Aloe plants are great because they offer a variety of benefits. However, there is always a risk that something is going to go wrong during the growing process. For instance, you may accidentally add too much water to the soil. Alternatively, you may not give the plant enough water.
The underwatered aloe plant has curling leaves, yellowing leaves, brown tips, and droopy leaves. You’ll also find that the potting soil is very dry. If you work quickly, you can resolve this problem and prevent your plant from dying.
Since the plant is underwatered, it needs more water. Allowing the roots to be immersed in water for 48 hours will help. More about this will be provided below.
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The Color Of The Leaves
First, you should find out more about the color of the leaves. When the plant is underwatered, you’ll notice that the leaves will begin changing colors.
Typically, the leaves will begin turning yellow. You’ll also want to look at the tips of the leaves because they’ll begin turning brown. A healthy aloe plant will have lush, green leaves. The color might have a grayish tint to it.
However, the leaves should never begin turning brown or yellow. If this starts happening, you can guarantee that something is wrong. Again, work quickly because you can resolve this problem and save your plant.
As the leaves begin yellowing, it means the roots haven’t been about to absorb enough nutrients and moisture. The roots have used all the water in the soil.
Just remember that nutrient deficiency could lead to such changes too. Besides being an underwatering problem, your plant may not be receiving enough copper, calcium, or zinc.
As for the browning of the tips, this could be caused by fertilizer burn. It can also be a sign that the plant doesn’t have enough water.
Shape Of The Leaves
Furthermore, you must pay close attention to the shapes of the leaves. When a plant is underwatered, you will likely be able to identify the problem by looking for abnormal leaves.
A healthy aloe plant is going to have stiff, stout leaves. They should be straight without any sagging. If the plant is underwatered, the shape will begin changing quickly.
First, the leaves are going to begin drooping. They’ll start sagging and you’ll be able to notice it.
If the problem isn’t rectified swiftly, it’ll only get worse. As this happens, the leaves will begin curling under and inward. It’ll look like the plant is bending back toward the stem.
It is primarily doing this because the plant is trying to reach nearby water. The only problem is that the soil doesn’t have enough water to sustain the plant.
When the aloe plant is left dehydrated for a long time, the leaves will begin to wilt. Something must be done quickly because an aloe plant can drive from sustained dehydration. If your leaves are wilting, the plant is getting close to dying.
Soil Appearance
Besides looking at the plant, you’ll also want to inspect the soil. If you’ve underwatered the plant, you’ll be able to tell by carefully inspecting the soil.
When the soil has been properly watered, it will get a little darker and it’ll be clumpy. You can pick up some of the soil and it won’t crumble in your hands.
If the plant is overwatered, it’ll be soggy. You might’ve added so much water that you can’t see the top of the soil.
When the aloe plant has been underwatered, the color of the soil will get lighter. It’ll take on a light brown hue.
Plus, the consistency of the soil is going to change. It’ll crumble immediately when you pick it up. Again, you can fix this problem by watching the plant quickly. The roots should receive at least 48 hours of immersion in water.
Brittle Roots
If you’re not sure whether your plant is underwatered, you should inspect the root. Doing so will prove to be very beneficial because the roots can tell you a lot about the plant.
In general, the roots of the plant are going to suffer the most when it is underwatered. The roots collect water from the soil before transporting it to other parts of the plant.
When the roots cannot access sufficient water, they’re going to change immensely. You’ll notice that the roots are getting brittle.
Once the roots have developed a brittle texture, you can guarantee that your plant has experienced long periods of underwatering.
Rectifying An Underwater Aloe Plant
Are you sure that your aloe plant has been underwatered? If so, you should begin working to resolve the problem right away. Work quickly enough and you’ll be able to fix the problem and save your plant.
Remember that you haven’t given the plant enough water. You must give the plant more water without overdoing it. You must give the plant everything it needs to thrive, including enough light, enough water, and properly draining soil.
First, you should remove the aloe plant from the pot. Hold the pot upside-down while tapping on the bottom portion of the pot. As you do this, the plant should separate from the soil without shocking the plant.
If the plant is severely dehydrated, you should place the roots in water. Grab a bowl that is large enough to hold water and the plant. Allow the roots of the plant to remain in the water for 48 hours.
After this period has passed, check the plant again. As the leaves begin turning green, it is a good idea to repot the plant. You’ve likely done enough to save the plant.
Remember that it is wise to begin taking care of dry and discolored leaves. They’re likely only going to bring the plant down since they’re unnecessarily taking minerals and nutrients.
Get rid of any unhealthy leaves. When planting the aloe plant again, be sure to use gravel at the bottom of the pot. You’ll also want to use high-quality soil that drains well. When you notice signs of a problem, do something about it quickly. Don’t delay.
Summary
Once your aloe plant begins developing yellow leaves with brown tips, you need to find out what is going on. If the plant is underwatered, you can save it. Work quickly to confirm that this is the issue.
If it is, remove the plant from the pot and let the roots sit in water for 48 hours. Act quickly so you can save your plant.
