3 Ways to Revive a Dying Aloe Vera Plant
Aloe vera plants are known for their succulent leaves and numerous health benefits, from soothing sunburn to promoting digestion. However, despite being fairly easy to care for, aloe plants can still struggle and even start dying. If you find your aloe vera plant in distress, don’t lose hope! In this article, we will discuss three ways to revive a dying aloe vera plant and help it flourish once again.
1. Address Overwatering or Underwatering Issues
Improper watering is one of the main reasons why aloe vera plants die. These plants are native to arid regions, so they don’t need as much water as other houseplants. To check if your plant has been overwatered or underwatered, examine its leaves: if they feel thin and curled or the soil is completely dry, your plant may be thirsty; if the leaves are soggy and brown, your plant might be overwatered.
To remedy overwatering, let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Make sure to use well-draining soil and a pot with drainage holes to prevent standing water. For underwatered plants, establish a regular watering schedule — usually around every 2-3 weeks — adjusting according to the season and your area’s humidity.
2. Provide Adequate Sunlight
Aloe vera plants need plenty of sunlight to stay healthy. Inadequate sunlight can lead to slowed growth and dying leaves. Ideally, an aloe vera plant should receive indirect bright light for most of the day with some direct sunlight for around 2-3 hours in the morning or late afternoon.
To ensure your plant gets enough sun exposure, place it near a window that receives ample sunlight throughout the day or under artificial lights if natural light isn’t available in your home. If you observe signs of sunburn on your plant’s leaves (brown, dry, or crispy patches), consider moving it to a location with slightly less direct sunlight.
3. Address Pest Infestations
Pests can cause your aloe vera plant to struggle and eventually die if left untreated. Common pests like mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects can harm your plant by sucking its sap and weakening its leaves. Frequent inspection of your aloe plant can help you detect pest infestations early on.
Once you identify a pest invasion, you can treat the affected areas with appropriate insecticides, neem oil, or rubbing alcohol (for mealybugs). Remove severely infested leaves to prevent the spread of pests to other parts of the plant or other nearby plants.
In conclusion, reviving a dying aloe vera plant primarily involves addressing its watering needs, ensuring adequate sunlight exposure, and dealing with any pest infestations. By taking good care of your aloe vera plant and providing it with the proper growing conditions, you’ll help it return to health and fully enjoy its many benefits.