What Causes Aloe Vera to Turn Red
As a popular choice for indoor greenery, the sudden reddening of aloe vera leaves often confuses caregivers. This phenomenon is not just an aesthetic issue but a growth alert from the plant. This article will analyze the causes of leaf reddening from three core dimensions and provide scientific solutions.
I. Aloe Vera Abnormalities Caused by Water Imbalance
Analysis of Redness Mechanism Due to Water Deficiency
Aloe vera, as a succulent plant, has water storage capabilities, but continuous drought triggers a defense mechanism. When the soil moisture content drops below 15%, leaf mesophyll cells begin to synthesize anthocyanin, a natural pigment that causes the leaves to turn from green to red, accompanied by symptoms like thinning leaves and curled edges.
Precise Watering Plan
Adopt the pot immersion method to replenish water: immerse the pot in water up to 1/3 of its height for 20 minutes to ensure the roots absorb water sufficiently. Maintain a watering cycle of 7-10 days in spring and autumn, shorten it to 5-7 days in summer, and extend it to 15-20 days in winter. Use a moisture meter to monitor soil moisture more accurately.
II. Impact of Abnormal Light Environment
Manifestations of Sunburn
When light intensity exceeds 30000 lux and lasts for more than 4 hours/day, aloe vera will exhibit photoinhibition. Red patches appear on the leaf surface, and severe cases may be accompanied by brown burn marks. This phenomenon is particularly common during the transition between spring and summer.
Scientific shading Strategy
Build a double-layer shading system: use a black shading net with 30% shading rate on the outer layer, and add a white gauze with 70% light transmission rate on the inner layer. It is recommended to shade from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to maintain the light intensity at the best range of 15000-20000 lux.
III. Response Plan for Temperature Stress
Characteristics of Low-Temperature Injury
When the ambient temperature is below 10℃ for 48 hours, the permeability of aloe vera cell membranes changes, and the structure of chloroplasts is damaged. The leaves start to turn red from the base and gradually spread to the tip, becoming soft to the touch.
Gradient Warming Technique
Adopt staged insulation: the first stage involves covering with transparent plastic film to maintain temperatures above 15℃; the second stage involves laying 5 cm thick wood chips at the bottom of the pot; the third stage involves moving to a south-facing windowsill indoors, complemented by 4 hours of plant growth light supplementation daily. Avoid directly moving the plant from a low-temperature environment to a high-temperature area.
Through systematic analysis, it can be seen that the reddening of aloe vera leaves is the result of the combined effects of multiple environmental factors. Caregivers need to establish an environmental monitoring system, regularly check parameters such as light, temperature, and humidity, and adjust the maintenance plan in a timely manner based on the plant's growth status. Mastering these key technologies can not only maintain healthy growth of aloe vera but also transform the color change phenomenon into a unique ornamental experience.