Aloe Vera is a total classic when it comes to houseplants. With those thick, succulent leaves arranged in a perfect rosette and the occasional spring bloom, she’s a real showstopper on any sunny windowsill. For the most part, Aloe is a “set it and forget it” kind of plant—super hardy and low-maintenance. But every now and then, you might notice those leaves turning yellow. What gives?
Why is my Aloe Vera turning yellow?
If you’ve got an older plant, seeing a leaf turn yellow, dry up, and fall off every once in a while is actually totally normal. It’s just nature doing its thing! As Aloe Vera grows, it develops a bit of a trunk, shedding the bottom leaves to make room for fresh new growth at the top. However, if your young plant starts yellowing, it’s usually a sign that something is off with your watering routine.
Watering your Aloe Vera
Since Aloe is a succulent, it stores water in its leaves, meaning it only needs a light drink once or twice a week. If you forget about it for too long, the leaves will start to look limp and eventually turn yellow. The good news? Give it a quick soak, and it’ll usually bounce right back.
If you move your Aloe outside for the summer, keep in mind that the extra sunshine means it’ll get thirsty faster. Just check the top layer of soil—if it’s dry to the touch, it’s time to water. During the winter “rest phase,” you can really scale back; watering once every six weeks is usually plenty.
The biggest “no-no” with Aloe is letting it sit in soggy soil. If the roots stay wet for too long, they’ll rot, and the leaves will turn yellow as a distress signal. If this happens, stop watering immediately! If the soil is soaking wet, your best bet is to repot the plant into fresh, dry, sandy soil. You can prevent drainage issues from the start by following these steps:
- Pick a pot that’s big enough for the roots to breathe.
- Make sure the pot has drainage holes at the bottom—this is non-negotiable!
- Place a layer of expanded clay pebbles or coarse gravel at the bottom of the pot.
- Cover that layer with a piece of landscape fleece or mesh to keep the soil from washing out.
- Add a bit of well-draining soil to the pot.
- Center your Aloe in the middle.
- Fill in the rest of the soil and press down firmly to secure it.
- Wait a few days before giving the plant its first light watering.
