A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2005 Aloe Leaf Problem

Hi
My aloe plant is having a leaf problem! The base of the leaf, where it connects to the stem, becomes brown and dried up. The rest of the leaf looks fine, just the base has a problem. I found three affected leaves today...what is the problem? What can I do? Thanks for any help!

lily,
It sounds like you might have a case of crown rot... Do you keep the soil very moist all the time?? If so remove the damaged leaves by using a clean pair of sharp scissors right at the base where it is brown and then let the soil dry out before watering again. Aloe is a succulent which means its the type of plant that holds moisture for a while,so don't worry too much about not watering it enough... Hope this helps you and your aloe!!

Hi lily,
Pc gave good advice. Aloe needs to go totally dry before watering again. If it is in a plastic pot, it stays moist a lot longer, but in a clay pot it loses the moisture faster. I would suggest a moisture indicator that you stick down into the pot. Good luck. Jane

my moisture indicator for aloe is my index finger to the second knuckle lol. I have cactus potting soil in the non-draining planter so I have to be very careful. It's the only thing I had that was wide enough to accomodate its roots.