My aloe leaves are curling inward and getting hollow or brown, and one lower leaf is floppy near its base. I’ve overwatered an aloe before, so I’m unsure whether to water, change its light, or check the roots. What should I look at first?
Is my aloe thirsty, or is something else going on?
Asked by PaperComet
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Thin, hollow leaves curling inward can point to dehydration, especially if the potting mix is completely dry. Water the soil thoroughly until water drains out, then let the pot dry fully before watering again. A calendar schedule is unreliable because pot size, soil, temperature, and light all affect how quickly it dries. The damaged leaves may not plump up completely, so watch for healthier new growth too.
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Check the mix and the base before adding water. If the soil is still damp, or the roots are dark, mushy, or smell unpleasant, repeated watering could make root trouble worse. A pot with drainage and a fast-draining mix helps. If the roots look firm and the soil is bone dry, a thorough watering is a reasonable next step.
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Brown areas can also come from strong direct sun, especially if the plant was moved into a much sunnier spot. A bright location is good, but ease it into harsher sun rather than making a sudden change. I’d check the soil and roots as well as the light, since browning alone doesn’t identify the cause.
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