Why Are Your Aloe Plant Leaves Turning Yellow? Causes and Solutions

Aloe plants are popular houseplants known for their healing gel and decorative spiky leaves. But sometimes those vibrant green leaves start to turn yellow, sending plant parents into a panic. What causes this yellow peril, and how can you restore your aloe to its former glory? Read on to unlock the secrets behind the sickly yellow leaves.

Overwatering and Poor Drainage

The most common culprit behind yellowing aloe leaves is overwatering. Aloe plants are succulents that thrive on infrequent watering and well-draining soil. When overwatered excess moisture gets trapped in the soil leading to root rot and fungal diseases. The waterlogged roots can’t take up nutrients properly, starving the plant. The leaves respond by turning yellow and drooping.

To remedy overwatering, adjust your watering schedule to allow the soil to completely dry out between waterings. Only water when the top inch of soil is bone dry. Ensure your pot has drainage holes and use a gritty potting mix made for cacti and succulents. Repotting in fresh soil can also help relieve overly damp conditions.

Underwatering

While aloes hate wet feet, letting them go too long without water can also cause issues If the soil dries out completely for extended periods, the roots can’t absorb enough moisture and nutrients. This leads to yellowing and drying of the leaves

Water your aloe deeply whenever the top few inches of soil are dry. In the summer heat, this may need to be weekly. In winter, scale back to every 2-3 weeks. Stick your finger in the soil to gauge moisture before watering.

Excessive Sunlight

Aloe plants revel in bright light but can suffer sunburn if exposed to excessive direct sunlight The tender leaves scorch and turn yellow or brown under the intense UV rays, Move your aloe to a spot with bright but indirect light if sunburn is the culprit, An east or west-facing window is ideal to provide ample sun without roasting the plant

You can also use a sheer curtain to filter harsh afternoon sun streaming through south-facing windows. Just make sure your aloe gets several hours of direct morning or evening light for optimal growth.

Nutrient Deficiencies

Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen and iron can cause aloe leaves to yellow. This often affects older leaves first. Apply a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength every month during spring and summer to give your aloe a nutritional boost.

But don’t overdo it! Too much fertilizer can damage the roots. And newly repotted aloes have enough nutrients in the fresh soil and don’t need feeding right away.

Pests

Spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids are common aloe pests that can cause leaf yellowing. Check the undersides of leaves and stem joints for tiny insects or webs if you suspect pests. Wipe leaves down with insecticidal soap or neem oil to get rid of the bugs. Isolate infested plants away from your other plants to prevent spreading.

Diseases

Fungal diseases like root rot, leaf spot, and anthracnose can lead to yellowing leaves. Overwatering and poor circulation often set the stage for disease. Improve growing conditions and use fungicides if disease is the cause of yellowing. Remove and destroy severely infected leaves and stems.

Cold Damage

If temperatures dip below 50°F, aloe leaves can yellow and turn mushy from cold damage. Bring plants indoors or move to a warmer spot before frost hits. Prevent drafts from windows or AC vents from hitting the plant as well. Insulate outdoor aloes when cold snaps occur.

Once damaged, the affected leaves won’t recover. But the plant will regrow new healthy leaves over time with improved care. Cold weather also makes aloes more prone to other issues like pests and disease.

Sudden Changes in Light or Temperature

Aloe plants dislike abrupt changes in their environment. If you rapidly increase exposure to sunlight or fluctuate between hot and cold temperatures, this shock can cause yellowing leaves. Make any light and temperature adjustments gradually over several weeks. This gives the plant time to adapt.

Old Leaves Naturally Yellowing

As bottom leaves age, it’s normal for them to turn yellow or brown and crispy. The plant is simply redirecting energy and nutrients to new growth. Just trim off these old leaves at the base. But if many leaves yellow at once, it indicates a cultural problem, not just natural dieback.

How to Propagate and Repot an Aloe Plant

To create new aloe plants for you or friends, remove an offset (baby plant) that sprouts from the side of the mother plant. Let the offset dry briefly, then simply plant it in cactus mix. The babies root easily and quickly establish as independent plants!

Repotting in fresh soil every 2-3 years keeps aloe plants healthy. Choose a pot only 1-2 inches larger and use cactus mix amended with perlite for drainage. Water lightly after repotting and avoid fertilizing for a month or two. With good care, aloes can live indoors for decades!

Key Takeaways on Yellow Aloe Leaves

• Adjust watering frequency to allow soil to dry out between waterings.

• Ensure pot has drainage and use gritty cactus soil.

• Give bright, indirect light to prevent sunburn.

• Apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season.

• Check for pests like spider mites under leaves.

• Improve air circulation and avoid overwatering to prevent disease.

• Keep above 50°F to prevent cold damage.

• Make environmental changes gradually to prevent shock.

• Remove old bottom leaves, but inspect if many yellow suddenly.

With some thoughtful adjustments to your aloe’s care, you can nurse those yellowing leaves back to green glory. A little TLC goes a long way for these low-maintenance succulents. Relish the satisfaction of reviving your aloe and enjoying its unique sculptural beauty for years to come.