Aloe vera can be grown indoors or outdoors. This plant is also useful because it has healing properties. Aloe vera is a succulent plant so it can get sick due to excess water, lack of water, and other environmental factors. Root rot is a common problem with aloe vera plants. In addition, this plant can also be sunburned. If your aloe vera plant seems sick, don't give up! You can still restore it back!
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Method 1 of 3: Changing the Pot to Treat Root Rot
Step 1. Remove the aloe vera plant from its pot
One of the common causes of death in aloe vera plants is root rot. To determine if this is the case, you must first remove the plant from its pot.
- Gently hold the base of the plant and the bottom of the pot. Turn the pot over, and keep holding the plant in one hand. Tap the bottom of the pot with your hands or tap it against the edge of a table (or other hard surface).
- Depending on the size of the plant, you may need someone else's help. One person holds the base of the plant with both hands, while the other person turns the pot over and pats the bottom. You may also be able to loosen the plant from the pot by pushing the pot back and forth.
- If you're still having trouble removing the pot with both hands, move a knife or shovel around the inside of the pot and try again. If your plant still won't come out, you may have to break the pot, but this is a last resort.
- When removing the aloe vera plant from the pot, be sure to maintain the position of the plant. Just move the pot to remove the plant, not the plant itself. In other words, hold the plant, don't pull it out. Tapping the bottom of the pot will keep the plant's roots intact, and gravity will push them out.
Step 2. Treat the roots of the plant
Examine the roots of the aloe vera plant and determine how many are still healthy. Soft roots are a sign of rot and should be removed. Leave any roots that are not black or soft because they are still healthy.
- If you have plenty of healthy roots, and only a few of them are dead or softened, you may be able to save the plant without much trouble. However, you must cut off the roots that have been damaged. You can use a sharp knife to cut the dead roots, just make sure to remove all of them.
- If most of the roots of the plant appear damaged, you will need to work harder to save them, and it may even be that the plant is no longer salvageable. In this case, you can try to save the plant by cutting off the largest leaves (use a knife). Cut about half the plant. This method is quite risky. However, with fewer leaves, a few healthy roots can actually provide more nutrients for the whole plant.
Step 3. Choose a pot that is one-third larger than the plant's root system
Excess soil will retain water, and this can lead to root rot later on. So, a smaller pot is better than a bigger pot.
- The roots of the aloe vera plant grow horizontally instead of vertically. Aloe vera plants can also gain weight, and the weight of the plant can overturn cramped pots. So, choose a wide pot rather than a deep or narrow pot.
- The pot you choose should have plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Thus, excess water will not inundate the soil inside.
- Plastic pots are the best choice if you live in a dry climate. Meanwhile, pots made of clay or clay are more suitable for cooler or humid areas.
Step 4. Use suitable potting soil for cacti and succulents
This type of soil has a higher sand content and is better able to drain water. You can find soil like this easily at a plant store.
- You can also make your own aloe vera soil mix by mixing equal proportions of sand, gravel, and soil. Be sure to use coarse sand (such as building sand), not fine sand. Fine sand can clump and retain water, and will not drain water to the bottom of the pot.
- While you can use potting soil, aloe vera plants will thrive better in mixed soil. Potting soil tends to retain more moisture and promote root rot.
Step 5. Replant aloe vera
Prepare the pot by filling in the potting soil mixture and gently shaking the aloe plant to remove about a third of the soil adhering to the root ball. Place the plant in a freshly prepared pot and cover the surface with the soil mixture. Make sure the entire root ball of the plant is covered with the soil mixture.
You can also place small pebbles on the surface of the potting soil to help evaporate the water
Step 6. Do not water the aloe vera immediately after replanting
The aloe vera plant will take a few days to adjust to its new pot and repair damaged roots.
Method 2 of 3: Monitoring the Water
Step 1. Check the soil
You can determine if an aloe vera plant needs water by pressing your index finger into the soil. If it feels dry, your plant needs water. Aloe vera is a succulent plant and does not require frequent watering. Too much water can actually kill your plants!
- If aloe is grown outdoors, watering it once every two weeks should suffice.
- If aloe is grown indoors, water it every 3-4 weeks.
Step 2. Change the frequency of watering based on the season
Aloe plants need to be watered more often in the dry season, but less in the rainy season. So, reduce the frequency of watering during the rainy season, especially if you live in a cool area.
Step 3. Observe the leaves
As a succulent plant, aloe vera can store water in its leaves. If the aloe vera leaves appear drooping or almost transparent, this indicates that the plant needs watering.
However, the same may indicate rotting of the roots from too much water. Think back to the last time you watered your plants. If the aloe vera has just been watered, you should take it out of the pot and check the condition of the roots
Step 4. Simply water the plant until the soil feels damp
Water should not pool on the ground. So, water it little by little. Continue checking the soil weekly or biweekly to determine if the plant needs watering.
Method 3 of 3: Caring for Sunburned Plants
Step 1. Check the leaves
If the leaves turn brown or red, the aloe vera plant may have sunburned.
Step 2. Change the position of the plant
Move the plant to a place that is not exposed to direct sunlight.
If the aloe vera plant is usually exposed to artificial light, rather than sunlight, move it further away from the light source. You can also try moving them outdoors to give your plants more indirect natural light, instead of artificial light
Step 3. Water the plant
Check the soil and determine if the aloe vera plant needs watering. The soil may dry out if the aloe vera is exposed to too much sun because the water content will evaporate more quickly.
Step 4. Cut the sunburnt leaves to death
Use a sharp knife to cut the plant leaves from the base. Leaves that have died or are about to die will take nutrients from other parts of the plant. So, make sure to cut off any dead leaves to save your plant.
