Aloe Vera Problems: Causes & Quick Fixes
Quick answer
Aloe Vera is prone to 32 common issues - each link below is a plant-specific fix guide.
Aloe Vera problems
Use the guides below to diagnose and fix common issues on Aloe Vera. Each problem page explains why it happens on this species and what to do first.
Or use our problem diagnosis tool to narrow down symptoms.
Common problems on Aloe Vera
Root Rot
HighLikely cause: Overwatering in poorly draining soil is the leading cause of aloe death
Quick fix: Unpot immediately, remove all brown mushy roots and infected tissue, let dry for 2 days, repot in fresh cactus mix; do not water for 2 weeks
Full fix guide →Brown Tips
LowLikely cause: Underwatering, sun scorch, or fluoride in tap water causes brown leaf tips
Quick fix: Check soil moisture, move away from harsh afternoon sun, and use filtered water
Full fix guide →Leggy Growth
MediumLikely cause: Insufficient light causes leaves to stretch and bend toward light source
Quick fix: Move to a brighter window with more direct morning light
Full fix guide →Slow Growth
LowLikely cause: Aloe is naturally slow; cold temperatures and root-bound conditions further slow growth
Quick fix: Repot into a slightly larger pot in spring; position in a sunny spot
Full fix guide →Yellow Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Overwatering
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Underwatering
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Spider Mites
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Mealybugs
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Aphids
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Wilting
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Drooping Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Low Humidity
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Not Enough Light
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Fungus Gnats
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Mold on Soil
MediumLikely cause: Common on this plant type; confirm with recent watering, light, and root checks.
Quick fix: Inspect the plant and correct the most likely care stressor before stacking treatments.
Full fix guide →Curling Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common curling leaves pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Brown Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common brown leaves pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Black Spots
MediumLikely cause: Common black spots pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Holes in Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common holes in leaves pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Pale Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common pale leaves pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Distorted Leaves
MediumLikely cause: Common distorted leaves pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Scale Insects
MediumLikely cause: Common scale insects pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Thrips
MediumLikely cause: Common thrips pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Whiteflies
MediumLikely cause: Common whiteflies pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Leaf Miners
MediumLikely cause: Common leaf miners pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Caterpillars
MediumLikely cause: Common caterpillars pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Nitrogen Deficiency
MediumLikely cause: Common nitrogen deficiency pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Iron Deficiency
MediumLikely cause: Common iron deficiency pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Magnesium Deficiency
MediumLikely cause: Common magnesium deficiency pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Potassium Deficiency
MediumLikely cause: Common potassium deficiency pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →Calcium Deficiency
MediumLikely cause: Common calcium deficiency pattern on Aloe Vera under indoor care stress.
Quick fix: Inspect roots, watering, light, and pests; adjust one variable and monitor new growth.
Full fix guide →