Why Is My Aloe Vera Plant Falling Apart – Things To Consider

Aloe vera is a simple plant to grow. Its simplicity, beautiful speckled green color, and spikey appearance make it a favorite for many growers. Like other plants, aloe vera has conditions it prefers, showing signs of dying if they are not met. 

Unfavorable conditions like lack of sunlight, cold temperatures, and soaked soil can cause aloe vera to flop. If you’re wondering, “why is my aloe vera plant falling apart,” you could need to adjust a few things and allow the plant to do the rest. 

Aloe vera plants are relatively tough, able to make it back from anything. So, if you start to see drooping, make a few quick changes and give it some time to return to its vibrant and perky self. 

Why Is My Aloe Vera Plant Coming Apart? 

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons aloe vera starts to come apart. Too much water in soils leads to overabsorption and could rot roots. When that happens, the leaves of the aloe vera plant get mushy and start to take on a more yellowish appearance. 

Another reason for aloe vera leaves coming apart is the lack of sunlight. Some plants can’t take too much sunlight, but aloe vera was made for it. They need at least six good hours a day of bright, sunny light to strengthen their leaves. 

Other things can cause aloe vera plants to fall apart, including insects and disease. These are a bit more difficult to fix and could likely kill your aloe vera plant if they’re not caught early. You should check for insect bites or discoloration from the first signs you see of aloe vera falling apart to prevent damaging them. 

What Does An Unhealthy Aloe Plant Look Like? 

When aloe vera is healthy, they are green, firm to the touch, and stand up tall and strong. One of the first things that start to go when aloe vera becomes unhealthy is its green color. Instead, they get a brown or yellow tinge. The tips of leaves will dry out first, so look out for browning of the tips. 

Apart from changing colors, aloe vera will also droop and start to feel very mushy to the touch. This is due to too much water in the leaves and rotting if conditions are not fixed. If aloe vera gets too mushy and starts to lose its turgid feel, it cannot stay that way too long, or it will rot and die without the ability to revive it. 

Best Growing Conditions For Aloe Vera Plant 

Aloe vera plants are easy to grow, but, just like other plants, they require a few conditions to be met. They need all of the essentials, including sunlight, water, and good soil, and don’t require much else to grow. 

Lighting For Aloe Vera 

Aloe vera loves the sun and thrives in warm conditions. They do best when exposed to at least six hours of sunlight daily. One of the best places to provide your plant with all of the light it needs is to find a window that lets in indirect sunlight most of the day. It is not only warm but will give aloe vera a chance to convert that sunlight into nutrients that help it grow and stay strong along the way. 

Best Temperature for Aloe Vera

Aloe vera plants love warmer temperatures. Their ideal range falls between 55o F and 80o F. If keeping them in pots inside, your home should be right in the range for aloe vera. If growing outside, you may need to consider where to plant them and the high and low temperatures they’ll be exposed to. Allowing them to get too hot or cold could cause them to wilt and may lead to death if not adjusted promptly. 

Do You Need To Fertilize Aloe Vera Plants? 

There is no need to fertilize aloe vera. However, it doesn’t hurt to do it, as it will give your plant a boost of nutrients. If choosing to fertilize, do so only sparingly, opting for no more than once per month. 

How To Water Aloe Vera 

Finding the watering sweet spot can be difficult for aloe vera growers. The trick is to water deeply but not too frequently, giving the roots that deep moisture they need to root further into the ground. 

One way to measure whether your aloe vera plant needs more water is to check the top two inches of the soil. If it’s still moist, then your plant doesn’t need water. Allow the top two inches to completely dry out before watering again, ensuring the soil isn’t soaked. 

Aim to water every two to three weeks when the temperatures rise, soaking the soil and allowing it to sink into the lower half of the pot. If temperatures are mild, you could even wait more than three weeks before watering again. 

How To Plant Aloe Vera 

The best materials for planting aloe vera are porous and allow the roots and soil to breathe. Terra-cotta is a great option, especially if it has a good spot for drainage. When selecting a pot, look for: 

• Sufficient depth and width – They will grow roots and spread them out in the pot
• Drainage – At least one spot for water to flow through 
• Porous material – One that is breathable and keeps plants and soil healthy

Aloe vera plants don’t do well with traditional potting mixes. Make sure you purchase one specific for aloe vera or succulents. If mixing your own, make sure you add perlite, lava rock, and a bit of bark, all of which are preferable for aloe vera plants.

Once you’re ready to plant, add the potting mix to the pot and fill it up about one-third of the way before plopping in your plant. Then, add more soil around but do not press down too strongly. Gently press and fill up to the base of the aloe vera leaves.