The Aloe vera plant often grows under the partial shade of other desert plants, making it susceptible to damage from intense, direct sunlight. Sunburn is a form of cellular damage caused by excessive light exposure. This damage typically occurs when a plant is abruptly moved from a low-light indoor setting or a shaded outdoor spot directly into full, midday sun. The plant’s protective mechanisms are overwhelmed, leading to a breakdown of chlorophyll and dehydration of the leaf tissue.
Key Visual Indicators of Sunburn
The first sign of a sunburned Aloe plant is a shift in color away from green, turning yellow, orange, or a reddish-brown hue known as “stress colors.” This discoloration is usually most pronounced on the outer leaves and the side facing the strongest light source.
A more severe burn changes the texture of the plant. The usually plump leaves become hard, dry, and leathery, especially at the tips. In the worst cases, the plant develops bleached-out sections or permanent, yellowish-gray patches of scar tissue where the cells have died. Simple stress color can be reversed, but permanent scarring cannot.
Treating a Sun-Damaged Aloe Plant
Once you identify the signs of sunburn, relocate the plant to a spot that receives bright, indirect light or dappled shade. This halts the damage and allows the plant to stabilize. Severely damaged, scarred tissue will not regain its green color or plumpness. These leaves should be left attached unless they are dry or comprise more than half the plant’s foliage.
The plant’s ability to use water efficiently is temporarily impaired by sun damage, so resist watering excessively. Only water the Aloe if the potting soil is dry, which prevents root rot. Allow the plant a few days to adjust to its new environment before providing a thorough, but infrequent, watering.
Adjusting Care to Prevent Recurrence
Acclimation, or “hardening off,” prepares the Aloe’s cells to handle higher light levels without burning. If moving an indoor Aloe outdoors, gradually increase its exposure to direct sun over two to three weeks. Start by placing the plant in full shade and slowly increase the time it spends receiving a couple of hours of morning sun each week.
For indoor placement, aim for six to eight hours of bright, indirect light daily. An east-facing window provides the best direct light since morning sun is less intense than afternoon rays. If using a south or west-facing window, use a sheer curtain or move the plant back to diffuse the light and prevent recurrence. Seasonal awareness is beneficial; an Aloe safe in a winter window may need to be moved back in the spring when the sun’s intensity increases.