Why Is My Aloe Plant Turning Brown?

Even though some of the causes of developing brown spots or entirely brown leaves can be due to the low-maintenance nature of the aloe plant or even its air-purifying characteristics and soothing gel inside the leaves, one should know that despite being tagged as an easy-to-maintain plant, an aloe plant can still develop brown spots or entirely brown leaves. Some of the likely reasons why your aloe plant may be browning could be the following. The identification of their causes will help you understand what to do in order to correct the situation and see to it that your aloe plant is healthy and thriving.

1. Overwatering

  1. Symptoms: Brown mushy leaves from the base upwards, followed by a bad smell, fouling the smell of the soil.
  2. Cause: Succulents, like the aloe plant, naturally grow in dry areas and thus rot their roots very easily if they are watered too long in soggy soil. The most common cause of browning in an aloe plant is overwatering.

Solution:

Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Be sure your pot has good drainage, or use a cactus or succulent mix that allows for fast draining. If it has developed root rot, you may have to take it out of its pot, cut off any rotting roots, and pot it in fresh, dry soil.

2. Underwatering

  1. Symptoms: The leaves become dry, crispy, and brown. This browning action usually starts from the tips and edges.
  2. Cause: Though the aloe plant is drought-resistant by nature, periodic watering is required for it to be healthy. If it hasn’t been watered for a long time, the plant will be dehydrated, which will turn it brown.

Solution:

Water your aloe thoroughly, then let it dry out before watering again. During spring and summer, its growing season, water every three weeks or so. In the dormant winter months, water every four to six weeks.

3. Poor Drainage

  1. Symptoms: The same as those of overwatering – brown mushy leaves.
  2. Cause: Poor drainage is another factor that can cause waterlogged soil even when watering is adequate. Probably, your pot doesn’t have enough drainage holes, or the soil mix used holds too much water.

Solution:

Allow good drainage by providing enough drainage holes in your pot and put some gravel or small stones at the bottom to let the water drain out effectively. Use only a well-draining mix of soil for growing succulents.

4. Sunburn

  1. Symptoms: Brown or reddish patching of leaves, typically on top surfaces, which get most of the light.
  2. Cause: It relates to the aloe plants’ requirement for a lot of light. This much direct full sun, mainly in hot climates or by a window, may cause sunburn.

Solution:

Move your aloe to a spot where the light is bright and indirect. If outdoors, it requires some shade in the afternoon. Indoor aloe plants, near south-facing or east-facing windows, also need filtered light.

5. Temperature Stress

  1. Symptoms: Leaves turn brown, often drooping or wilted.
  2. Cause: Aloe plants prefer temperatures between 55°F and 80°F. Extreme temperatures, either hot or cold, though, may stress the plant and cause browning.

Solution:

Place it in a stable temperature environment – away from drafts, heating vents, or air conditioning units.

6. Nutrient Deficiency

  1. Symptoms: Browning, yellowing, or just general stunted growth.
  2. Cause: Aloe requires very little fertilization, but the lack of some elements can cause the plant to discolor and get into bad health.

Solution:

Feed your aloe with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer at half its strength during the growing season. Do not fertilize in winter.

7. Pests

  1. Symptoms: Brown spots or patches usually accompanied by visible insects or webs.
  2. Causes: Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are common aloe pests. These are known to cause damage to the leaves, which then turn brown.

Solution:

Keep an eye on your plant for signs of infestation. After that, remove the plant and wash it in insecticidal soap, neem oil, or mild dish soap mixed with water upon detection of infestation.

8. Diseases

  1. Symptoms: Brown, black, or yellow spots; some may be fuzzy or slimy in texture.
  2. Causes: Discoloration is caused by fungal and bacterial infections; these diseases normally flourish in damp conditions most of the time.

Solution:

Provide more air to your plant. Avoid overwatering the plant. Remove the infested leaves and apply fungicide to the plant, if necessary.

9. Chemical Sensitivity

  1. Symptoms: Leaves are turning brown or yellow, generally without any pattern of any sort.
  2. Cause: The reason behind this reaction can be that aloe plants are sensitive to some chemicals in tap water, for example, chlorine or fluoride, apart from some fertilizers and pesticides.

Solution:

Water your aloe with distilled or rainwater. In case you must use tap water, let it sit out for 24 hours and let the chemicals evaporate. Still, on the fertilizers and pesticides topic, be ultra-cautious using gentle or safe solutions.

Conclusion

Should your aloe plant turn brown, this could be an indication of deeper issues. On this list are overwatering and bad drainage, along with less-than-hefty doses of sunburn, pests, and diseases. Carefully consider symptoms and possible causes to get your aloe back in health. Keep in mind that the best policy is prevention: treat your aloe with the right amount of light, water, and food, and you’ll be rewarded with luscious green leaves and strong growth. Only if treated the right way will your aloe plant grow into that beautiful, healing presence in your home.

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