aloe vera It is a grateful plant It adapts to indoors and outdoors, as long as it receives certain basic care.

However, when the leaves begin to show color changes at the tips, it is time to check what may be wrong. The reasons may be various and these are the most common.

Aloe with brown tips due to poor drainage

Aloe needs little water and when the tips of its leaves turn brown, it is very likely that the soil is too wet.

Aloe vera does not tolerate stagnant humidity, so needs a loose substrate, poor in nutrients and with a generous layer of gravel at the bottom.

If you cannot remove excess water, the roots will begin to rot and the leaves will show brown or yellow spots.

To create proper drainage, You can add a layer of gravel, expanded clay or ceramic pieces to the bottom of the pot. This makes it easier for water to flow and prevents accumulation around the roots.

The cause may also be too much sun.

If the color brown It doesn’t just affect the tips, but the entire leaf.the cause is likely to be too intense sun exposure, especially in the middle of the day. the leaf adopts that color to protect itself from the sun.

Another symptom of too much sun is dry and reddish ends.

If possible, shade your aloe for two or three hours. The ideal is to place it in a place with abundant but filtered light, or gradually accustom her to direct exposure. If you notice that the leaves change color quickly or dry out, move it to a more protected location.

On the other hand, an environment that is too gloomy can also have negative effects. The lack of light slows down their growth and alters their metabolism, causing nutrients to not be distributed correctly. As a result, the tips of the leaves may begin to pale or turn yellow. If you have it indoors, prevents it from being hidden in deep shelves or areas with poor ventilation.

It may not be drainage, but rather overwatering.

One of the most common mistakes when caring for aloe vera is watering it too much. Like a good succulent, this plant accumulates water in its fleshy leaves, which allows it to survive long periods of drought. Experts recommend thirsting the aloe plant before watering it.

Water it with too often, Even if the pot has good drainage, it can also cause waterlogging, root rot and the classic yellowing of the tips.

To avoid this, make sure the substrate dry completely between waterings. You can check this by inserting your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle, a test that can also be used when watering other plants, such as hydrangeas. If when you have inserted your finger up to the second knuckle you still feel the earth moist, wait a few more days.

If damage has already occurred, it is best to transplant the plant into new, well-drained soil.

Be careful with tap water when watering your aloe

The type of water you use also influences the state of the plant. If you water your aloe vera with very calcareous water, it is possible that it develops calcification of the substrate, making it difficult to absorb nutrients. This can lead to chlorosis, a problem that manifests itself in yellow leaves with dry tips.

In this case, the best option is to use filtered water, rainwater or, at least, let the tap water rest for 24 hours before use.

It is also advisable to renew the substrate if it is already saturated with lime.

Don’t overfeed her

iStock Photo.Ольга Симонова

Fertilization is important, but in moderation. aloe vera needs very few nutrientsand excess fertilizer can saturate the substrate, burn the roots and cause the leaves to yellow.

If you have recently applied fertilizer and you notice a change in color at the tips, it is likely a case of overfertilization.

The recommendation is to use a specific fertilizer for cacti or succulents, and only once a year, preferably at the beginning of spring.

If you have already overfed the plant, to save it, transplant it to new soil and suspend the fertilizer for a while.

Pay attention to the signs before it’s too late

If you have an aloe vera with damaged tips, don’t be alarmed, the good news is that this plant recovers easily when you correct the mistakes.

Move the pot, adjust the watering frequency or even renew the soil It can save the life of your plant. Sometimes, just by moving it a few centimeters or changing the water you water it with, it will look firm and green as always.

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