10 Common Aloe Vera Plant Care Problems

Aloe Vera is one of those plants that can withstand pretty much any condition.

It does grow well without a lot attention.

And that's why it's among the most-loved plants in the gardening world.

Still, the plant can suffer from some common problems if you don't care well.

So, what are these Aloe plant problems?

Let's find out more about them in this guide.

Aloe Vera Plant Care Problems

Here's a list of issues that might cause damage to the plant or decrease your plant's growth -

1. Underwatering

Underwatering is one of the main problems while growing Aloe Vera at home.

Since this plant doesn't require a lot of attention, we often neglect it altogether.

But that's not a good thing to do!

Aloe does require water to grow at a standard rate.

And if you don't provide it enough water, it's likely to have some issues.

Known Problems:

1. Droopy Leaves
2. Brown Leaves
3. Brown Tips
4. Aloe Plant Falling Over
5. No Pups Production
6. Shrinking Leaves

Solution:

Water your Aloe every 10-15 days!

In winters, you can reduce the watering frequency to once in a month or so.

Just keep an eye on the soil and leaves, which should give you an idea of whether it's time to water the plant.

2. Overwatering

Just like underwatering, overwatering is a well-known problem in Aloe plants.

It is also a primary cause of many issues in this plant.

And if you don't address it early, the plant might have to face permanent damage.

In case you don't know, here are some of the common problems that arise after overwatering your Aloe plant.

Known Problems: 

1. Root Rot
2. Mushy Leaves
3. Fungal Attack
4. Bacterial Attack
5. Stem Rot

Solution:

The best way to tackle this issue is by reducing the watering frequency.

Aloe plant doesn't require a lot of water, so you must check the soil before watering your plant.

Also, you should adjust your watering schedule according to the seasons.

For e.g.,

In summers, you will have to provide more water than in winters.

So, fix your watering problem, and the plant should get back to its normal life.

Quick Tip: For fungal issues, you can make use of different fungicides available on the market.

3. Lack Of Sunlight

Lack of sunlight is another important issue while growing your Aloe plant.

Of course, it's not as significant as the above two issues.

But it does play a role in the plant's overall growth.

If you don't provide enough light to Aloe, it will continue to look for a light source and grow in the same direction.

Apart from that, the plant can also catch fungus if you keep it in the dark and humid place.

And it will make the plant even weaker.

Well, take a look at some of the other issues you'd face if Aloe doesn't get enough sunlight.

Known Problems:

1. Leggy and Top-Heavy Plant
2. Stunted Growth
3. Dark Leaves
4. No Pups
5. Fungal Attack
6. Sideways Growth

Solution:

Move your plant near a sunny window, and that should be good for your plant.

You don't have to do anything else here!

And if you have an open space, you can move it there as well.

4. Too Much Sunlight

As I said earlier, the Aloe plant loves sunlight.

But anything in excess is not going to help either.

Aloe plant does well when it receives 4-5 hours of moderate sunlight.

However, when the outside temperature gets too high, the intensity of sun rays increases too.

And this causes several issues that are listed below.

Known Issues:

1. Droopy Leaves
2. Shriveled Leaves
3. Water Erosion From Soil
4. Brown Tips

Solution:

You should think of moving your Aloe plant where it gets direct sunlight for 3-4 hours.

And in summers, you can keep the plant indoors.

5. Heatwaves 

Heatwaves are quite bad for your garden plants.

Even though they don't last for months, they do cause a great amount of damage in a short period.

When heatwaves strike in summers, it affects the lush green leaves of the Aloe plant.

The leaves tend to lose their shine and become dull.

If the same conditions continue for a few weeks, the leaves might get sunburnt due to scorching sunlight.

The plant may also not survive for long if you neglect it entirely during such a period.

Moreover, here are the common problems that your plant might face due to heatwaves.

Known Problems:

1. Shriveled Leaves
2. Water Erosion
3. Brown/Red Leaves
4. Sunburnt Leaves

Solution:

When the heatwaves are in full swing, you should get the plant inside.

It will save your Aloe from these unfavorable conditions.

You can also mist the plant every few days to make things more pleasant for the plant.

Misting does work wonders if done correctly.

6. Cold Temperatures

Yes, the plant is not meant to survive in cold and chilly winters.

If you are living in a place where it snows for months, the plant will find it difficult to survive in such conditions.

And if you keep your Aloe outside, you will surely lose it to this type of weather.

The frigid weather can be a bit of a problem for Aloe plants.

You can check out the following Aloe Vera plant issues associated with this weather condition.

Known Problems:

1. Mushy Leaves
2. Dead Leaves
3. Dull Plant Leaves
4. Wilting
5. Root Rot

Solution:

You can keep the plant indoors and provide artificial light to it.

Along with this, you will have to watch the watering frequency during winters.

The plant will not grow a lot when the outside temperature is too cold.

So, there is no point in watering it more often.

You should only water the plant when the topsoil looks dry.

You can also make use of a moisture meter to check the water content in the soil.

7. Water Logging In Rainy Season

If you live in a tropical environment, you will need to care more for your Aloe plant.

When it rains in such locations, it often brings a lot of problems to your plants.

And the most common one is the water logging issue!

If you keep your plant outdoor in an open space, it will collect water despite having drainage soil.

The soil in the pot always retains moisture in it, which makes things a little difficult for the gardeners.

Once this excess water sits in the pot for too long, it will invite many problems listed in the following list.

Known Problems:

1. Root Rot
2. Stem Rot
3. Fungal Attack/ Spots On The Leaves
4. Soft And Mushy Leaves
5. Weak Plant
6. Bending Leaves

Solution:

Make sure the plant doesn't receive direct water from rain.

The soil should also be a combination of sand and perlite. 

Do not use muddy soil if you are living in a heavy-rainfall area.

You may also repot the plant if there is too much water logging in the existing pot.

8. Pruning or Harvesting Heavily

Who doesn't like to harvest Aloe Vera leaves, right?

Well, it seems like a fun activity in the garden, but you shouldn't go overboard with it.

Similarly, pruning helps in avoiding some of the external factors.

But again, you need to be careful while using the pruning scissor.

Now, here is a list of things that can happen if you prune or harvest too many leaves.

Known Problems:

1. Weaker Plant
2. Damaged Stem
3. Plant Won't Stand Up
4. Plant Will Fall Over Or Lean Towards One Side
5. Upward Growth

Solution:

Do not remove most of the leaves from the plant.

You should keep the majority of the leaves on the plant so that it can do well in the future.

You may also add some fertilizer periodically, which should encourage the plant to grow new leaves and pups.

9. Overfertilizing

Want to grow your plant quickly?

Do not overfertilize!

That's true!

You should never overfertilize your Aloe plant.

It doesn't require too many fertilizers for its growth.

And here's what happens when you provide too many fertilizers to your plant.

Known Problems:

1. Damaged Leaves
2. Overgrowth Of The Plant
3. Root Burn
4. Brown Tips

Solution:

If you want, you can fertilize the plant every 3 months or so.

It will do just fine!

And even if you don't have fertilizers, that's not a problem either.

Just take care of the plant by providing a good amount of sunlight, soil, and water.

10. Soil Mixture 

Generally, the Aloe plant can grow in almost any type of soil.

However, it doesn't like the soil where the water gets accumulated.

The soil should have an excellent drainage capacity for this variety of plant.

And if it doesn't get such soil, you will come across the following issues.

Known Problems:

1. Root Rot
2. Root Bound Plant
3. Slow Growth
4. Less Leaves On The Plant

Solution:

Repot the plant and provide a good quality of the soil.

That's all you need to do here!

FAQs

Over To You

If you are new to indoor gardening, I think the above tips and suggestions should help in addressing some of the Aloe Vera plant care problems.

Overall, Aloe Vera is a forgiving plant.

And sometimes, it's best not to think about minor issues.

The plant does alright eventually.

Meanwhile, if you have any more questions, do let me know in the comments below.

You can also share this guide with your friends and family if you liked.