How to Save and Revive a Sick Aloe Plant

Aloe plants are known for their resilience, but can still show signs of distress. With some attention, many common issues can be resolved. Understanding how to identify problems and provide the right care can bring your plant back to health.

Identifying Symptoms in a Sick Aloe

A primary sign of distress is a mushy, soft, and brown base or lower leaves. Healthy aloes have firm, upright leaves, so any sogginess near the soil indicates a problem. These symptoms signal that the plant’s foundation is compromised.

The color of the leaves is another diagnostic tool. A healthy aloe has a grey-green to bright green hue. Leaves that turn yellow or pale suggest the plant is stressed and may eventually turn brown and wither.

Limp, drooping, or bent leaves are a sign that the plant lacks structural integrity. Instead of standing upright, the leaves may hang over the side of the pot, pointing to an underlying health issue.

Wrinkled, thin, or deflated leaves indicate a different problem. Aloes store water in their leaves for a plump appearance. A shriveled look means the plant is using its water reserves faster than they are being replenished.

Dry, brown, or crispy leaf tips suggest a localized issue where part of the leaf is dying, pointing to environmental stressors. You should also look for visible pests or a sticky residue on the leaves, which indicates an infestation.

Common Causes of an Unhealthy Aloe

Overwatering is the most frequent cause of sickness in aloe plants. Adapted to arid environments, their roots are susceptible to excess moisture. Waterlogged soil suffocates the roots, leading to root rot, where they turn black, mushy, and decay, causing the leaves to become yellow and soft.

Improper pot and soil types contribute to overwatering. A pot without a drainage hole traps water, creating a swampy environment. Dense potting soil also retains too much moisture, so aloes require a gritty, well-draining mix that allows water to pass through quickly.

Underwatering can also cause problems. A lack of water forces the plant to use the moisture stored in its leaves. This depletion leads to the thin, wrinkled, and deflated leaves described earlier.

Inadequate light is another stressor. Not enough bright, indirect light causes the plant to become weak and “leggy” as it stretches for a light source. Conversely, too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, causing a reddish-brown discoloration.

Pest infestations weaken an aloe by feeding on its sap. Common culprits include mealybugs, which look like small white cottony spots, and scale insects, which appear as flat brown ovals. This feeding drains the plant of nutrients, causing yellowing leaves and stunted growth.

Steps to Save Your Sick Aloe Plant

If you suspect overwatering and root rot, remove the plant from its pot to inspect the roots. Healthy roots are firm and white, while rotten ones will be black, brown, and mushy. Use a clean, sterilized pair of scissors to trim away all affected roots to prevent decay from spreading.

After trimming, let the plant air out for a day or two to allow the cut surfaces to callous over, preventing new infections. Repot the aloe in a new container that is slightly larger than the root system and has a drainage hole. Use a fresh, dry potting mix formulated for cacti and succulents to ensure proper drainage.

Correct your watering habits by allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Check the moisture by inserting your finger a few inches into the soil. When it feels dry, water thoroughly until it runs out of the pot’s drainage holes.

Prune damaged leaves to help the plant redirect its energy toward new growth. Use a clean, sharp knife to cut off any leaves that are yellow, brown, or mushy at the base. Make a clean cut close to the main stem to improve the plant’s appearance and remove decaying tissue.

Ensure proper light and pest management to revive your plant. Move your aloe to a location with plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, like near a south- or west-facing window. If pests are present, remove them by dabbing them with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol.