Signs of an Underwatered Aloe Plant and How to Revive It
Understand the subtle cues of a thirsty aloe, from leaf texture to soil condition, and learn the best way to safely rehydrate and maintain its health.
Aloe vera is a resilient succulent favored for its striking appearance and ease of care. This drought-tolerant plant stores water in its leaves. Despite its hardiness, it can suffer from improper watering, and a lack of sufficient moisture is a common problem.
Signs of an Underwatered Aloe Plant
The leaves of an underwatered aloe will look thin and may begin to curl inward at the edges, creating a puckered appearance. Instead of being firm and full of gel, the leaves will feel soft, limp, or may start to wilt. This change in texture is a result of the plant depleting its internal water stores.
Another indicator is the browning and drying of the leaf tips. This symptom starts at the very end of the leaf and can progress if the lack of water continues. You may also notice that the plant’s growth has slowed or stopped. An inspection of the pot will reveal soil that is completely dry and may have started to pull away from the sides of the container.
Underwatered vs. Overwatered Aloe
Distinguishing between an underwatered and overwatered aloe is important, as the remedies are opposite and misdiagnosis can harm the plant. An underwatered aloe has thin, curled leaves that feel soft but not mushy, and the soil will be bone-dry. The leaves might also look grayish or dull.
An overwatered aloe, conversely, has leaves that are swollen, soft, and mushy. These leaves may appear yellow or translucent and can develop water-soaked spots. A sign of overwatering is a foul odor from the soil, which points to root rot. The roots will be brown or black and mushy, unlike the firm roots of a healthy plant.
How to Revive an Underwatered Aloe
To revive a dehydrated aloe, a thorough watering is needed to rehydrate the plant. The bottom-watering method is an effective approach for severely underwatered plants. Place the pot in a basin or sink with a few inches of water, allowing the soil to absorb moisture through the drainage holes. Let the plant sit for 30-60 minutes, or until the top of the soil feels moist.
This technique encourages deep root hydration. After the soil is saturated, remove the pot from the basin and let it drain completely for 15-30 minutes. Ensuring all excess water has escaped prevents the roots from becoming waterlogged. This deep watering is often enough to see a noticeable improvement in the leaves within a day or two.
If bottom-watering is not practical, top-watering can also be effective. Slowly pour water over the entire soil surface until it flows freely from the drainage holes. This ensures the entire root ball is moistened. Discard any water that collects in the saucer to ensure the plant is not left sitting in standing water.
Proper Watering Practices for Prevention
Adopting a consistent watering routine is the best way to prevent underwatering. The “soak and dry” approach is a reliable method. This involves watering the plant thoroughly and then waiting for the soil to dry out completely before watering again. Check the soil’s moisture by inserting your finger about two inches deep; if it feels dry, it is time to water.
Several environmental factors influence how often your aloe will need water. Plants in brighter light or warmer temperatures will dry out more quickly. The type of pot also plays a role; porous materials like terracotta allow soil to dry faster than plastic or glazed ceramic pots. During the winter, when the plant is dormant, you will need to reduce the frequency of watering.