Why is my aloe plant turning brown? 7 Essential Reasons and Quick Solutions

So, why is my aloe plant turning brown? Aloe plants turn brown when the soil surrounding their roots becomes too wet due to overwatering or poor drainage. Aloe plants are drought-tolerant plants that require the soil to dry between waterings. So, Aloe Vera plants turning brown and soft is what you’ll get when the soil becomes too wet. But you came for more. Read on to find out.

Aloe Vera is a unique plant that has long served humanity in various ways. These ancient plants are low-maintenance and require little nutrients to thrive. However, if you don’t meet the needs of the aloe plant, the leaves will turn from a healthy green to a brownish tone.

Aside from the reasons stated earlier, various other factors could account for aloe plants turning brown and dry. The key is early problem diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and necessary modifications. In this comprehensive post, we have summarized some of the principal reasons for aloe vera plants turning brown and gone further by proffering solutions to these issues.

Common Reasons why Aloe Plants Turning Brown

Aloe Vera leaves can become brown for several reasons, including: 

1. Overwatering:

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons aloe vera turns brown and soft. It will inevitably cause root rot, causing the leaves to droop and eventually fall off.

If you overwater your aloe vera plant, you’ll see areas on the leaves that appear moist and sloppy.

The damp areas will eventually spread, and the entire leaf will look soggy and then turn yellow or brown.

What does an overwatered Aloe Plant look like?

When an aloe plant is turning brown due to overwatering, you may notice that the leaves become soft and mushy. This is a clear sign that your aloe plant’s health is compromised.

• The leaves start to turn brown and mushy. This is because the water has caused them to rot from the inside out.
• The leaves may also become yellow or translucent if they’re getting too much water.
• In extreme cases, you may see roots or stems that have started turning black due to root rot caused by excessive moisture in the soil.

Solution

Aloe Vera plants, like other succulents, are native to dry, arid environments, making them drought-resilient. If you are undecided about whether to water your Aloe Vera plant, it is advisable to wait a few days rather than risk overwatering it.

Aside from maintaining an adequate watering schedule, another technique to keep excess moisture from turning the leaves of your aloe plant brown is to use an appropriate pot and soil mixture.

2. Underwatering:

Of course, on the other end of the spectrum is inadequate watering. When aloe plants are not adequately watered, the leaves harden, and dark spots appear at the base of the stem.

In addition, dehydration can cause the plant to seem faded and withered.

If your aloe plant changes color; turns brown, especially around the base of the stem, it is likely that the plant cannot be saved.

What does an underwatered aloe plant look like?

Aloe Vera plants prefer dry conditions, but extreme lack of water can cause the plant to turn brown and dry. If you find your Aloe Vera turning brown and crispy, it may be time to adjust your watering schedule.

• If your aloe plant has leaves that feel limp or rubbery to the touch, this may be a sign that the soil isn’t retaining enough moisture.
• if the leaves look wrinkled or wilted, this could point to too little water in its current environment.
• if any areas of the leaves appear to have taken on a yellowish hue or darkened patches have formed on them, these could also indicate insufficient hydration levels in the soil.

Solution

To keep the plant alive, water it thoroughly until it drains through the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. Just don’t water the plant until all the water you’ve added has evaporated.

Remember, allow all the water to drain from the pot before not watering your plant again until the soil is dry. If your aloe plant requires more frequent watering than usual, check the temperature and humidity of the room it is in. 

3. Environmental conditions:

This is a less “obvious” cause than the preceding two. However, keep in mind that aloe plants are pretty sensitive to temperature variations.

For instance, the Aloe Vera plants turning brown can be caused by sudden temperature changes. Because the cells may not be able to endure the abrupt temperature changes, they will change color as they wither.

Most of us who have succulents like Aloe Vera at home keep them indoors and bring them outside during the summer. The location of the aloe plant outdoors, as well as indoors, has its own distinctive aspects.

If the climatic conditions are different, transferring the aloe vera from one room to another may cause stress to the plant. For example, if there is a draft in the room, or on the contrary, there is no ventilation. Moving the aloe to a darker or too bright room will also affect it. Excessively humid and cold climatic conditions may not be suitable for this succulent.

Solution

If your Aloe Vera already has brown leaves, you should move the plant away from direct sunshine, heat, and humidity. Nonetheless, prevention is the best solution. Instead of making a drastic change of environment, gradually adapt the plant to the new habitat.

To keep your plant healthy, place your aloe in a spot with bright, indirect light. Aloe plants need adequate light, but too much direct sunlight can cause brown leaf tips.

4. Sunburn:

Although aloe plants are frequently used to heal sunburn, they are also particularly susceptible to sunburn.

Even though aloe plants are sun-loving, excessive exposure can lead to a reddish-brown color on the leaves. If you notice this, move your aloe to a location with less intense light.

Due to photosynthetic inhibition, sunburned plants will begin to turn yellow and then brown, starting at the tips.

In addition, the aloe plant’s leaves may turn a faded green tint or grow brown spots on the leaves, known as sunspots.

Solution

If the browning is caused by sunburn, move your aloe to an area with less light and heat. Having them just in front of a window, especially if facing South, can frequently cause edge burn (browning at the edge of the leaves) and other difficulties. Instead, place your plant in an area with plenty of light, but it is dispersed and indirect.

5. Too much fertilizer:

Excessive fertilizer causes excess salt in the soil, which adds to dark foliage. So, what effects will too much salt have?

Extra salt in your fertilizer can burn the roots of your succulent and discolor the leaves, resulting in “tip burn.”

In the worst-case situation, replant in fresh, less contaminated soil and thoroughly rinse out the salt with water before feeding.

Solution

It goes without saying that – you should not overfertilize your aloe plant. They do not require much fertilizer. Instead, once a year, in the spring, apply half-strength commercial succulent fertilizer. This amount of food should be plenty to keep your plant healthy and thriving.

6. Pests:

This plant may not appear appealing to most insects, yet a few appreciate its sticky pulp.

Aphids, mealybugs, fungus gnats, flies, and mites are the most dangerous, feasting on the leaves and causing black mildew.

These insects might be fatal to your plant if not addressed appropriately.

Solution

Remove any seriously infected or sick leaves with a pair of shears or sharp scissors. After that, determine which insect is infecting your plant and treat it accordingly to solve the problem. Pests like flies, snout beetles, and gall mites can be removed with a constant stream of water. Allow the plant to dry off so that the wetness does not cause additional damage.

Finally, keep the affected aloe vera plant away from other houseplants, especially other aloe plants, to prevent the infestation from spreading and causing further damage.

7. Diseases:

Overwatering is a common cause of fungal diseases like Aloe vera anthracnose disease, Cladosporium leaf spot, and Leaf spot and leaf blight disease.

You can try to trim away the sick leaves and limit watering, but the survival of these affected plants is unlikely.

Solution

Most fungi infections in aloe vera do not respond to treatment. Recent research indicates that the three fungal species can be controlled with a few simple fixes. For example, a mixture of neem oil, clove oil, and pepper extract applied to leaves, stems, and roots should significantly reduce the spread of Phytophthora nicotiana.

Spraying water mixed with thyme and palmarosa essential oils on Phytophthora capsicum can be very effective. Spray cassia and clove extracts on the aloe plant to control Phytophthora nicotianae.

Can brown aloe turn green again?

Unfortunately, an Aloe leaf that has become excessively brown due to salt or chemicals must typically be removed. This is because it will not revert to its former hue.

In these cases, it is preferable to remove the damaged leaves so that new, healthy leaves can emerge in their place.

Don’t let your Aloe die! This video shows simple steps for reviving your dying Aloe Vera plant in just 2-3 days:

Conclusion

Aloe vera is a vital plant species for humans. It has both aesthetic and medicinal properties, making it an ideal plant for growing at home. Fortunately, the aloe plant does not require much attention or specific care to thrive. However, if the plant’s ideal growing circumstances are not met, the plant will become brown.

Overwatering, underwatering, excessive fertilizer, pests, and diseases are the most common causes of aloe plants turning brown and mushy. Fortunately, you may avoid this problem by being mindful of the amount of water, sunlight, and fertilizer you provide the plant.

FAQs

Susan Green

Author

Susan is a plant lover with over 10 years of experience caring for houseplants. She enjoys watching her plants thrive and sharing her knowledge with others. As the writer for this website, Susan offers simple, practical tips to help readers grow happy and healthy plants.