Should I remove this leaf? #AloeVera
I noticed my aloe looked dusty so I was wiping it with w damp cloth and I noticed one of the bottom leaves has two black spots. No other leaf has these splotches, so should I just remove the leaf in case it spreads or should I leave it be?
If I harvest it, is it safe to use in my skincare #AloeVera #NewPlantMom #
If I harvest it, is it safe to use in my skincare #AloeVera #NewPlantMom #
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Best Answer
Hi there! Looks like it *could* be a tiny bit of mold or mildew, but it could also be nothing more than small imperfections. If you decide to leave it attached, you can dip a Q-tip in 70% isopropyl alcohol and rub it on the spots to kill any spores. You can also remove it if you want, it's one of the older leaves and the tip has broken off so it won't do any more growing. It should be perfectly safe to use for skincare — you'll be cutting off the skin anyway to access the pulp inside.
@stephonicle Agree 100%, definitely surface level issue. @JazzedJuniper if you do decide to keep it attached (which I would do myself) when you go to clean it, if it is mold I would check if there’s any specific conditions that are encouraging mold growth and deal with that early just as a preventative measure. Otherwise your aloe looks happy and healthy! :)
@stephonicle I was just checking in with my friend, I feel like I may be slightly overwatering the aloe? I follow Greg’s recommendations but I also don’t check if the soil is completely dry or wait for any puckering/wrinkles before I water. I’ll wait out my next watering a couple extra days! I’ll try the alcohol trick just in case! Thanks!
@JazzedJuniper it's certainly possible! Aloe are winter dormant, so they don't need watering as often this time of year anyway (assuming you're in the northern hemisphere).
Also, think of Greg's watering reminders as suggestions more than anything. There are countless variables unique to your plant that the app can't take into consideration, which is why it's so important to always check the soil first. If you get a reminder to water but the soil hasn't completely dried out, just hit the "snooze" button and it will remind you again in a few days. The more you use the app, the more accurate the watering recommendations will be! 😛
Also, think of Greg's watering reminders as suggestions more than anything. There are countless variables unique to your plant that the app can't take into consideration, which is why it's so important to always check the soil first. If you get a reminder to water but the soil hasn't completely dried out, just hit the "snooze" button and it will remind you again in a few days. The more you use the app, the more accurate the watering recommendations will be! 😛