really dry and i make sure to open the window it’s in so it gets 6 plus hours of direct sunlight. the new growth stands straight up but then as new leaves grow it’s starts dropping. Any ideas on what I’m doing wrong?



Comments (10)

  • 6 years ago

    A couple of other observations...

    From the angle it looks like your soil is to heavy and water retentive, but maybe it’s just the photo. What growing medium are you using?

    One more thing - does the pot have a drain hole? I can’t tell if it’s a cache pot on the outside or if that is just one pot.

    Either way, your aloe needs a fast draining, porous growing medium and a pot with a drain hole...in addition to more light.

    K Huds thanked SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
  • 6 years ago

    I’m using a cactus/succulent soil (premixed)- would it be better to make my own mix? The pot it’s in has a self watering grid- I’ll take your advice and get a new one and find some more light. Thank you for the the input!

  • 6 years ago

    Self-watering pots may not be best for succulents. And it looks quite large - just looking at the photo and maybe wrong...I would add lots of perlite or pumice (sifted or rinsed to get rid of dust and very small particles). Most ppl using C&S soil add either in about 1:1 ratio.

    K Huds thanked rina_Ontario,Canada 5a
  • 6 years ago

    Yes. What Rina said. I’ve yet to see any C&S premixed brands that have sufficient perlite or pumice. I always add pumice. At least 50%.

    Regarding the pot, while not always considered pretty or fashionable I tend to prefer good old basic terra cotta. They breathe better and help to wick water away from the soil better than plastic or even glazed pots. Self watering pots might be good for more tropical type houseplants but for succulents it’s going to lead to root rot. Ideally, you want your aloe’s growing medium to dry out completely between waterings and then when you do water, water thoroughly so that water is coming out of the drain hole. You’re probably going to want to take it out on your deck for that. Putting a saucer under the pot is ok just don’t leave any standing water in it, otherwise, root rot.

    K Huds thanked SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
  • 6 years ago

    Tyler is spot-on about terra-cotta pots. Now everyone loves a plant in a decorative pot (and having a plant in a Mark Muradian or a Susan Aach handmade pot can look GREAT) but for most plants (maybe all plants) there's nothing more conducive to establishing and growing healthy plants than good 'ol TC. A suggestion before you buy - get TC pots that have been made in Italy / Germany / France, as they're the most durable.


    K Huds thanked cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
  • 6 years ago

    Thank you all for the suggestions! I plan on finding a terra-cotta pot with a new soil mix today. Hoping to have a healthy aloe soon!

  • 6 years ago

    You’re welcome. Good luck with it. Keep us posted. We love a good come back!

  • 6 years ago

    Keep in mind that with more light the older leaves won’t revert but new growth should be stronger and more upright.

    K Huds thanked SoCal Stewart (San Diego, Ca Zone 10A/10B)
  • 6 years ago

    I will do that- thank you again!