How To Revive Aloe Vera From Cold Shock

Succulents like Aloe Vera are hassle-free and attractive, making them excellent to have as indoor or outdoor plants. 

Occasionally, you might find your Aloe looking less than fresh, which could be due to a myriad of reasons. 

One of the reasons your Aloe plant might get damaged is a cold shock. 

In the following guide, I have tried to share a few insights on this topic.

So, let’s get started!

What Is Aloe Vera Cold Shock?

Aloe Vera plants are native to and have evolved in Africa and the Mediterranean regions. 

The plant has adapted to warmer climates and is, therefore, more sensitive to cold temperatures. 

In the U.S Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10-12, Aloe Vera is considered a hardy plant, as these zones hardly experience cold weather. 

Aloe Veras require at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the nighttime, which means that frost can essentially damage the plant entirely if the plant is constantly subjected to frosty weather. 

However, a few leaves being exposed to frost will not kill the plant. 

In this case, you can expect the leaves to wrinkle and shrivel up. 

When the whole plant turns brown, you will know that your plant is experiencing a cold shock. 

Freeze damage is another way Aloe Vera can experience cold shock. 

Freeze damage can permanently damage the plant as succulents exposed to freezing weather, even for a couple of hours, will not recover at all. 

It can blacken the surface of the leaves and shrivel them up. 

It is advisable to not grow the Aloe Vera outdoors during harsh winters, but if it is unavoidable, you can cover the plants with a cotton sheet so that it does not get exposed to the cold drafts. 

Tips To Recover Aloe Vera From Cold Shock

If you have an Aloe plant, you might encounter situations wherein you will have to save your plant from burns, rot, or cold shock. 

Cold shock occurs when Aloe Vera is kept in cold conditions that it cannot withstand. 

Usually, Aloe Vera thrives in warm, arid conditions due to its ability to store water in its leaves. 

In cold temperatures, the water stored in leaves will freeze, and the leaf tissue gets destroyed. 

The following points will help you rejuvenate your plant if it has been affected by cold shock.  

1. Place the Aloe Vera in a bright and warm place but ensure it is not in front of direct sunlight. 
2. Do not water the plant for a couple of days at least. This will help the dry and damaged leaves to fall off on their own. 
3. Prune the damaged leaves. Cut off the leaves that are damaged with a sharp and clean knife. 
4. If you want to check whether the damage has spread to the roots, examine the roots, too. If they seem partly damaged, let them dry for some time. But, cut the parts of the roots that are fully damaged. 

When your Aloe plant begins the growth phase again, you will observe new leaves growing from the center of the plant. 

How To Unfreeze Aloe Vera Plant?

The signs that the Aloe Vera plant is experiencing cold shock are when the leaves begin to droop and turn yellow. 

The leaves affected will eventually turn brown, all the way down to the base. 

The leaves that are closer to the source of cold drafts will get damaged first. 

If you do not treat the plant at all, it will die from the cold shock. 

Unfreezing the Aloe plant is not possible if it is entirely frozen. 

However, if there is only a bit of frost on the surface, you should place the Aloe plant at temperatures between 55-80°F. 

Do not let the temperature of the room drop below 55F. 

Keep your Aloe plant away from fans, windows, air-conditioners, or doors from which cold air can come into the room. 

This is important for the plant as it will protect it from cold drafts and keep it warm until you see signs of regrowth again. 

How To Avoid Aloe Vera Cold Shock?

Here is what you need to do not to expose the Aloe to frost at all: 

1. The first thing to do is avoid frost altogether. You will notice frost damage when your Aloe leaves turn soft and glassy. In mature plants, only the tips of the leaves or individual leaves are affected. Exposing the Aloe to cold weather for a long time can damage its roots entirely. 
2. If you grow your plants outside, bring them inside right before winter begins so that there is no risk of being exposed to frost. Also, do not place the Aloe next to open windows or doors that frequently open, as cold drafts can be harmful to the plant as well. It is also better to water the Aloe as little as possible. 

Should I Plant My Aloe Indoors or Outdoors? 

Depending on the climate in the region you live in, you can plant wherever the conditions are ideal for the growth of Aloe Vera. 

In sunny and warm areas, you can plant your Aloe outdoors year-long, and it will grow perfectly well. 

The plant also grows faster outdoors, where it receives a lot of sunlight for most of the day. 

It is best to place the plant in a bright shade. 

Summer and springtime are the periods when the plant grows fastest, so keeping it outdoors during these months will help immensely. 

When summer nears an end, prepare to get your Aloe plant indoors so that frost and cold weather do not destroy it. 

Bring the plant inside before the temperature goes below 40F. 

When you keep the plant indoors, remember not to overwater it and give the plant lots of sunlight!

FAQs

Over To You

Frost and freezing temperatures are something that is not in your control.

Therefore, it makes sense to implement some of the preventive steps in your garden, especially before the weather turns unfavorable.

Well, hopefully, the above guide will help in securing as well as recovering your Aloe plant from cold shock.

Meanwhile, if you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.

In case you liked the suggestions in this guide, please share them with your friends and family.