Brown discoloration on an Aloe vera plant is a clear sign the succulent is under stress. Native to arid regions, Aloe vera stores water in its thick, fleshy leaves, making it sensitive to environmental imbalances. Identifying the exact cause depends on the texture and location of the color change. Pinpointing the source of distress is the first step toward correcting the growing conditions and helping the plant recover its natural vibrant green hue.
Is Too Much Water the Problem?
Excess moisture is the most common reason for an Aloe vera plant to turn brown, leading to a condition known as root rot. This browning typically appears as a yellow or dark brown discoloration starting at the base of the plant. Overwatered leaves feel soft, mushy, or slimy, and they may wilt because damaged roots cannot absorb water effectively.
Root rot occurs when saturated soil deprives roots of oxygen, allowing fungal pathogens to thrive. To confirm this, gently remove the plant and inspect the root system. Healthy roots are firm and light in color, while rotting roots are slimy, mushy, and dark brown or black.
Aloe vera requires a deep, infrequent watering schedule to mimic its native habitat. Only water thoroughly when the soil has dried out completely from top to bottom. Insert a finger several inches into the soil to check before watering. Ensuring the pot has functional drainage holes is also important, as standing water can perpetuate the problem.
Damage from Light and Temperature Extremes
Browning can also be caused by environmental factors that inflict damage above the soil line, primarily related to light and temperature. Exposure to harsh, direct sunlight, especially for unacclimated indoor plants, causes sunburn. This sun stress manifests as a reddish-brown or bronze discoloration on the leaf surfaces, which feel dry, crispy, or slightly bleached, distinct from the mushy texture of overwatering.
Cold stress causes damage when temperatures drop below approximately 50°F. The leaves take on a brownish or yellow hue, and the internal tissue acquires a glassy, translucent appearance. This freezing damage ruptures cells, turning the leaves mushy and soft, often leading to subsequent rot.
Moving the plant to a location with bright, indirect light and stable temperatures is the immediate solution for both sun and cold damage.
Steps to Revive a Stressed Aloe Plant
Once the cause of browning is identified and corrected, physical intervention promotes recovery. Leaves damaged by overwatering or cold are unlikely to revert to a healthy green state because the tissue is permanently killed. Use a sharp, sterilized knife or shears to trim off all damaged, discolored, or decaying leaves at their base.
If root rot is confirmed, immediately repot the plant into a clean container with fresh, fast-draining succulent or cactus soil. After unpotting, prune away all slimy, dark, and rotten roots using sterilized tools. Allow the remaining healthy roots and cut tissue to dry and heal, a process called callousing, for a few days before placing them in the new dry soil. After repotting, withhold water until the plant shows clear signs of needing it, allowing new roots time to develop.
Long-term prevention involves consistent placement in bright, indirect light and meticulous adherence to the soak-and-dry watering method to ensure the plant thrives.