Aloe vera plant care problems could happen even though this is an easy-care plant. For those of you who are a beginner in planting aloe vera, don’t panic when encountering some problems. Even if this plant is low-maintenance, the following problems might happen but they’re actually minimal and able to be fixed.
Aloe Vera Plant Care Problems and Solution You Need to Use
Brown Spots
Brown, burnt appearance on the aloe vera leaves happens because water you use to water the plant contains certain chemicals. Chlorine, fluoride, and salt are probably the chemicals contained in the water so they would leave brown spots. There might be another reason, like improper fertilizing to your aloe vera causing the unexpected spots.
The salts from fertilizer you use can remain on the aloe vera leaves even after the water particles dry out. For the solution, water the plant using a watering can without spraying or splashing the water directly on the leaves. It’s recommended to water the soil instead of the leaves so there’s no water particles remaining there.Insect Pests
Mealybugs are commonly found in aloe vera leaves with a form of white cotton hanging out on the underside leaves. Even if they don’t look like they harm your plants, mealybugs and scales will suck out the juice from them. To control these pests, use pesticides or simply rub alcohol using a cotton swab on them sticking on the leaves.Brown and Yellow Leaves
You may find another kind of problem on the leaves, such as leaves’ turning brown or yellow. If the leaves, especially the tips, are browning, it means the plant is in an area with too low humidity. Another possible reason why it happens is that it’s been a long time since the last time you water them.
Aloe vera plant care problems brown leaves can be pruned or simply remove the brown leaves by cutting them. Meanwhile, the leaves turning yellow will normally happen to older or mature ones. Water the plant regularly and fertilize them if you want to keep nourishing your aloe vera.Collapsed Stems
Another common problem when planting aloe vera is collapsed stems because they’re too squishy and soft. The stems with the color turn brown, yellow, or black and even softer than normal may have weakened cells inside. For the solution, you just need to water them regularly without overdoing it because excessive water can collapse the stems.Thin and Wrinkly, Dull Leaves
Overwatering your aloe vera can cause problems, so does under watering. When you’re too busy or you simply forget to water the plants for too long, it affects the appearance. The stems or leaves will turn wrinkly and the color is duller, meanwhile the flesh is too thin.
It’s always possible to recover from this kind of condition only by watering the plants thoroughly. Before you start watering your aloe vera again, you should loosen the soil using a small shovel or rake. The loosened soil can absorb the water optimally and hopefully the plants can grow healthily.
Aloe vera plant care problems can happen anytime you may less expect. It’s alright if you encounter some problems like mentioned above, because there’s always a solution for that. Make sure you go for the more proper maintenance after these problems occur.