Having trouble understanding what my aloe vera needs. I'm...
This aloe vera plant is a pup I received.
It was yellow and only had 3 leaves when I received it. It seems to have grown, but I don't understand why the leaves are pencil thin, and I don't know how to thicken them.
It is in a 4 inch terracotta pot, and I used a mix of indoor potting soil with added sand and a little compost. This may be my mistake here, but I am unsure. If anyone can recommend any good reputable soil brands for succulents or recipes for my own succulent soil, please let me know 🙏
I water her once a month, and I'm not sure if that's correct. And I don't get much sunlight in my room at all. Should I consider moving it outside? Her leaves are mostly green and firm, so I think she's mostly fine, but I need the leaves to thicken up. What do I do?
#greg #greggang #question #succulent #aloevera #help #helpneeded #diagnosemyplant #diagnose #whatdoido
It was yellow and only had 3 leaves when I received it. It seems to have grown, but I don't understand why the leaves are pencil thin, and I don't know how to thicken them.
It is in a 4 inch terracotta pot, and I used a mix of indoor potting soil with added sand and a little compost. This may be my mistake here, but I am unsure. If anyone can recommend any good reputable soil brands for succulents or recipes for my own succulent soil, please let me know 🙏
I water her once a month, and I'm not sure if that's correct. And I don't get much sunlight in my room at all. Should I consider moving it outside? Her leaves are mostly green and firm, so I think she's mostly fine, but I need the leaves to thicken up. What do I do?
#greg #greggang #question #succulent #aloevera #help #helpneeded #diagnosemyplant #diagnose #whatdoido
6
Best Answer
the dimpling on the leaves suggests root issues from poor draining soil IMO. i agree with some of the longer comment above but a lot of it is very chat gpt/pulled from multiple not very good google sources-ish to me. yes they like gritty soil that dries quickly, no don’t water just because the soil is dry (that’s too often in a proper gritty mix)…water well based on signs of thirst, and not the schedule or measurements this app gives. drench it, infrequently. yes they like a lot of sun, no “bright indirect” is not enough. they are partial to full sun plants…partial sun is 3-6 hours direct sun outdoors, full sun is at least 6-8. grow lights help when they have to be indoors, especially if you don’t have a good sunny window. if you want to move it outside you can, as long as it’s warm enough and you’re able to start off in the shade and gradually acclimate to more light over a couple weeks…they’re wimpier about change when they’re younger and/or have been grown indoors. and vera wants more water when it’s getting more sun and heat…some aloes don’t, vera definitely does. it’s a thirstier Aloe species..what it doesn’t like is poor drainage (especially when combined with lack of adequate light.)
@lordfarquaad Thin, pencil-like Aloe Vera leaves are primarily a survival mechanism indicating the plant is stressed by underwatering (dehydration), insufficient light, or improper pot size. The plant is using its stored water reserves, causing the leaves to curl inward and become thin, or it is struggling to produce enough energy, resulting in weak growth. Dehydration/Underwatering: When Aloe is not watered enough, it consumes the water stored in its leaves, resulting in thin, concave, or "taco-shaped" leaves.
Lack of Sunlight: Aloe needs intense, bright light to produce thick leaves. Low-light conditions lead to "leggy," weak, and thin growth.
Root Problems/Wrong Soil: If the soil doesn't drain well, the roots can rot, preventing water uptake and causing leaves to shrink and feel squishy.
Small Pot/Root Bound: While they like tight spaces, an extremely root-bound plant cannot absorb enough nutrients or water to keep leaves plump. How to Fix It:
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then soak it deeply.
Light: Move the plant to a spot where it gets at least 6–8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil: Use a fast-draining potting mix, such as a succulent or cactus blend. To mix your own soil: DIY Mixture: A common recommended recipe is 1/3 coarse sand or grit (e.g., pumice, lava rock, gravel) mixed with 1/3 potting soil and 1/3 perlite.
Optional Amendments: Adding 5–10% compost or charcoal can improve soil health without significantly reducing drainage.
What to Avoid: Do not use heavy potting soil, standard garden soil, or mixes containing moisture-retaining crystals, as these hold too much water and cause root rot.
Lack of Sunlight: Aloe needs intense, bright light to produce thick leaves. Low-light conditions lead to "leggy," weak, and thin growth.
Root Problems/Wrong Soil: If the soil doesn't drain well, the roots can rot, preventing water uptake and causing leaves to shrink and feel squishy.
Small Pot/Root Bound: While they like tight spaces, an extremely root-bound plant cannot absorb enough nutrients or water to keep leaves plump. How to Fix It:
Watering: Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then soak it deeply.
Light: Move the plant to a spot where it gets at least 6–8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight.
Soil: Use a fast-draining potting mix, such as a succulent or cactus blend. To mix your own soil: DIY Mixture: A common recommended recipe is 1/3 coarse sand or grit (e.g., pumice, lava rock, gravel) mixed with 1/3 potting soil and 1/3 perlite.
Optional Amendments: Adding 5–10% compost or charcoal can improve soil health without significantly reducing drainage.
What to Avoid: Do not use heavy potting soil, standard garden soil, or mixes containing moisture-retaining crystals, as these hold too much water and cause root rot.
I agree with a lot of what @Ms.Persnickety said. I think there's a misconception out there that because aloe is "desertie", it doesn't want a lot of water. But aloe LOVES water. It will store the water as fast as it will grow. I've grown it in hydroponics. With that said, you don't want soggy roots in soil and like Monika said, should dry out. Good luck!
You're doing great, it's a little baby but already starting to fill out nicely! The care has been covered by the lovely people above, I just dropped in to say Yay for a great job saving the lil thing 😊